Brian areas associated with aggression

Question 1

Key structure of aggression

Answer 1

Amygdala in limbic system

Question 2

Study related to role of limbic system

Answer 2

Coccaro et al (2007)

Question 3

Coccaro et al (2007)

Answer 3

Studied people with intermittent explosive disorder
Major feature was outbursts of aggression
Brains scanned in fMRI while viewed faces
High levels of amygdala activity when viewing angry faces
Angry facial expression is ecologically valid sign of threat, so amygdala and aggression is true

Question 4

The orbitofrontal cortex

Answer 4

Region of prefrontal cortex
Role in cognitive functions and self-control, impulse control and inhibition of aggression

Question 5

Study relating to prefrontal cortex

Answer 5

Raine et al 1997

Question 6

Role of prefrontal cortex Raine et al 1997

Answer 6

Used PET SCANS TO STUDY MURDERERS

Question 6

Raine et al 1997 results

Answer 6

Used PET scans to study murderers (whose crimes included aggression)
More activity in amygdala but low metabolism in prefrontal cortex compared to control group

Question 7

Brain function role of serotonin what it is

Answer 7

Neurotransmitter with widespread inhibitory effects on neural transmissiom

Question 8

Normal levels of serotonin in OFC

Answer 8

have self-control and not impulsive of aggressive

Question 9

Study related to role of serotonin

Answer 9

Virkkunen et al 1994

Question 10

Role of serotonin Virkkuken et al 1994

Answer 10

Looked at levels of serotonin metabolite in cerebrospinal fluid of violent impulse/non-impulsive offenders
Levels lower in impulsive
Impulsive suffered more sleep irregularities

Question 11

Role of dopamine what it is

Answer 11

Neurotransmitter with inhibitory effects in some areas of the brain and excitatory effects in others

Question 12

What is dopamine involved in

Answer 12

Regulating motivated behaviour and our experience of reward
Main influence on aggression come through its interaction with serotonin

Question 13

Case study of role of dopamine

Answer 13

Seo et al 2008
Claim serotonin underactivity stimulated dopamine overactivity
Both linked with aggression and impulsivity

Question 14

Strength

Answer 14

Pardini et al (2014)
Over 20 yr period, 56 males consistently behacing aggressively
FMRI scans found strong negative correlation between aggression and amygdala volumes
Could not be explained by other factors (earlier levels of aggression, age, race)
Because all variables controlled

Question 15

Weakness

Answer 15

Ethical reasons
Experiments have to make people aggressive
And is impossible to know whether it is a cause or effect of aggressive or if there is a third variable involved

Question 16

CA of weakness

Answer 16

Some researchers overcame problem by using drugs to increase serotonin
Showing direct link

Question 17

Application

Answer 17

Serenics are serotonin agonist drugs
Give anti-aggressive effects
Help treat people
But may be invaluable given that human aggression is at root of so many personal, economic and social problems