Agreesion

Question 1

What role does the limbic system play in aggression?

Answer 1

The limbic system (including the amygdala, hypothalamus, and cingulate gyrus) helps assess threats in the environment. Overactivity in the amygdala is linked to impulsive aggression.

Question 2

How does serotonin affect aggressive behavior in research and in neural and hormonal mechanisms?

Answer 2

Low serotonin levels reduce self-control, increasing impulsive aggression. Research shows violent offenders with low serotonin struggle with impulse control and sleep issues in research
neural and hormonal though states it has calming affect on brain and increases self control so idfk

Question 3

What is the relationship between testosterone and aggression?

Answer 3

Testosterone influences aggression by affecting brain activity. Higher testosterone is linked to increased aggression in both animals and humans, while castration studies show reduced aggression.

Question 4

What research supports the amygdala’s role in aggression?

Answer 4

Gospic et al. (2011) used fMRI scans in a lab-based provocation game. Heightened amygdala activity was associated with aggressive reactions, reduced when benzodiazepines were used.

Question 5

How does serotonin-increasing medication affect aggression?

Answer 5

Berman et al. (2009) found that participants given paroxetine (a serotonin-enhancing drug) gave fewer electric shocks in a provocation game, suggesting increased serotonin reduces aggression.

Question 6

How does the prefrontal cortex influence aggression?

Answer 6

The prefrontal cortex regulates emotions and controls impulsive behavior. Damage or underactivity in this area reduces control over aggression, leading to sudden and intense reactions.

Question 7

What are the two types of aggression linked to serotonin levels?

Answer 7

Impulsive aggression (hot-tempered, sudden) is linked to low serotonin, while non-impulsive aggression (cold, calculated) is less affected by serotonin levels.

Question 8

Why are males generally more aggressive than females?

Answer 8

Higher testosterone levels in males contribute to increased aggression. Studies show that fluctuating testosterone, such as during puberty, correlates with aggression levels.

Question 9

What research supports the link between testosterone and aggression?

Answer 9

Animal studies show that castrating males reduces aggression, while injecting testosterone increases it. Similar patterns have been observed in humans.

Question 10

How can understanding neural and hormonal mechanisms help manage aggression?

Answer 10

Medications that regulate serotonin (e.g., SSRIs) can reduce aggression, and therapies targeting impulse control help manage aggressive tendencies.

Question 11

what does the limbic system do? (neural and hormonal)

Answer 11

The limbic system regulates emotions, including aggression.
Key structures: amygdala, hypothalamus, and cingulate gyrus.
The amygdala is responsible for processing threats and triggering aggressive responses.
Overactive amygdala → leads to higher aggression.

Question 12

Supporting Research on the Amygdala (neural and hormonal)

Answer 12

Gospic et al. (2011):
Used fMRI scans during a provocation-based game.
Found heightened amygdala activity in aggressive reactions.
Participants given benzodiazepines (which reduce arousal) showed lower aggression and amygdala activity.

Question 13

Limiting Research on the Amygdala neural and hormonal)

Answer 13

Coccaro et al. (2007):
Found reduced orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) activity in aggressive individuals.
Suggests that aggression is not solely due to the amygdala, but also involves higher brain areas responsible for self-control.

Question 14

The Role of the Prefrontal Cortex (neural and hormonal)

Answer 14

The prefrontal cortex regulates impulse control and decision-making.
Low prefrontal cortex activity → increases aggressive behavior.
Violent offenders often show reduced prefrontal activity, suggesting poor emotional regulation.

Question 15

The Role of Serotonin in Aggression (neural and hormonal)

Answer 15

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has an inhibitory effect on aggression.
Low serotonin levels → linked to poor impulse control and increased aggression.
The orbitofrontal cortex is particularly affected by serotonin levels.

Question 16

Supporting Research on Serotonin

Answer 16

Berman et al. (2009):
Participants given paroxetine (a serotonin-enhancing drug) showed lower aggression in response to provocation.
Those given a placebo were more aggressive, supporting the serotonin-deficiency hypothesis.

Question 17

Biological Evidence for Serotonin-Aggression Link

Answer 17

Virkkunen et al. (1994):
Found low serotonin metabolite levels in violent impulsive offenders.
These offenders also had more difficulty sleeping, suggesting a hyperactive nervous system.

Question 18

Challenges to the Serotonin-Aggression Link

Answer 18

Some animal studies show that serotonin depletion does not always increase aggression.
Personality and environmental factors may influence serotonin’s effect.

Question 19

Serotonin-Based Treatments for Aggression

Answer 19

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), like fluoxetine, are used to reduce aggressive outbursts in individuals with impulse control disorders.

Question 20

Interaction of Serotonin and the Limbic System

Answer 20

Serotonin modulates activity in the amygdala, preventing overreactive responses to threats.
Low serotonin → hyperactive amygdala → higher aggression.

Question 21

Role of Testosterone in Aggression

Answer 21

Testosterone is a male sex hormone linked to aggression and dominance behaviors.
Higher testosterone levels are correlated with increased aggression in both animals and humans.

