Neural And Hormonal Influences On Aggression

Question 1

What is the limbic system

Answer 1

an area of the brain containing the amygdala and hippocampus which is responsible for coordinating behaviours related to motivation and emotion

Question 2

What is the amygdala responsible for

Answer 2

Emotion, aggression and other adaptive qualities e.g. fear

Fast responses to immediate stressors

Question 3

What is the hippocampus responsible for

Answer 3

Memory to learn suitable responses based on past experiences rather than innate stimuli
Mediated aggression- aggression that has been thought about

Question 4

What is the role of serotonin

Answer 4

Inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps us calm down

Inhibits behaviour of amygdala which otherwise makes us act aggressively

Question 5

Role of testosterone

Answer 5

Increased aggression and dominant behaviours

Increased rates of aggression in males once they become adolescents for competition and physical labour