Neural And Hormonal Influences

Question 1

What makes up the neural influences

Answer 1

Limbic system: coordinates behaviours and emotional and motivational urges.
- amygdala
- hippocampus
Serotonin

Question 2

The amygdala

Answer 2

Evaluating emotional importance of sensory info - appropriate response
Stimulated = aggression
Removed = no aggression
Kluver & Bucy - monkey dominance

Question 3

The hippocampus

Answer 3

Uses long term memory to compare threats to current situation to react
Impaired = can’t put things into context - inappropriate response
Boccardi et al - violent offenders = abnormal hippocampus functioning

Question 4

Serotonin

Answer 4

Normal levels = calming, inhibits aggression
Low levels = remove calming effect - less impulse control & aggression (serotonin deficiency hypothesis)
Mann et al - low levels in men = hostility and aggression.

Question 5

What makes up hormonal influences

Answer 5

Testosterone

Question 6

Testosterone

Answer 6

Sapolsky - high testosterone = high aggression
Archer - men have high levels of testosterone = more aggressive

Question 7

Evaluation for neural

Answer 7

+ evidence for role of amygdala
+ evidence for role of hippocampus
+ research support for serotonin deficiency hypothesis
+ evidence from non human studies

Question 8

Evaluation for hormonal

Answer 8

+ research support testosterone link to aggression
- inconsistent evidence- self reported
- aggression or dominance?

Question 9

Other evaluations

Answer 9

• problems defining aggression
• reductionism
• implications of punishments
  + objective