Neural + Hormonal Mechanisms

Question 1

what does the limbic system do

Answer 1

regulates emotional behaviour

Question 2

Gospic et al - the Ultimate Game

Answer 2

Proposer + Responder
proposer splits money in certain way - when responder rejects an unfair offer there is heightened response in amygdala

Question 3

role of Benzodiazepine in ultimate game (reduces arousal of ANS)

Answer 3

halved number of rejections and decreased amygdala activity

Question 4

role of serotonin in aggression

Answer 4

normal levels in orbitofrontal cortex - reduced firing of neurons - more self-control

Question 5

Compared levels of serotonin breakdown product 5-HIAA in cerebrospinal fluid of violent impulsive and violent non-impulsive offenders

lower levels in impulsive and had more sleep irregularities

Answer 5

Virkunen et al

Question 6

Positive correlation between testosterone levels and aggressive behaviour in UK maximum security hospitals

Answer 6

Dolan et al

Question 7

Regulation of aggression is highly complex and involves at least 3 neural structures in brain (amygdala, OFC, and combo)

Answer 7

Gospic et al

Question 8

Gave PPs either a placebo or a dose of paroxetine (drug enhancing serotonin) - electric shocks varying in intensity in response to social provocation
paroxetine PPs gave less intense shocks

Answer 8

Berman et al

Question 9

Testosterone levels change throughout the day especially in response to social interactions

Answer 9

Mazur

Question 10

Measured changes in testosterone levels b4 and after competitive game - all lost, chose to either rechallenge or complete a non related task

losers whose testosterone rose - 73% rechallenged
losers whose dropped - 23% rechallenged

Answer 10

Mehta x Josephs

Question 11

high testosterone only leads to aggression when cortisol levels are low

Answer 11

Carre and Mehta