Question 22

Supporting Research on Testosterone in humans

Answer 22

Dabbs et al. (1995):
Measured testosterone levels in prison inmates.
Inmates with higher testosterone were more likely to have committed violent crimes.

Question 23

Alternative Explanation: Dual-Hormone Hypothesis

Answer 23

Carre & Mehta (2011):
Testosterone’s effect on aggression depends on cortisol levels.
High testosterone only leads to aggression when cortisol is low.
Suggests hormonal interactions, rather than testosterone alone, determine aggression.

Question 24

Animal Studies on Testosterone

Answer 24

Castration studies show that removing testosterone reduces aggression.
Reintroducing testosterone restores aggressive behavior, supporting its role.

Question 25

Ethical Issues in Testosterone Research

Answer 25

Some experiments involve hormone manipulation in animals, raising ethical concerns. Generalizability from animal studies to humans is limited.

Question 26

Strengths of Neural and Hormonal Explanations

Answer 26

✅ Scientific credibility – based on brain scans and hormonal tests. ✅ Practical applications – SSRIs and hormone therapy for aggression management. ✅ Cross-species consistency – similar findings in humans and animals.

Question 27

Limitations of Neural and Hormonal Explanations

Answer 27

❌ Reductionism – ignores social and environmental factors. ❌ Determinism – suggests aggression is biologically inevitable, ignoring free will. ❌ Gender bias – most studies focus on male aggression, less research on female aggression.

Question 28

Key Principles of Social Learning Theory (SLT)

Answer 28

Developed by Albert Bandura. Suggests aggression is learned through observation and imitation. Direct learning: Aggressive behavior reinforced through operant conditioning (rewards/punishments). Indirect learning: Learning through observing models (e.g., parents, peers, media). Four key processes: Attention – Individual must focus on the aggressive act. Retention – Aggressive behavior must be remembered. Reproduction – The individual must have the ability to perform the act. Motivation – They must expect a reward rather than punishment for aggression.

Question 28

Supporting Research for SLT: Bandura’s Bobo Doll Study (1961)

Answer 28

Aim: Investigated whether children imitate aggression after observing an aggressive model. Procedure: Children watched an adult model behave aggressively towards a Bobo doll (hitting, kicking, verbal aggression). Some children saw the model being rewarded, others saw the model punished, and a control group saw no consequences. Later, children were given a Bobo doll to play with. Findings: Children who saw rewarded aggression were more likely to imitate it. Those who saw punished aggression were less likely to imitate. Boys were more aggressive than girls, but both imitated aggressive models. Conclusion: Supports SLT: Aggression can be learned through observation and imitation. Reinforcement plays a role: Consequences influence whether aggression is repeated.

Question 29

Limiting Research for SLT: Challenges to Imitation Theory

Answer 29

Biological factors: Raine et al. (1997) found that brain activity differences (e.g., lower prefrontal cortex activity in violent criminals) suggest biological influences on aggression. Lab experiment limitations: Bandura’s study lacks ecological validity (Bobo doll does not fight back). Real-world aggression may involve more consequences and social influences. Long-term effects? SLT focuses on immediate aggression, but long-term aggression may be influenced by personality, environment, and biology.

Question 30

How Media Influences Aggression Cognitive priming

Answer 30

Exposure to violent media activates aggressive thoughts and memories. Frequent exposure leads to automatic aggressive responses.

Question 30

How Media Influences Aggression Desensitization

Answer 30

Repeated exposure to violence makes individuals less sensitive to aggression. Decreased physiological arousal (e.g., lower heart rate when viewing real violence).

Question 31

How Media Influences Aggression Disinhibition

Answer 31

Media violence reduces social restraints against aggression. Aggressive behavior becomes normalized.

Question 31

Supporting Research for Media Influence

Answer 31

Bushman & Anderson (2002): Participants who played violent video games had more aggressive thoughts than those who played non-violent games. Suggests cognitive priming increases aggression. Desensitization evidence (Carnagey et al., 2007): Participants who played violent video games had lower physiological arousal (heart rate, skin response) when watching real violence. Suggests reduced emotional response to real aggression.

Question 32

Limiting Research for Media Influence on Aggression

Answer 32

Correlational vs. Causation: Studies show an association between media violence and aggression, but causality is unclear. Third variables (e.g., family background, personality) could explain aggression. Individual differences: Not everyone exposed to media violence becomes aggressive. Personality traits (e.g., low empathy, high impulsivity) may influence susceptibility. Cultural differences: In some societies, exposure to media violence does not lead to increased aggression.

Question 33

Do Violent Video Games Cause Aggression?

Answer 33

Anderson et al. (2010) meta-analysis: Found a small but significant link between violent video games and aggression. Effects were stronger in Western cultures. Criticism: Many studies lack real-world validity. Aggression in video games is not the same as real aggression.

Question 34

Experimental vs. Longitudinal Studies on Video Game Aggression

Answer 34

Experimental studies (short-term effects): Show immediate aggression after violent video game exposure. Problem: Often artificial settings (e.g., giving noise blasts). Longitudinal studies (long-term effects): Robertson et al. (2013) found that high TV-violence exposure in childhood was linked to higher aggression in adulthood. However: Longitudinal studies struggle to separate cause and effect.

