Practical investigation and key question - biological psychology Flashcards
(9 cards)
What is the aim of the practical?
To investigate if there is a correlation between height and aggression in Year 12 male and female students
What are the hypotheses for the practical?
One tailed - there will be a positive correlation between height and aggressive tendency scores, measured by BPAQ aggression scale among male and female participants aged 16017
Null - There will be no significant difference between height and aggressive tendency scores in males and females
What is the procedure of the practical?
Opportunity sample - 8 boys and girls from 6th form common room
-Informed consent received
-Aggression quiz completed independently in a quiet room
-20 questions asked
-Height of each participant based off rough memory
Findings of the practical
The observed value of -0.065 is less than the critical value of 0.653, thus the null hypothesis was accepted
-Height has no correlation with aggression
Evaluation of practical
+Standardised procedure which allows for the study to be replicated
-Lacks generalisability as the sample size was too small and only generalises to 16-17 year old school children
+Ethical as informed consent was received
- Low validity as height was taken from memory rather than an accurate measurement
Title of key question
What are the implications for society if aggression is found to be caused by nature not nurture?
Definition of nature and nurture on aggression
Aggression can be explained through the biological theory of nature over nurture. Nature as an explanation suggests biological factors control aggression while nurture suggests environmental factors control aggression. Society is interest in this topic as aggression can lead to violence so if its found aggression is biological, our legal system may change
Real life example of nature affecting aggression
Luis Suarez bit Chiellini in the 2014 Brazil World Cup
-The immediate, spontaneous nature of biting, where emotion seems to precede rational thought, suggests a lack of conscious control, leading to an innate response during a high-pressure sports match
Application of key question
One explanation is we inherit our aggressiveness through evolution. We have evolved to become aggressive when protecting our mate or offspring so we can keep them safe. Steiner (2016) pointed out when protecting offspring, females become just as aggressive as males. This can justify violent acts if the purpose is to protect family.
Another explanation is testosterone controls aggression. Dolan (2001) found a positive correlation between testosterone and aggressive behaviours in 60 male UK offenders. This may question is boys need more support to control their anger as they have higher testosterone than women. However, Eisenegger (2011) showed how testosterone may not affect aggression. When giving a dose to females, they were more generous in a lab-based negotiating game
Another explanation is certain areas of the brain are more active in aggressive people proved in PET scans. Raine (1997) found the occipital lobe, right amygdala, right temporal lobe and right thalamus were more active in murderers who pleaded NGRI. This could lead to brain scans used legally to reduce responsibility or change sentencing of aggressive crimes
