Genetic Explanation Flashcards
Which gene is attributed to the expression of aggressive behaviour?
A defect in the MAOA gene is attributed to the expression of aggressive behaviour, particularly within men.
What transpired within Dutch research into the role of the MAOA gene and aggression?
Two groups of boys within care partook in a longitudinal study which aimed to establish the relationship between a defect in the MAOA gene and criminal acts later in life.
Those with the defective gene continued to commit more crimes as adults than those with a regular genetic makeup; suggesting the defect plays a role in the expression of aggressive behaviour, particularly within violent crimes.
What is a limitation of research into the MAOA gene and aggression?
It’s impossible to completely isolate the gene as the sole explanation for aggressive behaviour; environmental influences undoubtedly play a role and their impact is even harder to measure than the more objective aspect of biology.
How might research into the MAOA gene be socially sensitive?
If the MAOA gene were definitively attributed to an increased likelihood of aggression, then sterilisation of those carrying the defect may be encouraged by scientists to reduce the prevalence of violent crime.
What kind of problems might researchers encounter when measuring aggression’s relationship with the MAOA gene?
Using an observational methodology affects the behaviour of the participants because the presence of a researcher may lead to a reduced severity of aggression or decreased number of aggressive outbursts. This means the data doesn’t truly reflect the status of participants and shouldn’t necessarily be used within the creation of practical applications.
