contemporary study: brendgen et al Flashcards
(13 cards)
1
Q
what were the aims?
A
- investigate whether social aggression is caused by genes or environment
- investigate whether social aggression shares same cause as physical
- see if 1 type of aggression leads to another
2
Q
describe the sample
A
- ppts from quebec newborn twins study
- 234 twin pairs
- 44 MZ males
- 50 MZ females
- 41 DZ males
- 32 DZ females
- 67 DZ mixed
- assigned on physical appearance
- 123 DNA tested which backed up 94% of time
3
Q
describe the procedure
A
- longitudinal - data gathered 5-60 months with intervals and at 6 years
- peer ratings and teacher ratings of behaviour
- spring term of school year
4
Q
describe the teacher ratings
A
- series of statements of physical and verbal aggression
- eg to what extent does the child try to make others dislike a child or get into fights
- 3 point scale (0-2)
- taken from two pre-existing scales “Direct and Indirect Aggression Scales”
5
Q
describe the peer ratings
A
- each child given a booklet with photos of everyone in class
- circle 3 children who matched statment
- 4 behaviour descriptors
- “tells mean secrets about another child”= social
- “hits and kicks” = physical
6
Q
describe the results
A
- higher correlation between MZ twin rating on physical aggression
- social aggression more equal correlation
- correlation between physical and social aggression explained by genes
- physical may lead to social aggression
- teacher ratings showed boys more physically aggressive than girls
- physical due to genes (50-60%)
- teacher ratings for the heritability estimate for physical aggression was 63%
- teacher rating for social aggression caused by a unique environmental factor were 80%
- correlation r=0.79 (strong positive correlation) between the ratings of MZ twins on physical aggression (which was significantly higher than same sex DZ twins)
7
Q
describe the conclusion
A
- expression of aggressive tendencies change as children grow
- genetic component to physical aggression but not social
8
Q
low generalisability
A
- 88 pairs disappeared before 6 year test point
- study only looked at 6 year olds
- only in quebec
9
Q
high reliability
A
- looks at genetics and environment which links with bandura and raine
- standardised
- 2 researchers in each classroom
10
Q
application
A
- understanding cause and development of social aggression, maximise benefit for all sorts of school children
- reduce effects of verbal bullying if this is environmental
11
Q
low validity
A
- questionnaires are subjective
- questions were translated between french and english - could have diff meanings
- no cause and effect - correlation
12
Q
low reliability
A
- allocation of zygocity appearance based
13
Q
ethics
A
- judgement between children
- presumptive consent gained
