Brain function Flashcards
What is the role of serotonin ?
Neurotransmitter that has important role in social decision making by inhibiting aggressive responses
Is serotonin excitatory or inhibitory ?
Inhibitory = aggressive responses to emotional stimuli
What does serotonin reduce ?
Amygdala activity in the limbic system
What does low levels of serotonin mean ?
Less inhibition of amygdala = more stimulated by external events so increased susceptibility to impulsive & aggressive behaviour
Supporting research - Popova et al
Dogs bred for domestication had increased serotonin = calmer & less impulsive activity
Opposing research - Mann et al
Given ppts dexfenfluramine = depletes serotonin, gave questionnaire to assess aggression, higher in males
Serotonin = bias
Gender bias, Mann et al, not evident in female ppts = not accounting for role of serotonin different in males & females
Criticims for serotonin
Animal studies = not applicable with different brain structures
What is the role of dopamine
Neurotransmitter acts on brain to give feelings of pleasure, satisfaction & motivation
What does increased dopamine mean ?
Increased levels of aggression
What increases dopamine ?
Amphetamines
Supporting research = Lavine
Increased dopamine through amphetamines = associated with increased aggression
Criticisms for dopamine
Reductionist = complex human behaviours means other bio explanations insufficient to explain aggression on their own
How good is the research ?
Research has found a relationship but unclear whether there is casual link between dopamine & aggression
Application
Research into antipsychotics = decreases aggression, meaning they decrease dopamine to lead to this
