Aggression Flashcards

Question

Delisi study

Answer 1

Investigated importation model as an explanation for prison violence 831 ppts, random sample 20,000 in south western USA Looked at several variables like gang membership history of violence, age, ethnicity, education, vocational, skills and family and social support. Studied those in gangs and repeat offences correlated with inmate misconduct Measured only most serious forms of inmate misconduct controlled for length of sentence because longer sentences simply offer more opportunities to act aggressively. Findings: strongest predictors: Criminal career variables like violence history, confinement history and escape history. Also ethnicity, education, familial ties and social support. Inmates from racial and ethnic minorities were significantly more violent than white inmates. Inmates with less years of education less social and family support committed more acts of prison violence. Age: younger inmates engage in more misconduct and gradually desist as they age Little support for effect of gang membership on rates of prison violence.

Answer 2

to compare the effectiveness of deprivation and importation models one explaining violent incidents, incidents against staff and incidents against other inmates 431 disciplinary reports fro mens state prison in south USA. Interviews and observations with inmates and prison staff Both models helped explain violence against inmates staff property and self but Deprivation slightly more powerful but difference very small. Better predictor of violent incidents AO2 Importation model was not wanting to be better but was an addition to deprivation model not alternative. Addresses internal validity problem in Delisi became both models were compared within the same prison

Answer 3

Compare deprivation and importation model as predictors Looked at relationship between components of each model and inmates level of opposition and exploitation. Used regression analysis form of correlation which calculates how well one variable predicts values in another Used standardised questionnaires and prison data, daily observation, participation and informal contacts with prisoners as well as prison staff. Conducted in 3 prisons in Holland , 2 were high security. 114 males chosen randomly Results found deprivation generally better in predicting opposition to institution. When explaining opposition to others both models were equal which suggests that an interactionist model is a better predictor of exploitation behaviours. Deprivation model more useful for shaping policy decisions in prisons because prison managers can address each of the variables when deciding how best to run the prison. Also suggests that importation model has a PA that prison managers should avoid too many career criminals as it is a key predictor. Suggests a mixed population of criminal types in order to avoid a culture of exploitation.

Answer 4

failure to take into account biological approach + gives PA of how to manage prisons Deprivation- too simplistic

Answer 5

Explains aggression shown by those in a position of authority (guards) towards subordinates (prisoners) in usually stressful circumstances. Like DM assumes environment promotes aggression. Only explains aggression from guards to prisoners - Deindividuation of others: wearing hoodies - Deindividuation of self: Guard's uniforms serve to deindividuate them - Uncritical conformity to group norms: Conforming to group norms

Answer 6

Reicher & Haslam: Argue institutional aggression observed in prisons was not simply a product of situational factors but more to do with one groups way of thinking about another as there have been incidents where prisoners of war have been treated with compassion Demand characteristics- inmates know they're being observed in an experiment so may act their role of the mean guard or prison victim. In real life can actually harm them Ethical issue: May give guards/security an excuse for unacceptable behaviour as they blame it on their environment

Answer 7

Twin studies | Adoption studies

Answer 8

Mason & Frick found 50% of difference between peoples levels of ASB could be contributed to genetic factors Meta analysis: twin & adoption studies measured variance AO2: Meta analysis means much larger sample than singular study. Irons out methodological weaknesses in any one study. Twin studies criticised for differential shared environment

Answer 9

Found genes accounted for more than 40% of 10 aggressive Environmental influences accounted for 50% of ID in physical 70% verbal aggression Data from 182 MZ twin pairs and 118 DZ twin pairs analysed MZ share environment that frequently treats them more similarly than treats DZ in society. Treats MZ as one person or 2 versions of the same

Answer 10

Found 40% off studies was genetic component 60% for environmental contribution Little evidence for gender differences Meta analysis of 51 twin and adoption studies comparing over 87,000 individuals ASB operationalised by psychiatric diagnosis. Delinquency, behavioural aggression Reporting aggression -self report / report by others 39% genetic 53% method important Aggression on important role in extremely genetic influence

Answer 11

Equal environments: Twin researchers also assume that MZ and DZ twins raised in the same home experience the same environments. However research suggests that parents , peers and others may treat MZ twins more similarly than they do DZ twins Adoption studies: In New zealand and US adopted children show high rate of ASB at time of adoption compared to general population. Correlations between doptee and biological parents may be due to either the transmission of Anti social genes or environment. Feelings of abandonment

