The Functioning of the Brain Flashcards
What is serotonin?
The NT for happiness and good mood
How is serotonin linked to aggression?
- Low levels of serotonin = less inhibition of amygdala
- Becomes more active when stimulated by external events
- Causuing the person to act on impulses
Supporting research for low levels of serotonin causing aggression?
P- Popova et al
E- Found that among dogs that have been selectively bred for domestication and for increasingly docile temperament, there has been a corresponding increase (over generations) of brain serotonin
E- This suggests that there is a link between low levels of serotonin and high levels of aggression
Weakness of supporting research for low levels of serotonin causing aggression?
P- Results from animal research may not apply to humans
E- Due to the differences between our brain structures and dogs, for example
E- Animals are studied in artificial environments and show different social behaviour to humans. Aggression in humans might be far more complex than aggression shown in animals
Strength of the theory that low levels of serotonin causes aggression?
P- Further evidence comes from the use of drugs that raise levels of serotonin in the brain
E- Such as antidepressants. In clinical studies, antidepressant drugs which elevate serotonin levels (e.g. SSRIs) also tend to reduce irritability and impulsive aggression
E- This suggests that increased serotonin levels do lead to reduced aggression. However, this relationship may not be causal
Weakness of the theory that low levels of serotonin causes aggression?
P- There may be a gender bias in this research
E- Although a link was found between low levels of serotonin and aggression, this was not evident for the female participants
E- This suggests that the role of serotonin in aggression may be different for female compared to males, and therefore there is a gender bias in human studies in this area
What is dopamine?
A NT associated with pleasure feelings
How is dopamine linked to aggression?
- High levels of dopamine = increased levels of aggression
Supporting research for high levels of dopamine causing aggression?
P- Lavine (1997)
E- Found that an increase in dopamine levels through the use of amphetamines was associated with an increase in aggressive behaviour
E- Suggesting that higher levels of dopamine correlate with higher levels of aggression
Weakness of supporting research for high levels of dopamine causing aggression?
P- Correlational
E- It is not clear whether there is a causal link between dopamine and aggression
E- However, research has found a relationship between the two
Strength of the theory that high levels of dopamine causes aggression?
P-Evidence supporting the importance of dopamine in aggression comes from studies using antipsychotics
E- Antipsychotics reduce dopamine levels in the brain. These studies have generally found that the use of antipsychotics reduces the incidence of aggression
E- Suggesting that decreased dopamine levels lead to decreased aggression
Weakness of the theory that high levels of dopamine causes aggression?
P- A criticism of these links between neurotransmitters and aggression is that they can be described as reductionist
E- The complexity of human behaviour means that biological explanations are insufficient on their own to explain the many different aspects of human aggression. For example, research by Bandura found that social learning can be a powerful influence on the aggressive behaviour of children
E- Can’t be used alone as an explanation for aggression
