Biological aggression

Question 1

How do hormones affect aggression?

Answer 1

• Testosterone as males are seen as more aggressive
• Cortisol low and high testosterone increases aggression
• Serotonin being low increases aggression
• Dopamine acts as a reward hormone for aggression

Question 2

How do genes affect aggression?

Answer 2

• MAOA gene where low activity enzyme means more aggression
• SRY gene makes embryo male and males are linked to being more aggressive

Question 3

How do brain structures affect aggression?

Answer 3

• Orbito Frontal Cortex — regulates impulse control and rational thinking (low activity is high aggression)
• Amygdala — how a person responds to environmental threats (more sensitive more aggressive)

Question 4

How does evolution affect aggression?

Answer 4

Ancestors in the EEA may have had to use aggression for mates and survival and this aggression may have been passed down

Question 5

What is the evaluation of the B approach for aggression?

Answer 5

• S— Research brain scans show amygdala being active when seeing angry faces (Coccaro et al 2007)
  -W— Biological factors interact so it is more complex and non bio factors are equally as important