Neural Mechanisms

Question 1

Serotonin

Answer 1

Low levels of serotonin has been associated with increased susceptibility to impulsive behaviour and aggression

Question 2

Support for serotonin

Answer 2

Mann gave 35 healthy subjects serotonin depleting drugs, then used a questionnaire to assess aggression. Found that men became more aggressive but females didn’t

Question 3

Further supporting evidence for serotonin

Answer 3

Scerbo and Raine used a meta analysis to examine neurotransmitter levels in children and found lower levels of serotonin in those described as aggressive but no significant rise or fall of dopamine levels. Reduced levels of serotonin was most prominent in those who had attempted suicide - suggesting a link with impulsiveness

Question 4

Bond

Answer 4

People who take anti depressants which raise levels of serotonin have also been found to have reduced leeks or irritability and impulsive aggression

Question 5

Biological explanations are..

Answer 5

Reductionist

Question 6

Dopamine

Answer 6

It has also been suggested that high levels of dopamine can make people more aggressive

Question 7

Support for dopamine

Answer 7

Buitelaar found such a correlation when studying people who had taken anti psychotics to reduce dopamine activity

Question 8

Criticism of dopamine

Answer 8

Coupons and Kennedy - increased levels of dopamine may be a consequence of aggression rather than a cause of it