Hormonal explanations

Question 1

Hormonal Explanations

Testosterone

Answer 1

• It is an androgen responsible for the development of masculine features.
• Daly and Wilson (1988) observed men become more aggressive when testosterone levels are high.
• Testosterone has a role in regulation social behaviour via its influence on the brain.
• Castration studies show removing the testes reduces aggression in males of many species.
• Giving injections of testosterone to the same males restores aggressive behaviour.
• Dolan (2001) found a positive correlation between testosterone and aggressive behaviours in 60 offenders.
• They all had personality disorders and a history of impulsive violence.

Question 2

Hormonal Explanations

Progesterone

Answer 2

• There is evidence that progesterone plas an important role in aggression in women.
• Levels of progesterone vary during the ovulation cycle (at its lowest during and after menstruation).
• Ziomkiewicz (2012) found a negative correlation between progesterone and aggression.
• This suggests how low levels of progesterone are linked to increased aggression in women.

Question 3

Hormonal Explanations: Evaluation

Animal research

Strength

Answer 3

• Hormonal explanations are supported by research with animals.
• Giammanco (2005) reviewed studies on monkeys and confirmed the role of testosterone.
• There is an increased in testosterone levels and aggression during mating season.
• Castration of male rats reduces testosterone and also mouse-killing behaviour.
• Injecting T into female rats increased mouse-killing, too.

These findings show the role of testosterone in aggressive behaviour in animals.

Question 4

Hormonal Explanations: Evaluation

Dual-hormone hypothesis

Limitation

Answer 4

• There is mixed evidence between testosterone and aggression in humans.
• The dual-hormone hypothesis suggests high T levels cause aggression only when cortisol levels are low.
• High cortisol plays a role in the body’s response to chronic stress.

Therefore, combined activity of testosterone and cortisol may be a better predictor of aggression than either hormone alone.