Brain structure and functioning

Question 1

What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in aggression?

Answer 1

• controls impulses, decision-making, and emotional responses. Low activity here is linked to loss of control and increased aggression.

Question 2

Evidence to demonstrate how the prefrontal Cortex influences aggression

Answer 2

• Raine et al supports lack of PFC activity leads to poor impulse control and increased aggression.
• Phineas gage , metal rod damaged PFC and his personality changed becoming more aggressive and impulsive.

Question 3

What does the amygdala do and how is it linked to aggression?

Answer 3

processes emotions like fear and anger. Overactivity is linked to higher aggression, especially reactive aggression

Question 4

Evidence to demonstrate how the amygdala influences aggression

Answer 4

• Raine et al : used brain scans and found that murderers (not guilty by reason of insanity) had higher amygdala activity compared to controls.
• Charles Whitman, a mass shooter, was found to have a tumour pressing on his amygdala, possibly affecting emotional control.

Question 5

How is the hypothalamus linked to aggression?

Answer 5

The hypothalamus controls the stress response and hormonal activity (like testosterone). It’s linked to physical aggression and arousal.

Question 6

What evidence shows that the hypothalamus influences aggression?

Answer 6

• Flynn et al. (1970) found that when the hypothalamus of cats was electrically stimulated, they displayed sudden and intense aggression (“sham rage”).
• The hypothalamus is also linked to testosterone regulation, which has been associated with increased aggression in both humans and animals.

Question 7

What is the role of the hippocampus in aggression?

Answer 7

• involved in memory. If it’s damaged, it may stop the brain from properly assessing threats, leading to inappropriate aggressive responses.

Question 8

What evidence shows that the hippocampus influences aggression?

Answer 8

• Raine et al. (2004) found that violent offenders had asymmetrical hippocampus activity, suggesting poor threat assessment.
• The hippocampus helps form memories, including those related to threats. If it’s damaged, individuals may misjudge situations, reacting aggressively.

Question 9

How might serotonin explain aggression

Answer 9

• Low levels reduce brain’s ability regulate impulses and control aggression.
• lead to increased emotional reactivity, loss of self-control, and more aggressive outbursts.

Question 10

Evidence to support the role of serotonin in influencing aggressive behaviour

Answer 10

• Animal studies also show that reducing serotonin increases aggression in rats and monkeys.
• Virkkunen et al. (1994) found that violent impulsive offenders had lower levels of a serotonin metabolite (5-HIAA) in their spinal fluid.

Question 11

How might dopamine explain aggression?

Answer 11

Dopamine involved in brain’s reward system, an overactive dopamine system can result in increased impulsivity, aggressive behavior, and pleasure-seeking actions.
High dopamine levels can cause an individual to seek reward through aggressive acts, as they feel a rush or euphoria from the behavior.

Question 12

What evidence supports the role of dopamine in aggression?

Answer 12

• Animal studies show that dopamine agonists (drugs that increase dopamine) can lead to increased aggression in rats.
• Pharmacological studies suggest that dopamine antagonists (drugs that block dopamine) can reduce aggressive behavior in humans.