Ethological Explanation

Question 1

Outline and evaluate the ethnological explanation (LIST)

Answer 1

1) a) fixed action patterns and innate releasing mechanisms(the hydraulic model)
b) EVAL: criticsm of FAP
2) a) ritualistic aggression (e.g. Gardner and Heider)
b) EVAL: benefits of ritualised aggression
3) a) weapons (wolves and doves)
4) this theory is weak as the social theories provides a better alternative(too holistic)
5) human behaviour is far less predictable than animals. Eibl-eibesfelt

Question 2

1) a)

B)

Answer 2

1) a) ethological states all members of same species have stereotyped behaviours which are innate. They’re called fixed action patterns (FAPS). They’re produced by the neural mechanism known as the innate releasing mechanism(IRM) and are triggered by sign stimulus. When the sign stimulus is present, the IRM is triggered which then activates the FAP.
- Research with stickleback fish show they produce a sequence of aggressive actions when another male comes in its territory.

b) EVAL: criticsm of innate behaviour: psychologist criticise Lorenz for underestimating the role of environmental factors in species-typical aggressive patterns. FAP IMplies that they are fixed when in fact FAPS change with experience(environment).

Question 3

2) a)

B)

Answer 3

A)
-ritualistic aggression: ritualised aggression isn’t always fighting can also be threat displays. Which are ways of showing strength and allow individuals to assess their opposition. An example is shown by gorillas who pound their chest to intimidate the opposition.
- anthropologists also found evidence of ritualised aggression in tribal ware fare between humans. Gardner described the Dani of New Guinea engaging in ritualistic patterns of inter group hostility.
B) in non human species ritualised aggression helps prevent escalation to dangerous aggression. E.g the Yanomamo tribes have shown to have club fighting rituals which prevent conflicts from reaching extreme violence.

Question 4

3)

Answer 4

3) wolves and doves. Some animals have weapons dych as powerful teeth which make them good hunters. Lorenz argued they also have instinctive inhibitions which prevent their usage of the weapons. E.g when 2 wolves fight one shows the other it’s neck and the instinctive inhibition prevents the wolf killing it. Non hunting species haven’t got powerful weapons so don’t have inhibitions to prevent them. Humans are like this, we have made weapons such as guns but don’t have instinctive inhibitions to prevent us killing our own.

Question 5

4)

Answer 5

theory is weak as it doesn’t take into account behavioural and social explanations of aggression. It is too holistic. E.g social learning theory showed the influence of role models among other stuff.

Question 6

5)

Answer 6

human behaviour is far less predictable than animals who may have FAPS

realised that human environment is too flexible for these FAPS to be adaptive. Flexibility of human behaviour has proved far more effective than stereotypical responses.