Lesson 1 Neural Mechanisms In Aggression Flashcards
What are neural mechanisms
Structures such as neurones as well as different regions of the brain. Neural mechanisms also include hormones and neurotransmitters
What is the limbic system
The main neural explanation for aggression is the limbic theory which looks at structures like the amygdala, hypothalamus and hippocampus. All of these are implicated with reactive aggression.
What is proactive aggression and reactive aggression
Proactive: This is based on the term ‘cold blooded’. It is a planned method of getting what you want.
Reactive: Based on the term ‘hot blooded’, it is angry and impulsive and accompanied by psychological arousal
What is the hypothalamus responsible for
Regulation of the autonomic nervous system, which in turn regulates responses to emotional circumstances. Damage to this area can result in inappropriate aggressive response to a perceived threat.
What is the amygdala role
Attaching emotional significance to sensory information.
What is the role of prefrontal cortex
Crucial in regulating social behaviour and aggressive responses. Damage to the prefrontal cortex would reduce the inhibition of the amygdala, resulting in higher levels of aggression
What is serotonin and it’s role
Neurotransmitter with widespread inhibitory effects on the brain. It slows down and calms neuronal activity. In normal conditions, it works on the frontal areas of the brain to inhibit firing of amygdala, the part of the brain that controls emotional responses.
What happens low serotonin?
People can’t control their impulsive and aggressive behaviour. They can’t anticipate risk and therefore impulsively engage in aggressive behaviour
Strengths
Strong research support - kluver and bucy were early researchers who, by using rhesus monkeys, removed main areas of the limbic system including the amygdala, hippocampus and other areas. They found monkeys displayed an absence of emotional, motor and vocal reactions. They were also more aggressive and attacked the dominant monkeys of the group
Supported through recent technological advances. New technology like MRI scanning have been used to investigate the relationship between neural structures like amygdala and aggression. Wong et al MRI 19 violent males compared to 20 ‘normal’ males and found that the volume of the amygdala was significantly smaller, thus supporting role of amygdala in aggression
Weakness
Research lacks population validity and has beta bias. Wong’s study was relatively small and there is an issue whether these findings can be generalised. The research was also only confined to males therefore we must take caution when explaining aggression for women as it may not be the same. Beta bias
Gender diff in aggression - Mann et al gave a serotonin depleting drug to 35 adults. They were asked to complete a questionnaire measuring hostility before and after and it was found only males rose after the drug. This means there are gender differences.
Research using animals not good. Aggression mechanisms in animals hella different to that if humanoids. Question if we can extrapolate these findings to humans despite being conducted on animals. Despite humans and monkeys are similar, may not be the same
What is also connected to the limbic system:
The limbic system also connects to the cingulate gyrus, which is responsible for focusing attention on emotionally significant events. The limbic system also connects to the prefrontal cortex which is involved in forward planning and anticipation of reward. Overall limbic system plays a major role in hOw we respond to environmental threats, thus being the key factor determining if the reaction is aggressive or not