Answer 12

MAOA = enzyme that breaks down Noradrenalin, serotonin and dopamine If MAOA =defected NT's not broken down leading to excess Excess of Noradrenaline = raises blood pressure and flight or fight response + S&D imbalance important Low levels of MAOA = excess of NT =aggression

Answer 13

Caspi- not everyone with defective MAOA genes becomes aggression, looked at environment- childhood maltreatment Found there was an interaction effect and it was not solely genes or environment (maltreatment) but a combination which leads to higher levels of aggression Childhood maltreatment + defected MAOA has significant impact on adult antisocial behaviour IDA: Environment slightly more important Free will/ determinism- blaming it on genes PA: Convicted inmates and lawyers Nature and nurture needed

Answer 14

Look at urine sample of family with men with violent histories Found genetic defect of their X chromosome Analysed X chromosomes of 28 members of Dutch family and found a marker on X chromosome which was present in all the violent but not non violent men. Excess of NT's found in urine meaning MAOA not been breaking down properly This lead to them being predisposed in some way to violence when under stress AO2: -Limited influence of gene- unlikely that theres a direct link between gene and behaviour but genetic deficiencies may exert some influence on an individuals behaviour but NOT sole cause of behaviour -Role of environmental factors- behaviour may be more widespread due to shared environmental factors such as bad parenting and inappropriate role modelling.

Answer 15

Mate retention Sexual Coercion Eliminate rival

Answer 16

A way of enhancing reproductive fitness using mate retention strategies that prevents them leaving or committing adultery. Strategies consists of vigilance (mate guarding) or direct guarding to restrict their partners sexual autonomy. This can be prohibiting speaking or interaction with others or snooping through belongings

Answer 17

Dobash & Dobash: Studies of battered women where victims frequently cite extreme sexual jealously on the part of the male partners as the major cause of violence against them. Shackelford et al: Men who consistently used emotional manipulation were more prone to use violence in relationships Women stated me who used emotional manipulation were also more likely to be aggressive against them

Answer 18

Partner rape- they use tactics like pressure, trickery, emotional or aggressive force to get someone to agree to sex

Answer 19

Goetz and Shackelford: Found men who had raped their partners were more likely to report that they though their partners were being unfaithful. Women who reported that their partners had raped them were more likely to admit to having been unfaithful.

Answer 20

Violence/killing off the rival partners

Answer 21

Daly & Wilson: Observed that males and females commit murder for different reasons. Men are more likely to kill other men whom they perceive to be a sexual rival or those who challenge their position in the dominate hierarchy. Women however are more likely to kill in self defence e.g. murdering male sexual partners who have been physically abusing them.

Answer 22

Socially sensitive data: Studies in which there are potential social consequence or implications either directly for the ppts in research or the class of individuals represents day the research. Any socially sensitive research is likely to attract a lot of attention from the media and the general public. Controversies could be avoided by restricting research interests to areas that attract little attention from the media or from colleagues working outside of the particular field IDA of article about warrior gene: Nature vs nurture- takes into account both

Answer 23

The new discovery could be useful as a PA to inmates facing conviction and lawyers trying to prove their innocence. For example Bradley was given voluntary manslaughter instead of 1st degree murder with death penalty due to the finding of low levels of MAOA in his body and the fact he suffered from childhood maltreatment. A weakness of this is the deterministic nature as the person being convicted can blame their behaviour and come on this genetic defect and suggests people had loss of free will. This provides an excuse for their behaviour thus reducing their conviction. Positive implications: Valuable uses in offender treatment and rehabilitation Suggests that new treatments for personality disorders could be developed as they have been identified as the rick factors for criminal behaviour. Believed that early abuse alters serotonin in some way which effects some types of ASBO- offer support

Answer 24

Chemicals that allow signal transmission and thus communication among nerve cells (neurons)

Answer 25

80% of serotonin is located in the gut where it is used to regulate intestinal movements 20% of serotonin is in the CNS

Answer 26

Neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, muscle contraction and sleep Also helps with some cognitive functions like memory and learning

Answer 27

Serotonin neural circuits help counterbalance the tendency of brain dopamine and noradrenaline Excess levels of serotonin stops aggression

Answer 28

"low serotonin levels in the brain can results in impulsive behaviour, aggression, over-eating, depression, alcohol abuse and violent suicide"

Answer 29

Brown found low levels of serotonin remove the inhibitory effect with the consequence that indidividuals are less able to control their impulsive and aggressive responses. Support from research into major metabolite of serotonin is low in cerebrospinal fluid of aggressive people non experimental observation using clinical test AO2: Cause and effect- aggression may be causing the major metabolite of serotonin

