Chapter 13

Question 1

Aggression

Answer 1

Any behaviour primarily intended to harm another human being.

Question 2

Physical aggression

Answer 2

Behaviour intended to cause physical harm to another human being.

Question 3

Social aggression

Answer 3

Behaviour intended to cause harm to another person’s emotional or social wellbeing without causing physical injury.

Question 4

Ethology

Answer 4

The study of animal behaviour.

Question 5

Catharsis

Answer 5

The release of pent up aggressive energy through vicarious or sympathetic acts of aggression.

Question 6

Endocrinology

Answer 6

The manufacture, storage, biological and chemistry of hormones in the body.

Question 7

Twin study

Answer 7

Behaviours of identical twins and fraternal twins, to determine what traits are heritable and what traits are genetic.

Question 8

Psychopathy

Answer 8

A personality disorder characterized by impaired moral conscience lack of empathy for others, and sensitivity to fearful and negative stimuli.

Question 9

‘Warrior Gene’

Answer 9

Gene responsible for regulating the manufacture of monoamine oxidase. Some 34 percent of the population carry this gene which is associated with heightened chance of psychopathy and aggression.

Question 10

Serotonin

Answer 10

A monoamine neurotransmitter found in the gut blood and CNS of humans and other animals. It is involved in regulating sleep and appetite.

Question 11

Testosterone

Answer 11

Steroid hormone found in both sexes of many animals, but 10x higher in men than women. It is associated with higher bone and muscle mass. Also increased risk taking, selfishness and aggression.

Question 12

Displaced Aggression

Answer 12

Aggression that is aroused by one source but directed at another. EX: Your wife makes you mad but you kick your dog.

Question 13

Frustration

Answer 13

Aversive state when individuals are prevented from achieving a goal they are pursuing.

Question 14

Aversive condition

Answer 14

Any condition that an organism finds unpleasant and seeks to avoid, modify or escape anywhere possible. This can sometimes trigger aggressive responses.

Question 15

Relative deprivation

Answer 15

The perception that, relative to others is not receiving good treatment or experiencing desired outcomes.

Question 16

Mean world syndrome

Answer 16

Exaggerated perceptions of the frequency of violence and antisocial behaviour that may follow from the consumption of violent media material.

Question 17

Desensitization

Answer 17

Reductions in negative emotions to violence that ensue from repeated exposure to violent stimuli. Desensitization can lead to increased levels of aggression.

Question 18

General Agression Model

Answer 18

Model describing the situational and personality variables that combine to produce human aggression.

Question 19

Culture of Honour

Answer 19

A culture in which honour and reputation, especially of men, is held to be important, and in which violence is seen as a justified means of defending ones honour.

Question 20

Hate Crime

Answer 20

An aggressive and illegal act against a person or persons that is motivated by prejudice towards the group to which they may belong.

Question 21

The male warrior hypothesis

Answer 21

The argument that men who are effective warriors have had an advantage in accessing mated and passing on their genes.