Biological explanations: Neural and hormonal explanations Flashcards
(6 cards)
What does the neural and hormonal explanations suggest?
Aggression is caused by a dysfunction/underdevelopment of neuroanatomy, neurotransmitters and hormones
Describe the limbic system as a neural explanation.
Suggests that brain structures in the limbic system such as amygdala, hypothalamus and hippocampus are linked to agression. The limbic system is connected to the prefrontal cortex which is involved in reward anticipation so if there is a problem with the structure of the prefrontal cortex then this could result in reactive aggression (impulse-driven)
Describe the hypothalamus as a neural explanation for aggression?
The hypothalamus is a brain region that is responsible for the regulation of the autonomic revous system which helps us determine our emotional responses to situations or percieved threats. Damage to this area can be a reason why someone turns aggresive.
How do hormones and neurotranssmitters play a part in aggression?
Serotonin - neurotransmitter that helps us feel calm. Low levels of this can cause inability to control aggressive behavior.
Testosterone - research proves that men and more aggressive compared to females since men have higher levels of testosterone which is assumed to be signification in aggression.
What are the strengths and limitations of the neural and hormonal explanations of aggression?
RS: Kluver and Bucy
- Removed parts of the limbic system from rhesus monkeys e.g amygdala
- Monkeys showed absence of emotion and fear even in response to stimuli they’d usually fear.
- Some lost understanding of group hierarchies and were aggressive to dominant monkeys
RL: Raine et al
- He argued that the explanation was bidirectional; cause and effect cannot be established
- He found reduced activity in the pre-frontal cortex of murderers compared to non-murderers
- However, we cannot conclude if aggression leads to biological abnormalities or if these abnormalities are the result of aggression
