hormones and aggression AO3

Question 1

generalisability - limbic system is similar in humans and rodents

Answer 1

• the hypothalamus and limbic systems in humans and rodents are similar enough for generalisations to be made
• e.g. the attack centre found in the hypothalamus and aggression links to that area is found in humans too - Addison 2004
• there are also shared genes between animals and humans which make generalisations possible

Question 2

reliability - objective measurement of hormone levels

Answer 2

• the use of saliva sampling in human studies provides us with quant. data regarding levels of cortisol in the system
• this data does not have to be interpreted with a bias and so provides us with an objective measure for hormone levels

Question 3

reliability - studies use careful controls

Answer 3

• studies tend to use careful controls and animal studies can use even stronger controls
• the methods are scientific meaning there is credibility and conclusions
• produces more reliable and replicable results

Question 4

ethics - measuring the relationship between testosterone and aggression is difficult

Answer 4

• research on the relationship between testosterone and aggression is difficult since the only reliable measurement of brain testosterone is by a lumbar puncture which is not done for research purposes
• current ethical standards would prevent such studies taking place

Question 5

application - to controlling aggression

Answer 5

• understanding the effects of hormones on aggression could lead to real practical benefits
• for example if aggression is chemically controlled it should be possible to manufacture a drug that influences the hormonal mechanism and reduces aggressive behaviours