Structure Of The Brain As An Explanation Of Aggression Flashcards
What is aggression?
- an intent to cause harm
- can be expressed verbally, physically, indirectly
What does the frontal lobe of the brain control/ is responsible for?
- thinking
- planning
- problem solving
- emotions
- control
- decision making
- attention and focus
What does the parietal lobe of the brain control/ is responsible for?
- perception
- visuospatial processing
- spelling
What does the occipital lobe of the brain control/ is responsible for?
- vision
- colour
What does the temporal lobe of the brain control/ is responsible for?
- facial recognition
- language
- hearing
- speech
- emotional memory
What is the limbic system of the brain and what does it control?
- a complex set of structures of the brain that lie on either side of the thalamus
- it includes the amygdala, hippocampus and the hypothalamus
- these structures are associated with emotional processing and behaviour
What is the thalamus of the brain?
-it receives information from the outside world for the senses and passes this information onto different parts of the brain.
What is the general role of the prefrontal cortex in the brain?
- personality
- decision making
- self restraint
- problem solving
- planning
- control over social inhibitions
How can the prefrontal cortex be linked to the cause of aggression?
-due to its input into our emotional responses, if something was to anger or upset us, this part of the brain is responsible for the decision making and self restraint that is needed to not react aggressively, but if under developed or damaged, we can have a lack of self restraint and perform aggressive behaviour
What is the general role of the amygdala in the brain?
- perception of emotion
- links emotions to memories
- fear conditioning
How can the amygdala be linked to the cause of aggression?
-the size of the amygdala is positively correlated with increased aggression and physical behaviour
What is the general role of the hippocampus in the brain?
-coverts short term memories into long term memories
How can the hippocampus be linked to the cause of aggression?
-if someone can’t successfully commit/ build new long term memories, they are effectively trapped in the present, and so previous behaviours and consequences aren’t learned, leading to the repetition of aggressive behaviours as do not remember consequence
What is the general role of hypothalamus in the brain?
-links between neurotransmitters and hormones
How can the hypothalamus be linked to the cause of aggression?
-monitors numerous bodily functions such as blood pressure and body temperature. If these are increased, aggressive behaviour is much more likely to occur
