Hormonal Mechanisms

Question 1

Testosterone

Answer 1

Dabbs et al measured testosterone in violent and non violent criminals. Those with the highest levels had committed the most aggressive crimes

Question 2

Problems with testosterone

Answer 2

Inconsistent. Albert found that many studies shown no links and those that do have used small male dominated samples and judgements into their levels of aggression have been made solely on the crime they have committed so may have been researcher biased

Question 3

Gender bias with testosterone

Answer 3

Most studies into the importance of testosterone have involved male participants so the results are difficult to generalise to the wider population. If testosterone is important then men should be more aggressive than women

Question 4

Gender bias study

Answer 4

Archer’s meta analysis found that women were more likely to be physically aggressive towards their partner

Question 5

Cortisol

Answer 5

Studies have shown that while an increase in testosterone may lead to aggressive behaviour low levels or cortisol along with this play an important role in increasing the likelihood of aggressive behaviour

Question 6

Support for cortisol

Answer 6

Virkkunen found a link between low levels of cortisol and habitual violent offenders

Question 7

Problems into testosterone and cortisol studies

Answer 7

• ignores free will. They don’t have to act in a way that is reflective of their testosterone levels
• most research includes men

Question 8

Conclusion

Answer 8

To improve the validity and reliability of the research causes of aggressive behaviour in women also needs to be explored in detail