C1a2 the role of hormones and aggression

Question 1

Testosterone

Answer 1

Male sex hormone secreted by adrenal glands and testes. Needed to produce sperm, develop male reproductive organs and produce male features. Men produce 10 times more testosterone than women

Question 2

The role of testosterone and aggression in animals

Answer 2

1. Castrating a male animal lowers testosterone levels and it is less aggressive
2. Injecting an animal with testosterone increases aggression levels

Question 3

The role of testosterone and aggression in humans

Answer 3

Blood levels can be taken from humans to see their levels of testosterone and compare it to how aggressive they feel or act. Correlation studies have found a relationship between high testosterone levels and greater reported aggression.

Question 4

Strengths of the idea of the link between testosterone and aggression

Answer 4

1. In animals, there is a clear cause and effect relationship between the two
2. Human studies show relationship between aggression and testosterone in correlation studies

Question 5

Weaknesses of the idea of the link between testosterone and aggression

Answer 5

1. Not all humans with high testosterone levels are aggressive. Testosterone creates a drive, but it need ot be a violent one
2. Correlation studies just look for relationships and not direct evidence
3. Animal studies not completely applicable to humans
4. There are some women more violent than men, even though they have lower testosterone levels
5. This explanation ignores impact of people’s upbringings.