Biology agression Flashcards
What is evolutionary theory of aggression?
Over time we adapt to our environment to ensure survival of our species. The ppl who manage to survive will be able to reproduce and pass onto the next generation to survive.
evo psychologist also interested in how we adapt to changes like technology and phenotypes (interaction of genes and environment)
Males evolved to be bigger and stronger to protect family and so could pass on genes. They evolved to be aggressive to survive dangerous situations and attract mates. Evolution suggests females be less aggressive as they look after children so are more emotionally and verbally aggressive
What is natural selection?
Ppl who adapt to the surroundings survive and pass on their genes. Some genes will die and out no longer needed for survival . Sexual selection means some genes passed on for reproduction like being more attractive.
What are two strengths of evolution in explaining aggression.
Mazur found fight less when get older as they have often found a partner in their 20’s so now longer need to show dominance supporting sexual selection
Scientific as explains behavior based on evidence like fossils and species across time so more reliable data about aggression.
What are two weaknesses evolution in explaining aggression.
Doesn’t account for environmental factors like social learning theory which says its observation and imitation of aggressive role models not evolution
Doesnt account for individual differences like personality or hormones in explaining aggression so less complete explanation.
How does brain structure affect agression?
Frontal cortex damage can lead to poor decision making and poor impulse control leading to aggressive responses
Hippocampus damage can limit transfers of memories to STM to LTM so people don’t learn correct responses about how to deal with aggression
Amygdala damage can lead to poor regulation of instinctive emotions. Damage to right amygdala makes bad decision making and appropriate social behaviour in men and impulsive aggressive behaviour as it acts before left amygdala
Hypothalamus regulates hormones like testosterone which is linked to aggression. Damage to hypothalamus could affect testosterone levels and cause high aggression.
What are two strengths of the brain structure and function as explanation of aggression?
Case study of Charles Whitman who shot people at Texas University. An autopsy found a brain tumor near his amygdala affecting his aggression and impulsivity
Raine found more glucose metabolism in pre-frontal cortex in NGRI murderers compared to control group showing brain function affects impulsive aggressive acts like murder
What are two weaknesses of evolution in explaining aggression.
Doesn’t account for individual differences like personality in explaining aggression
Hard to establish cause and affect between brain structure and aggression could be other factors like social learning theory.
What is oxytocin?
Hormone that is produced in hypothalamus.
Released when hugging or showing affection but can be negative as it can casue ppl to become defensively agressive towards a partner
eg getting in fights over protecting partner.
What does cortisol do?
It protects the body against stress.
Aggression is displayed when cortisol is low and testosterone is high
Less aggression is shown when cortisol is high as it blocks testosterones influence on agression.
What does testosterone do?
It maintains male characteristics so is dominant in males.
High testosterone can affect prenatal brain development and cell growth in amygdala after birth which can lead to competitive aggression.
What are two strengths of the hormone explanation of aggression?
Dabbs analyses saliva samples from male prisoners and found 10 out of 11 had high testosterone levels
It’s reductionist as simply focuses on hormones as a explanation of aggression so can be used to predict and get treatments.
What are two weaknesses of the hormone explanation of aggression?
Eisnernegger found when giving females testosterone they behaved more generous and social so testosterone can only explain male aggression
Doesn’t consider individual differences like aggression being caused by environmental factors seas valid.
A01 key question “what are the implications for society if aggression is found to be caused by nature?”
Aggression is anger that can result in violence like attacking without provocation. If it’s biological could be used as an excuse to do crime.
Williams estimated 60% of young adult males in prison had TBI so could use to predict any aggressive behaviour if they have brain injuries
It could lead to discrimination and social control as people who biologically aggressive could be tested and monitored
Useful for courts if it’s cause by biology as UK courts now recognise TBI in sentencing for young ppl which can lead to reforms to crim justice system.
A02 key question “what are the implications for society if aggression is found to be caused by nature?”
Pre frontal cortex causes aggression when damaged as affects decision making and impulse control so nature
If cortisol cannot block affects of testosterone resulting in more aggressive behaviour like fights over competitive activities
Evolution theory explains aggression is important for survival, reproduction and attracting mates. Causes agresison as we have to fight to attract a mate and pass on genes
Amygdala regulates emotional responses so if damaged could lead to excessive emotional responses like fighting.
A03 key question “what are the implications for society if aggression is found to be caused by nature?”
Raine found lower glucose metabolism in pre frontal cortex than control- supports idea aggression is nature
Charles Whitman shot up texas uni and had a tumour pressing on his limbic system near his amygdala- supports nature
Reductionist as simplifies aggression to nature only like survival and doesn’t consider factors like childhood or beliefs so incomplete explanation
Eisernegger ever found when females given testosterone they behave more social and generous. So things like testosterone don’t cause aggression and it may be factors like how males are raised.