Answer 30

Administered the drug dexflenfluramine to 35 healthy adults Drug is known to deplete serotonin levels in the brain. Researches used questionnaire to assess hostility and aggression levels and found that among males hostility and aggression levels increased after drug Experiment questionnaire AO2: can establish cause and effect Mann showed aggression in males and not females Questionnaire- social desirability may have hidden effect in females as don't want to admit Dangerous to conclude that low levels of serotonin don't cause aggression in females

Answer 31

Allowed a rat to fight everyday for 10 days at same time on 11th day animal not allowed to fight. Researches measured levels of serotonin and dopamine in brain. Found that in anticipation of a fight that rats dopamine levels increased and SEROTONIN levels DECREASED even though no fight. Shows experience has encouraged rats brain chemistry preparing it for a fight by altering levels of serotonin and dopamine in ways consistent with the onset of aggressive behaviour.

Answer 32

Lavine: not as well establish as link between serotonin and aggression however some evidence to suggest that increases in dopamine activity are associated with increases in a aggressive behaviour. Buitelaar: The use of dopamine antagonists have been successful as away of reducing aggressive behaviour in violent delinquents. Ferrari: Rats allowed to fight every day for 10 days but not on the 11th day. Researchers measured levels of Serotonin and dopamine in brain. Found that in anticipation of a fight dopamine levels increased and serotonin decreased.

Answer 33

Couppis et al: Found evidence that dopamine also plays an important reinforcing role in aggression. Their research suggests that some individuals intentionally seek out aggression encounter because of the rewarding sensations cause by increase in dopamine which these encounters provide. Couppis et al: Studies with mice demonstrate problem. Effectively "turning off" dopamine in rats brain also makes it difficult for the animal to move. Dopamine has important role in movement and coordination. Difficult to explain any subsequent drop in aggressive behaviour which could be due either to lack of motivation to be aggressive or simple to the fact that mice find it difficult to move and thus to respond aggressively.

Answer 34

To initiate fight or flight response

Answer 35

Role is to regulate extent of aggressive response

Answer 36

Keeps aggression in check

Answer 37

Stimulation= aggression Bard and Mountcastle By stimulating the lateral hypothalamus of cars made them more likely to show preditorial aggression and stimulating the medial hypothalamus it caused a vicious attack

Answer 38

Potegal showed hamsters have more active neutrons in and around the medial nucleus of amygdala during acts of aggression

Answer 39

Careful lesioning amygdala of aggressive animals showed a taming effect In humans amygdalectomy is carried out it reduce violent behaviour but emotion is also lost

Answer 40

Individuals with front lobe damage show impulsive behaviour, irritability, short temper and easily provoked. Gage has accident with tamping iron entered left side of face and survived for 11 years. But change in persona unable to stay in a job for long and became aggressive

Answer 41

Suggests that activity in one brain region (caudate nucleus) inhibits aggression as Delgado stimulated it via a radio operated electrode. However the caudate nucleus also effects voluntary movement so it is questionable whether this really relates to aggresison

Answer 42

Gage has accident with tamping iron entered left side of face and survived for 11 years. But change in persona unable to stay in a job for long and became aggressive Significant as real life case study involving an accident which changed his persona and aggressive behaviour

Answer 43

Proposed that psychopathy involves damage to the amygdala shows that in cases where humans have been hospitalised for psychopathic tendencies, this is often caused by damage to the amygdala

Answer 44

Argues that generalisation between animals and humans should be more viable- human and animal differences are qualitative However humans are more emotionally complex Humans have laws Humans brains more developed and bigger enabling us to do things animals can't

Answer 45

Looked at people with antisocial personality disorder MRI scan of brain structure showed that individuals have a 11% reduction of grey matter in pre frontal cortex which emphasises the importance of that part of the brain in terms of aggressive behaviour Also scanned brains of 41 impulsive murderers who murderd in fit of rage and wanted to see if brain acted normally when subjected to stress Less activity in pre frontal cortex but visual activity good activity.

Answer 46

Males have evolved the tendency for sexual jealousy as it's an adaptive trait. Sexual jealousy is an innate response to suspected or real infidelity to the female. Men who were more attuned to infidelity threats in the EEA were more likely to get exclusive mating rights and ensure gene survival. Such innate jealousy would prompt aggressive tactics e.g. mate retention strategies e.g. sexual coercion or violence toward the rival male increasing reproductive success for the male. Aggression in the form of the mate retention would serve to keep the female close, deter her from infidelity and ensure exclusive mating subsequently increasing paternity certainty. Violence toward the rival male would ensure sole access due to scaring off rival males so passing on their genes due to exclusive mating. Since such male aggressive is adaptive might expect males to possess similar traits now Males who know or suspect female infidelity might therefore respond aggressively to retain the female and/ or repel the rival.

