SCOUT Aggression Explanations
Evolution
Hormones
Freud Psychodynamic
Brain structure
Conflicting
Application
Supporting
Conflicting
Application
Supporting
Conflicting
Application
Supporting
Conflicting
Application
Supporting
AO1 - high serotonin in OFC means less aggression and more self control, low serotonin in OFC means impulsive behaviour e.g. aggression
AO1 - Orbitofrontal cortex is apart of the prefrontal cortex. It is involved in high cognitive functions (decisionmaking) and self-control.
AO1 - Amygdala (limbic) is involved with aggression amongst humans, it has a role in how one reacts to threats, reactivity of the amygdala is said to be predictor of aggression "hot-blooded'
AO3 - Pardini's study on men who were constantly aggressive found a negative correlation with amygdala and aggression.
AO3 - Studies find links between 🔥 aggression and a brain function. Ethical reasons for correlational research bc experiments make ppts have to be aggressive. Hard to say one function is linked to aggression.
AO3 - discovering drug to reduce aggression by affecting serotonin system with minimal side effects e.g. serenics has anti-aggressive effects in humans + animals.
AO1 - Males often more aggressive bc fighting is an evolved strat for dominance = more desirable for females.
AO1 - Evolution is how inherited characteristics are passed down. The idea that there is a gene that could be cause of aggression may explain why aggressive behaviour is consistent
AO1 - Explanation suggests aggressive behaviour may be due to genetic inheritance that is passed down through generations (reproduction)
AO3 - Daly + Wilson show violent aggression and homicide is more common in males towards other males which supports men wanting to assert dominance over rivals.
AO3 - this is too simplistic as there is no evidence of a specific gene, mutation or chromosome responsible for more aggressive behaviour.
AO3 - Helps explain why some people are more aggressive than others and it may run in a family. Useful also in school as they may treat more aggressive people differently to avoid behaviour.
AO1 - Hormone testosterone can influence the amygdala. Females usually have higher levels of oestrogen and lower levels of testosterone, however, changes to female testosterone levels may result in aggression.
AO1 - Cortisol is a hormone associated with stress and is produced when faced with stressors and low levels of cortisol have been associated with aggression.
AO1 - Testosterone has a role in regulating social behaviour through its influence of the brain linked to aggression e.g. amygdala
AO3 - Dabbs and Hargrove found degree of criminal behaviour was positively correlated w/ testosterone in female inmates. This makes the research valid therefore supporting the theory.
AO3 - Difficult to determine testosterone levels e.g. baseline levels are the 'usual' level and stays stable over long periods but fluctuates. Baseline testosterone is less important in human aggression than animals. Not valid enough.
AO3 - We should develop a drug which influences hormone mechanism which will lead to decrease in aggression without any effects on the bodily system e.g. Depo-Provera. Could be given to prisoners to reduce crime
AO1 - The tripartite personality is explained by the id which is based on desire, the superego which is based on morality and both are balanced and maintained by the ego.
AO1 - Catharsis is expressing aggression to satisfy an instictive drive e.g. venting anger is cathartic because it releases psychic energies and reduces aggression.
AO3 - Hotblooded aggression is impulsive (domain of the id) and coldblooded aggression is deliberate (ego controlling id). Matches reality of behaviour and makes it valid.
AO3 - Bushman found that students blasted the confederate with loud noises in a later task after criticising their work in the previous task as they vented anger into punchbag. Found that it only fueled the fire.
AO1 - Freud believed direct expression of the impulse in aggressive behaviour was most beneficial but catharsis can be achieved in a variety of indirect ways e.g. displacement and observing.
AO3 - Could be featured in therapy e.g. psychoanalysis it. can be achieved by bringing unconscious and forgotten memories into conscious mind. Offers practical solution tor educe aggressive behaviour.