Albert et al

Question 1

biological approach

Answer 1

hormones

Question 2

aim

Answer 2

investigate how testosterone influences aggression in alpha male rates

Question 3

method

Answer 3

put rats in cages to identify the alpha males. Alpha males were then randomly assigned to one of the four conditions. These conditions were castration, castration with implant of testosterone tubes, castration with and implant of empty tubes and sham.

Question 4

results

Answer 4

the rats in conditions 1 and 3 whose testosterone levels diminished displayed less aggressive behaviour. The rates who remained the same, 2 and 4, displayed the same levels of aggression. The lowered testosterone rats where placed in a cage with another rat, the second rat become the alpha male

Question 5

conclusion

Answer 5

testosterone plays an important role in aggression and status-seeking in rats. Higher testosterone increases aggression and dominance of other rats.