genetic explanations

Question 1

how are twin studies applied to aggression?

Answer 1

mz twins (100% same genes) have been compared with dz twins (50% same genes) within the concordance for a particular aggressive trait.

Question 2

what does it mean if mz twins are more aggressive than dz?

Answer 2

aggression has some genetic predisposition - supports the genetic side of the argument - down to genes rather than the environment as both sets of genes are put in same environment

Question 3

why are adoption studies used instead?

Answer 3

to overcome the issues of twin studies

Question 4

how do adoption studies explain aggression?

Answer 4

• if there is a positive correlation between aggressive behaviours in adopted children & biological parents then there is support for the genetic effect
• if there is a positive correlation between adopted child and rearing parents then there is support for the environment

Question 5

what are some issues with using adoption studies?

Answer 5

• may be attachment issues or a lack attachment
• lots of crime
• adoptions aren’t very long - psychological impact

Question 6

what is the maoa gene?

Answer 6

monoamine oxidise a is an enzyme that regulates the metabolism of serotonin in the brain and lower levels of serotonin = aggression

Question 7

what is the maoa gene also known as?

Answer 7

the warrior gene

Question 8

what are some problems when studying aggression?

Answer 8

• subjective - see aggression differently
• difficult to measure, especially when it’s indirect
• socially sensitive - could have negative consequences on groups/individual studied
• demand characteristics and social desirability
• most acts of aggression aren’t reprimanded in court
• bias of self report
• those researched are the most violent and could’ve just done one violent act