C1a1 the role of the brain and aggression

Question 1

Parts of the brain that are linked to aggression

Answer 1

The limbic system and amygdala

Question 2

The limbic system

Answer 2

An area of the brain involved in emotion. It lies in the middle of the brain.

Question 3

The amygdala

Answer 3

A brain structure thought to be involved in aggression It recognizes emotion, and creates emotional responses, including aggression

Question 4

Animal study that proves amygdala linked with aggression

Answer 4

If the amygdala is removed, the animal becomes very calm and doesn’t respond to threatening situations. Damage to this part of the brain can cause increased levels of aggression

Question 5

King (1961) case study

Answer 5

A human case study that shows that offers evidence that the amygdala is linked with aggression. A woman whose amygdala was electrically stimulated during an operation became verbally aggressive until the current was turned off.

Question 6

Charles Whitman

Answer 6

A man that had killed 13 people after killing his wife and mother. He left a note asking doctors to examine his brain, and he was found to have a brain tumor pressing against his amygdala

Question 7

Strengths of the theory of a link between biology and aggression

Answer 7

1. Animal studies that have involved damage/ removal of amygdala offer evidence to support this
2. Charles Whitman case study and the case study by King (1961) offer evidence of it in humans

Question 8

Weaknesses of the theory of a link between biology and aggression

Answer 8

1. Studying human brain difficult and risky, no way of being certain some areas of brain linked to aggression
2. Animals and humans different in many ways. Animal research not completely applicable to humans.
3. Case studies unreliable; the reason for an individual’s aggression may be unique
4. An alternative reason could be given for aggression