Neural and Hormonal Aggression

Question 1

Neural mechanisms

Answer 1

Related to the neuron such as large neural structures of neurotransmitters

Question 2

What are hormonal mechanisms

Answer 2

how chemical messengers influence the body

Question 3

Limbic system

Answer 3

A set of neural structure located in the centre of the brain. The amygdala and hypothalamus are key to aggressive responses

Question 4

Seretonin

Answer 4

An inhibitory neurotransmitter that is important calming aggressive impulses

Question 5

Testosterone

Answer 5

A male sex hormone/Androgen found in high levels in male and though to be responsible for their increased aggression

Question 6

Limbic system in detail:

Answer 6

A collection of structures in the centre of the brain. One off its functions is to process emotional response such as aggression

Question 7

Limbic system in detail:
Amygdala

Answer 7

identified as being linked to the production of aggressive behaviour, FMRI’s show increased activity during aggressive responses.

Question 8

Limbic system in detail:
Hypothalamus

Answer 8

Role in integrating and expressing emotional responses, it can trigger aggressive behaviour as part of the fight or flight response

Question 9

Limbic system in detail:
Orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)

Answer 9

Controls central executive function which attempts to control aggression produced by the limbic system.

Question 10

1) Limbic system. Research supporting

Answer 10

Egger and Flynn (1963) demonstrated electrically stimulating an area of the hypothalamus would cause cats to show aggression towards a rat. They also showed that stimulating different parts of the amygdala would either increase or supress aggressive behaviour. This suggests that the hypothalamus has a role in producing aggressive behaviour and different areas of the amygdala and have separate roles in regulating aggression. However, this study was conducted on cats, the findings may not be generalised to aggressive behaviour observed in humans.

Question 11

2) Limbic system. Research supporting

Answer 11

Sumer (2007) conducted a case study on a 14 year old girl showing extreme aggressive behaviour as well as epileptic fits. MRI scans revealed a tumour pressing on her amygdala. After removal of the tumour her aggression levels became normal, this suggests that the tumour was stimulating the amygdala causing the aggressive behaviour, supporting the theory that the amygdala is linked to aggression. However as this was a case study of the experiences of a single person there may have been other factors influencing aggression.

Question 12

Serotonin in detail:

Answer 12

A neurotransmitter that has been linked to aggressive behaviour.

Question 13

2) Serotonin in detail:

Answer 13

Has an Inhibitory function in the brain, meaning it reduces neural activity.

Question 14

2) Serotonin in detail:
The Orbitofrontal cortex…

Answer 14

Is an area associated with higher cognitive decision making. Serotonin dampens aggressive impulses coming from areas the limb system like the amygdala, maintaining a stable calm mood

Question 15

2) Serotonin in detail:
The Serotonin deficiency hypothesis

Answer 15

Suggests lower than normal levels of serotonin in the orbitofrontal cortex result in less self control over the limbic system aggressive impulses.