Caspi et al., 2002

Question 1

Biological aspects

Answer 1

-genes
-genetic similarities

Question 2

Sociocultural approach

Answer 2

social cognitive theory

Question 3

Research method

Answer 3

correlational study

Question 4

Ethical considerations

Answer 4

anonymity

Question 5

Aim

Answer 5

to investigate correlations between the MAOA genotype (the “warrior” gene), maltreatment, and antisocial behavior.

Question 6

Methods

Answer 6

-studied over 1,000 participants in Dunedin, New Zealand over 25 years.
-participants were first studied when they were children.
-data was gathered every few years.
-researchers were measured levels of “maltreatment” (eg. abuse and neglect) and adult antisocial behavior.
-This study compared participants with MAOA-L and MAOA-H gene variants.
-MAOA-L has low expression of the MAOA gene, and H means higher expression.

Question 7

Results

Answer 7

-if participants experienced abuse as children, they were more likely to be antisocial.
-there were minimal differences in adult antisocial behavior between MAOA-L and MAOA-H participants who were not maltreated.
-participants with the MAOA-L gene variant and who were abused were three times more likely to be antisocial and aggressive adults compared to the MAOA-H participants.

Question 8

Conclusions

Answer 8

-experiencing abuse and neglect as a child leads to antisocial behavior as an adult
-the “warrior” gene alone does not cause antisocial behavior but in combination with abuse as a child, it can increase.