Question 34

Dispositional Explanations Institutional Aggression

Answer 34

Aggression is imported into institutions by individuals with violent backgrounds, personality traits, or gang affiliations. Supporting evidence: Delisi et al. (2011): Inmates with gang history showed higher aggression in prison.

Question 35

Situational explanation (Deprivation Model) Institutional Aggression:

Answer 35

Prison environment (e.g., LAUGHS Liberty, AUtonomy, Goods and services, Heterosexual relations, Security) increases aggression. Supporting evidence: Steiner (2009): Found higher aggression in overcrowded prisons.

Question 35

Zimbardo (1969) Deindividuation Theory:

Answer 35

Anonymity (e.g., wearing uniforms, helmets) reduces accountability, increasing aggression. Supporting evidence: Often occurs in groups or anonymous settings. Milgram’s Shock Experiment: Participants who wore hoods were more likely to administer higher shocks.

Question 36

Strengths of Research into Media & Institutional Aggression

Answer 36

✅ Real-world applications – Used in policy-making (e.g., age ratings for media). ✅ Scientific methods – Brain scans, experiments, and meta-analyses provide reliable data. ✅ Consistent findings – Studies across different methods show similar results.

Question 37

Limitations of Research into Media & Institutional Aggression

Answer 37

❌ Reductionism – Overlooks social, cognitive, and biological influences. ❌ Determinism – Implies aggression is inevitable after media exposure. ❌ Ethical concerns – Studies expose participants to aggression, which could increase aggression in real life.

Question 38

What is the frustration-aggression hypothesis?

Answer 38

Suggests that aggression is caused by frustration when a goal is blocked. Developed by Dollard et al. (1939). Aggression is a cathartic response to frustration.

Question 39

How does the MAOA gene relate to aggression

Answer 39

Known as the "warrior gene." Low-activity MAOA-L variant is linked to increased aggression. Especially relevant when combined with childhood maltreatment.

Question 40

What is institutional aggression?

Answer 40

Aggression that occurs within institutions (e.g., prisons, military). Can be explained by situational (deprivation model) and dispositional (importation model) factors.

Question 41

What are the key features of the ethological explanation of aggression?

Answer 41

Argues aggression is innate and adaptive. Konrad Lorenz (1966) suggested fixed action patterns (FAPs). Ritualistic aggression prevents excessive harm in animals.

Question 42

What is the evolutionary explanation of aggression?

Answer 42

Argues aggression has survival and reproductive benefits. Male aggression linked to securing mates and resources. Explains infanticide, male rivalry, and jealousy-driven violence.

Question 43

What did Raine et al.’s (1997) study find about brain structures and aggression?

Answer 43

PET scans of murderers showed reduced prefrontal cortex activity. Supports the idea that impaired regulation increases aggression. Highlights biological basis of aggression.

Question 44

What evidence supports the role of testosterone in aggression?

Answer 44

Dabbs et al. (1995) found high testosterone levels in violent criminals. Animal studies show castration reduces aggression. Suggests a hormonal influence.

Question 45

What did Caspi et al. (2002) find about the MAOA gene?

Answer 45

tudied 1,000 New Zealand boys. Found low-MAOA activity + childhood abuse = high aggression. Highlights gene-environment interaction.

Question 46

What does the deprivation model say about institutional aggression?

Answer 46

Situational factors (e.g., overcrowding, lack of freedom) cause aggression. Supported by studies in prison environments. Highlights the role of environmental stressors.

Question 47

How does the importation model explain prison aggression?

Answer 47

Suggests inmates bring pre-existing aggressive traits into prisons. Studies show gang members display more violence in prison. Emphasizes dispositional factors.

Question 48

What did Wilson & Daly’s research find about male aggression?

Answer 48

Males are more likely to engage in status-driven aggression. Supports evolutionary explanations. Explains male-on-male violence.

Question 49

What is evidence against the frustration-aggression hypothesis?

Answer 49

Not all frustration leads to aggression. Some people show withdrawal or problem-solving instead. Suggests other factors influence aggression Overly simplistic – ignores biological and cognitive factors. Later modified to include cues for aggression (Berkowitz)..

Question 50

What does the ethnographic evidence say about aggression?

Answer 50

Aggression levels vary across cultures. Some societies (e.g., !Kung San) have low aggression. Suggests environmental and cultural factors play a role

Question 51

What are strengths of the social learning theory in explaining aggression?

Answer 51

Supported by Bandura’s research. Explains cultural differences in aggression. Acknowledges role of cognitive processes.

Question 52

What are limitations of the social learning theory?

Answer 52

Ignores biological factors (e.g., genetics, hormones). Lab studies (like Bandura’s) lack ecological validity. Does not fully explain impulsive aggression.

Question 53

What are criticisms of the evolutionary explanation of aggression?

Answer 53

Hard to test scientifically (retrospective nature). Cannot explain cultural differences in aggression. Does not account for individual variation.

Question 54

How does real-world application support biological explanations of aggression?

Answer 54

Drugs increasing serotonin reduce aggression. Testosterone blockers used for violent offenders. Shows practical benefits of biological understanding.