Neural and Hormonal influences: AO3

Question 1

Support for the role of the amygdala:

Answer 1

• MRI studies, looks at brain structures.
• 2007, Sumer et al conducted a case study on a girl who had excessive anger.
• Conducted an MRI scan on the 14 yr old girl and found there was a big tumor pressing against her amygdala.
• Greater activity in amygdala leads to more aggression. More nerve impulses were sent to hypothalamus, so more aggression.

Limitations of this as it was a case study, other factors may have been influencing aggression.

Question 2

Support for role of Serotonin:

Answer 2

Molly Crockett, divided participants into 2 groups: 1 group was given a drug which decreased their levels of serotonin and the other group was given a drug which increased their serotonin.

Asked participants to take place in social decision making game. Offered sums of money, found that when pp’s had higher levels of serotonin they were more likely to split the money and not get angry if the money was taken away from them. Whereas low serotonin more likely to display aggression.

Question 3

Support for role of testosterone:

Answer 3

1987, Dabbs et al, measured level of T in 89 prison inmates looked at relationship between levels of T and violence of crimes committed.

Correlational study

Higher levels of T associated with more violent crimes, so there was a positive correlation.

Methodological limitations, correlational study. May not be able to establish cause and effect. May be other way round or gym may play a role.

Question 4

Limitation, ignores other factors…

Answer 4

Reductionist explanation, need to consider explanations such as evolutionary or slt.