key questions

Question 1

what is the key question for bio psych?

Answer 1

• what are the implications for society if aggression is found to be caused by nature not nurture?

Question 2

what is aggression?

Answer 2

• overt or covert, often harmful interaction with the intention of inflicting damage upon another individual

Question 3

what is the role of nature and nurture in aggression

Answer 3

• nurture - due to environment, we come into the world as a blank mind and learn behaviour
• nature - due to genetics or brain structure

Question 4

why is the key question important to society?

Answer 4

• police recorded 19% increase in violent crime (649 to 739)
• in 2020, domestic abuse rose by 20%
• in 2017 464,000 died from violent crimes

Question 5

what are the ethical implications of aggression being linked to nature in the context of imprisonment?

Answer 5

• if aggression is a result of nature, it raises the question of whether imprisonment as a punishment is ethical
• if individuals cannot help their aggressive behaviour, should they be held criminally responsible
• this presents a moral dilemma for society about the fairness of punishment

Question 6

describe the theory of brain structure

Answer 6

• aggression can be provoked by stimulating certain brain regions like the amygdala
• this shows aggression comes from brain functioning
• it’s part of our biology, our nature
• animals aren’t blamed for aggression due to stimulation
• people with aggression should not be to blame either

Question 7

describe theory of hormones

Answer 7

• high testosterone levels are linked to aggression
• dabbs (1987) measured testosterone in 89 male prisoners
• higher testosterone levels were found in those involved in violent crimes
• hormones play a role in aggression
• this supports the idea that aggression is part of our biology and nature

Question 8

describe theory of evolution (natural selection)

Answer 8

• males may react aggressively to protect offspring or mate
• these behaviours help protect the male’s genes
• aggressive tendencies may be passed on through reproduction
• this is a biological explanation, part of our nature
• society wouldn’t blame someone for their inherited genes
• punishing aggression wouldn’t be useful if it’s part of someone’s nature (cannot unlearn if it’s in genes)

Question 9

treatment or punishment?

Answer 9

• aggression from nature: seen as needing treatment and support
• aggression from learned behaviour: punishment might help stop it
• if aggression is learned (nurture), punishment can unlearn it
• if aggression is natural, punishment won’t work because it’s not learned behaviour

Question 10

conclusion

Answer 10

• aggression from nature may be seen as an illness or disorder
• could predict aggression before it happens and prevent it
• raises ethical issues like who decides on treatments
• when should interventions happen (infancy, adolescence?)
• is it right to treat someone (e.g. hormonal treatment) before they commit an offence?
• implication if aggression is due to nature = prisons are useless and used for scapegoating
• implication if aggression due to nurture = if we can learn, we should be able to unlearn

Question 11

low validity

Answer 11

• case studies are unique
• no comparison to before

Question 12

methodology

Answer 12

• brain scans - reliable and valid

Question 13

reductionist

Answer 13

doesnt consider environment

Question 14

alternate theory

Answer 14

slt
- learn through observing and imitating a role model
- bandura