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GENETIC FACTORS IN AGGRESSION - Coggle Diagram
GENETIC FACTORS IN AGGRESSION
Chromosomes affect our testosterone levels + the circulation rate of testosterone round the body and the number/sensitivity of testosterone receptors
It's suggested that the testosterone hormone is linked to aggression
Research on MAOA gene/ 'warrior gene' is linked to aggression
MAOA gene is responsible for the production of a specific protein which allows the metabolizing of noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine
Variation in this gene = neurotransmitters not broken down in the body
Variation may have more impact on males because they only have one copy of this x-chromosomal gene + females have 2 copies
MALES = XY
FEMALES = XX
If adrenaline is not metabolised, then the increased levels of adrenaline can cause hypersensitivity in the 'fight/flight' response
This means that individuals may overract to an external stimulus and perceive a threat where one does not exist
A STUDY TO SUPPORT - MAOA GENE IN MICE
MAOA gene was removed in a group of mice + they showed increased aggressive behavior + higher levels of serotonin
Concluded that there is a direct link between the MAOA gene and aggression which suggests genetic factors cause aggressive behavior
LIMITATION - DIFFICULT TO GENERALISE FINDINGS TO HUMANS
Animals + humans have different physiological attributes.
Human decisions are governed by conscious decisions + we are far more complex/cognitively sophisticated than animals
May not find the same results if repeated on humans which questions validity of the evidence that supports genetic factors in aggression
EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE - MAOA GENE INVESTIGATED IN 97 MEN WHO INFLICTED PHYSICAL HARM ON THEIR PARTNERS
Most violent men had a variation in their MAOA gene and these men engaged in the highest level of psychical and psychological aggression/ caused the worst injuries to their partners
Suggests that the MAOA genes plays a crucial role in influencing aggressive behaviour
HOWEVER, AGGRESSION IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MEASURE/OPERATIONALISE
Individuals can often deny/conceal aggressive behavior which means researches need the skill to apply certain techniques that overcome these complications
In the genetic factors of aggression, researches only studied chromosomes + MAOA gene, therefore this study has only focused on psychical aggression and ignored passive anger, verbal anger + hostility
This ongoing problem reduces the overall validity of genetic factors in explaining aggression
IT COULD BE ARGUED THAT IT'S REDUCTIONIST
Only focuses on genetic factors = reductionist approach
Other significant factors are ignored e.g. observation/ imitation (Bandura)
It's also suggested we learn through role models and wanting the rewards that they receive for the same behaviour
Role of biology cannot explain this process of social learning, therefore genetic factors in explaining aggression is incomplete. instead a more eclectic approach needs to be developed in order to understand reasons for aggressive behaviour
RESEARCH SUPPORT - HUTCHINGS + MENDICK
14,000 adoptions. biological father with a criminal violence positively correlated with convictions of criminal violence in sons who were adopted by another family