What are the implications for society if aggression is found to be caused by nature not nurture? Flashcards
What would it mean if aggression was down to nature?
People may act aggressively due to some biological cause suggesting there is little element of choice in aggression
What would it mean if aggression was down to nurture?
People may act aggressively due to something in their environment suggesting individuals have more of a choice
How could people resolve aggression if it is a result of nature?
They could learn control
What is the implication of aggression being down to nature not nurture?
> Imprisonment may not be ethical
Should people be punished it if they can’t help it?
Should it be treated as a mental health issue?
Should there be screening processes, especially for jobs?
Not everyone with aggressive genes acts aggressivly so can it be controlled?
How does the prefrontal cortex suggest that people have a lack of control?
It regulates behaviour and social interaction thererfore aggression is due to lack of control, should poeple be punished if they don’t hvae control?
What does the hypothalamus suggest should be done if aggression is down to nature not nurture?
It is responsible for homeostatus and hormone regulation including testosterone, so should people be supplemeted it hormones to prevent aggression?
What does natural selection implicate for aggression being down to nature?
Genes passed on, aggression a default of personality - MAOA gene - not a learned behaviour - imprisonment is meant to teach a lesson but nature cannot be unlearned
What do genes suggest for aggression being down to nature?
MAOA gene controls MAOA enzyme involved in processing serotonin, low levels = aggression, some versions result in lower MAOA = low serotonin = aggression
How does Chang et al (2012) suggest that aggression is due to nature?
When fish reacted to their own mirror image, boldness and aggression correlated with the amount of testosterone and cortisol they had before the behaviours
What did Dabbs et al (1987) find that suggests aggression is due to nature?
Looked at 89 male prisoners, the testosterone was higher in the saliva of those involved in violent crime compared to non violent crime
What did Cases (1995) find that suggests aggression is due to nature?
Found that adult male mice who were missing the MAOA producing gene were more aggressive
How does Wilson and Daley (1985) support the idea that men are aggressive due to instincts of being protective over women?
Studied murders in Detroit, majority of murderers and victims were young men, 29 cases indicated ‘escalating showing off ‘ disputes and some result over disputes of women
How is the amygdala linked to aggression?
Centre of emotions and motivation, integrates sensory info which gives instinctive feelings and reactions to the environment which will include aggression
How is the prefrontal cortex linked to aggression?
Governs social interaction and regulates behaviour, connects to amygdala - aggression caused from lack of control from prefrontal cortex
What was found about castrated rodents regarding aggression?
They show little aggression as testosterone production is inhibited but when injected with testosterone they show aggression
