biological theories - warrior gene

Question 1

what is the MAOA gene?

Answer 1

MAOA gene is responsible for the production of MONOAMINE OXIDASE

Question 2

what does the MAOA gene lead to?

Answer 2

a vulnerability towards violent behaviour, especially when provoked

Question 3

what happens if ADRENALINE isnt broken down?

Answer 3

• too much adrenaline
• leads to hypersensitivity (fight or flight)
• over-reaction
• perceiving a threat when there isnt one

Question 4

what happens if DOPAMINE isnt broken down?

Answer 4

• increased levels of dopamine
• aggressive behaviour

Question 5

what happens if you have low SEROTONIN levels

Answer 5

• serotonin = calming influence
• low serotonin
• reduction of control over impulsive behaviour

Question 6

finnish study on the warrior gene

Answer 6

• genetic analysis of 900 offenders revealed 2 genes associated with violent crime
• those with the genes were 13 times more likely to have a history of repeated violent behaviour
• tiihonen said at least 5-10% of all violent crime in finland could be linked to people with these genes

Question 7

hen brunner’s study

Answer 7

• studied a dutch family whose male generation displayed extreme violent aggression
• nine of the males from the family were biologically tested and they were missing the MAOA gene
• displayed low levels of IQ and were introverted with histories of frequent violent outbursts
• the males in the family who werent affected had a normal education and didnt display anti-social behaviour