AGGRESSION KEY NOTES

Question 1

Aggression

Answer 1

Behaviour intended to harm another individual physically or psychologically

Question 2

Theories of Aggression

Answer 2

Biological Theories
Neural mechanisms (Amygdala, Hypothalamus)
Hormonal influences (Testosterone)
Genetic explanations (MAOA gene “warrior gene”)

Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1961)
Aggression is learned through observation and imitation.
Vicarious reinforcement increases likelihood of aggression.

Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis (Dollard et al., 1939)
Frustration leads to aggressive behavior.

Deindividuation Theory (Zimbardo, 1969)
Anonymity in crowds reduces self-awareness, increases aggression.

Cognitive Priming (Berkowitz, 1989)
Violent media primes aggressive thoughts and behaviors.

Question 3

KEY STUDIES

Answer 3

Children imitated aggressive behavior after observing adults.
Criticism: Lacks ecological validity; artificial setting.

Raine et al. (1997)
→ Brain scans of murderers: abnormalities in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala.
Criticism: Correlational, can’t establish cause.

Dabbs et al. (1995)
→ Higher testosterone linked to aggression in prisoners.
Criticism: Gender bias, small sample.

Question 4

CRITICISMS

Answer 4

Overemphasis on nature/biology without environment.

Ethical issues in aggression studies (e.g. harm to children in Bandura’s study).

Lab settings lack ecological validity.
Reductionist: ignores complex social/cultural factors.