Ethological explanations Flashcards
1
Q
Ethological Explanations
Adaptive functions
A
- The ethological explanation suggests aggression is beneficial to survival.
- A defeated animal is only forced to establish territory elsewhere rather than being killed, reducing the chance of starvation.
- Male chimpanzees use aggression is climb their groups hierarchy; dominance gives special status (e.g. mating rights).
- Pettit (1988) studied young children and observed how aggression played a role in the development of dominance hierarchies.
- This would be adaptive because dominance brings benefits and resources.
2
Q
Ethological Explanations
Ritualistic aggression
A
- Lorenz (1966) observed fights between animals consisted of ritualistic signalling.
- Intra-species confrontations end with ritual appeasement displays that indicate defeat.
- This is because if every encounter ended with death it could threaten the existence of the species.
3
Q
Ethological Explanations
Innate releasing mechanisms and fixed action patterns
A
- An innate releasing mechanism is a psychological process.
- Environment stimuli triggers the IRM and initiates a series of fixed action patterns:
- Stereotyped - relatively unchangign sequence of behaviours.
- Universal - the same behaviour is found in every member of the species.
- Single-purpose - the behaviour only occurs in a specific situation.
- Unaffected by learning - the same for every individual regardless of experience.
4
Q
Ethological Explanations
Tinbergen’s research
A
- Male sticklebacks are highly territorial during mating season where they develop a red dot.
- This is the sign stimulus which starts the FAP in other males entering their territory.
- Tinbergen (1951) presented sticklebacks with a series of wooden models with shapes.
- Regardless of shape, the male would react aggressively if it had a red spot.
- No aggression was shown towards those without a dot.
- These aggressive FAPS were unchanged from one encounter to another and ran their course without any further stimulus.
5
Q
Ethological Explanations: Evaluation
Genetics and evolution
Strength
A
- Brunner (1993) showed the MAOA-L gene is closely related to aggressive behaviour.
- Twin and adoption studies suggest a significant genetic component to aggression.
- These lines of research point towards an innate basis to aggressive behaviour.
This suggests the ethological explanation is correct in claiming aggression is genetically determined, heritable and adaptive.
6
Q
Ethological Explanations: Evaluation
Counterpoint to genetics and evolution
A
- Aggressive behaviour differs from one culture to another, even within the same country.
- Nisbett (1993) found one type of homicide was more common amongst white men in southern USA compared to the north.
- This reactive aggression is a response to threats from someone else.
- The difference was caused by a “culture of honour” less prevalent in the north.
This suggests culture can override innate predispositions which is hard for the ethological explanation to explain.
