GENETIC FACTORS IN AGGRESSION Flashcards
what are genetic factors?
DNA strands that act as instructions for general, specific and psychological features
what is an MAOA gene and how can it affect aggression?
responsible for activity of enzyme in the brain, lower the variant the higher the aggressive behaviour
what 4 things must we remember in genetic factors in aggression?
twin studies
adoption studies
MAOA gene
gene environment interaction
what do twin studies show?
heritability account for 50% of variance in aggressive behaviour
who conducted research into twin studies?
Coccaro et al
what did Coccaro et al study?
male MZ and DZ twins
what did Coccaro et al expect?
greater similarity in aggressive behaviour in MZ twins
the results for aggression defined as direct assault were…
50% MZ and 19% DZ
the results for aggression defined as verbal assault were…
28% MZ and 7% DZ
what are adoption studies?
similarity between adopted child and biological parents shows nature
similarity between adopted child and adopted parents shows environmental influencing genes
who conducted research for adoption studies?
rhee and waldman
what did rhee and waldman do?
metanalysis of adoption studies showing that genetic factors account for 41% of variance in agg
what is the MAOA gene?
gene that mop up neurotransmitters after nerve impulse in the brain, breaks down NT esp serotonin to be excreted and recycled
what does dysfunction lead to?
abnormal operation of MAOA gene, increased level of serotonin
who studied MAOA gene?
Brunner et al
