Banks and Dabbs Study (bio)

Question 1

Banks and Dabbs Study (bio)

Aim

Answer 1

To investigate the correlation between testosterone and delinquent human behaviour

Question 2

Banks and Dabbs Study (bio)

Procedure

Answer 2

• Two groups were compared, approx 30 participants in each group
  
  • Group 1: US College students
  • Group 2: Delinquent group (characterised by drug use and violence) in Atlanta, Georgia
• Individuals were interviewed by a participant researcher, who was already known to the delinquent group (she herself had participants in delinquent behaviour in the past)
• Salivary testosterone was used to measure level of testosterone

Question 3

Banks and Dabbs Study (bio)

Findings

Answer 3

• Delinquent group had a significantly higher measure of salivary testosterone
• Measure of aggression (9-point aggression score) and measure of testosterone had no significant correlation
• Supports a positive correlation between testosterone levels and violence (does not imply causation)

Question 4

Banks and Dabbs Study (bio)

Strengths

Answer 4

• Low participant bias
  
  • Researcher ws personally know to the delinquency group and participated in violence herself
  • Unlikely that participants would have felt pressure to lie as they had a good rapport

Question 5

Banks and Dabbs Study (bio)

Limitations

Answer 5

• Internal validity - the lack of correlation between testosterone and aggression may have been due to the scale used to measure aggression

Question 6

Banks and Dabbs Study (bio)

Ethical Considerations

Answer 6

• Confidentiality
  
  • As some members of the delinquent group were involved violence and/or illegal activity, it would be important to keep their names confidential
• Informed consent
  
  • Important that all partici[pants know the aim of the study before joining as it included discussing sensitive issues

Question 7

Banks and Dabbs Study (bio)

Research Method

Answer 7

Correlation study or interview