Genetic factors in Aggression Flashcards
What is the main suggestion of genetic factors in aggression?
Aggression may be inherited.
What have Twin studies shown about concordance rates?
Shown a 50% concordance rate for aggression in MZ twins and a 20% concordance rate for aggression in DZ twins.
What did Coccaro et al conclude from his twin study?
Aggression can be attributed to genetic factors.
When can a genetic effect be implied in adoption studies?
If a positive correlation is sound between aggressive behaviour in children and aggressive behaviour in their biological parents.
When can an environmental effect be implied in adoption studies?
If a positive correlation is found between the adoptees aggressive behaviour and the rearing family.
What is the function of the MAOA gene?
To break down neurotransmitters (serotonin).
What does the MAOA low variant of the gene lead to?
Leads to a failure to break down serotonin causing a buildup of serotonin. This gene mutation leads to increased aggression.
Give a strength of egentic factors in aggression.
+Supporting evidence from Coccaro et al.
Twin studies, those with greater genetic similarities had a greater concordance rate for aggression.
Give disadvantages of genetic factors in aggression.
-Difficult to separate out the effects of genes and the environment.
The MAOA low variant doesn’t always increase aggression, it only happens in certain circumstances (not 100%).
-The way aggression is measured is not valid (Rhee and Waldman).
Used methods such as self reports which can be hard to draw valid conclusions from.