Answer 47

Supports eliminate rival as most victims and perpetrators were male. Highest rates of murder were male to male 63% Male offender to female victim were 22.7%

Answer 48

Females have been found to kill when in self defence from an abusing partners

Answer 49

Men react differently to the news of infidelity: Buss + Shackelford study. Man gets news of wife cheating some react with violence or debasement- desperate to keep her or alcohol abuse to avoid Cultural differences: Aggression for status, Yanonmarko but in !Kung Sun aggression = irreparable damage to reputation

Answer 50

Approach- SLT some men aggress some don't PA: Police can see mate retention strategies as early indicators of later aggressive behaviour IDA: Cultural differences cant be explained- H+L Greek culture All men have this evolved mechanism for the tendency to behave aggressively when suspecting infidelity but the cultures mediate this response. Too deterministic that this tendencies will manifest itself most males wont as not accepted.

Answer 51

Acquistion of status uses both natural and sexual selection as the high status male has access to resources for survival and reproduction

Answer 52

Low status males behave aggressively as they have more to gain through potential success through a extreme aggressive act than a high status male

Answer 53

Support as use of aggression an adaptive trait evolved in males to give them greater confidence of paternity and serve as a warning to potential rival suitors

Answer 54

Some cultures however female confinement is the norm In Greece the worst form of disgrace experience by a husband is brought upon him by an adulterous wife. Husbands who tolerate this behaviour is seen as unmanly and weak. Too deterministic cultures with high levels of violence still have low status not explained Gain status through alternative ways like proffession

Answer 55

Acquisition of status is a primary motivation in male aggression. Driven by natural and sexual selection For Hunter-gatherers fitness directly related to success as a hunter and warrior Good hunters gained resources and fought off rival males

Answer 56

Research evidence D&W: Motive behind most of the conflicts in Detroit 1972 resulting in murder was status Victims and offenders likely to be unemployed and unmarried Supports idea that low status males with no mate are more likely to change in aggression Supports the idea of using aggression to ascend the dominace hierarchy givene the fact they wear aware of the status of their rival Strong correlation between degree of income equality and murder rates Greater threat of status triggers higher levels of aggression

Answer 57

If murder rates are high it might signify war which could lead to greater income inequality Politival unrest leads to inequality and higher murder votes Determinsim: nature vs nurture: men form via socialisation that status is important and aggression can get you status Better explanation as to why some men are more motivated to achieve status Culture in most cultures status gained by means other aggression

Answer 58

-Testosterone is a steroid hormone which affects the development and growth of sex organs -It is the principal sex hormone in males -Seems that testosterone is present when aggression is present -2 models that help explain testosterone levels: Basal model and Reciprocal model -Basal model levels of testosterone determines level of aggression -Reciprocal model testosterone levels vary with level of social dominance/aggression -Challenge hypothesis proposes testosterone levels in monogamous should only rise above the baseline level in response to social challenges. Challenges could be related to reproductive success either directly linked (over women) or indirectly (for resources or status)

Answer 59

1) Securing access to scarce resources 2) Reducing overpopulation 3) The Aggressors forcing their own genes onto the vanquished group 4) Holt & Lewis Acquiring status and access to female

Answer 60

Was as part of an on-going competition for scarce resources in order to ensure survival (carpenter) In animal populations competition is limited to territorial and mating rights or access to sustenance such as food and water In the EEA war was adaptive as it help increased chances of survival and reproductive success. It would gain access to land territory and thus to females improving their reproductive success and survival War helps prevent loss of resources and enhances chance of spreading genes maintaining the original gene pool. Diamond- 63% countries involved in 20th century wars did for reasons like insufficient space and resources example in WWII Japan and Germany.

Answer 61

Evolution sees war as a check on overpopulation. Gaining land through war is immediately followed by the partial or total killing of the defeated original inhabitants of the territory. Killing people eliminates the competition and means more resources for everyone else Prevents rival groups genes spreading Prevents overpopulation from happening

Answer 62

The conquerors attempt to force their race and spread their culture upon the defeated so as to ensure permanent domination for their progeny. To spread their genes and making themselves the dominant race Enforcing sex upon defeated to infiltrate genes Women die during childbirth

Answer 63

Killing more people allows you to acquire status as being in groups you are more likely to be successful warrior and therefore return as one appearing more attractive to females. Tribal fighting-swiping and kidnapping the females increases access to females.