PAPER 3 - Aggression Flashcards
What are the two NEURAL mechanisms in aggression ?
- limbic system
- serotonin
What are the two components of the LIMBIC SYSTEM ?
- amygdala
- hippocampus
What is the role of the AMYGDALA ?
evaluating the EMOTIONAL IMPORTANCE of SENSORY INFORMATION and promoting an APPROPRIATE RESPONSE
What research was done into the amygdala ?
- 43 / 51 normal behaviour after amygdala removed
What are the STRENGTHS for the amygdala ?
RESEARCH
- MRI scans
- lower amygdala volume = high (A)
What are the WEAKNESSES for the amygdala ?
EXACT ROLE IS UNKNOWN
- Muller = 6 male psychopaths / 6 non-psychopaths
- psychopaths = increased amygdala activity
- Pardini = lower amygdala activity = increased (A)
What is the role of the HIPPOCAMPUS ?
- formation of long-term memories
- compare current situation to past experiences
What research has been done in to the hippocampus ?
- boccardi = HABITUALLY VIOLENT offenders exhibited abnormalities of hippocampus functioning
What are the STRENGTHS for the hippocampus ?
RESEARCH
- raine = successful and unsuccessful psychopaths = MRI showed abnormalities in unsuccessful
- summer = 14yr old with tumour - aggressive manner
- treated with drugs - returned to normal
What are the WEAKNESSES for the hippocampus ?
NOT CLEAR CUT
- many components in limbic system - not sure which part is implicated
What is the role of SEROTONIN ?
- communication of impulses between neurons
- normal levels have calming effect
- low levels in PFC remove calming effect
What research has been done in to SEROTONIN ?
mann et al - drug that depletes serotonin - questionnaire to access hostility - those with drugs had increased hostility
