Gentic factors AO3

Question 1

strength - hertiable component demonstrated for aggresion

Answer 1

Rhee and Waldman (2002) conducted a meta-analysis of twin and concordance studies and found that 41% genetic factors account for aggressive behaviour suggesting a substantial hereditary influence.
however these factors likely interact with genetic predispositions.

Question 2

Limitation - difficult to seperate gene from environment

Answer 2

McDermott (2009) showed that ppts with MAOA-L behaved aggressively in a money- allocation lab experiment but only when they were ‘provoked’. otherwise they acted the same as MAOA-H. therefore aggression is more likely to be explained by an interactionalist approach. The importance of gene vulnerability and environment provocation making it more complex to measure

Question 3

Limitation - multiple candidate genes

Answer 3

Stuart (2014) showed that IPV in men wasnt just associated with MAOA-L but also the seretonin transporter gene (5-HTT). it was a combo of both genes that was most linked to IPV. therefore its too reductionist to isolate one gene. there is ongoing research into other genes. Vassos (2014) couldnt find any other gene and aggression link in a meta-analysis. Tielbeek (2018) found that 40 genes were associated with aggression in a study of 30000 individuals

Question 4

Limitataion - Low population validity

Answer 4

The studies by Raine (1997) and Coccaro (2007) identified limbic dysfunction in violent criminals however convictions for violence are few compared to the number of violent acts which result in conviction therefore the sample is biased. Also offenders designated as violent on the basis of a conviction arent neccessarily the most violent or peristant offenders. therefore lack validity and generalisability