neural and hormonal aggression

Question 1

limbic system

Answer 1

network of structures within brain

amygdala is part of this system- responds to threat

(research shows association between reactive aggression and amygdala activity

Question 2

study for limbic system

Answer 2

lab study to assess agg behaviour

2 players. 1 proposed to split money specific way other rejects/accepts

fmri brain scan during this

when one rejects(agg behaviour) other pp showed inc activity in amygdala

also benzodiazepine- drug decreases activity in amygdala, therefore decreasing agg = shows link between two

Question 3

seratonin

Answer 3

lower seratonin = reduced self control (inc impulsive behaviour eg agg)

• seratonin stops firing of amygdala (which controls fear anger etc)

research shows impulsive violent criminals = less seratonin in cerebrospinal fluid than NON-impulsive violent criminals

Question 4

HORMONAL - testosterone

Answer 4

males generally more agg than females

more testosterone (masculine features)

positive correlation between testosterone levels and aggressive behaviours