Hormonal Mechanisms AO3

• What is a weakness of the idea that testosterone plays a role in aggression?


  There is inconsistent evidence of this.
• What did Albert (1994) report regarding testosterone and aggression?


  Positive correlations were found between testosterone levels and self-reported aggression among prison inmates.
• What was the finding regarding testosterone levels and actual violent behavior among male inmates?


  No correlation was found between testosterone levels and actual violent behavior among male inmates in prison.
• Why is the inconsistency in studies about testosterone and aggression significant?


  It suggests that some studies indicate a relationship while others claim there is not.
• What conclusion can be drawn about the relationship between testosterone and aggression in humans?


  The relationship remains unclear.
• What is a criticism of the idea that testosterone plays a role in aggression?


  It is biologically reductionist.
• Who conducted research measuring salivary testosterone in criminals?

  Dabbs et al. (1987)
• What did Dabbs et al. (1987) find regarding testosterone levels in violent criminals?


  Those with the highest testosterone levels had a history of primarily violent crimes.
• What was observed about non-violent criminals in the study by Dabbs et al. (1987)?


  They had the lowest testosterone levels and committed only non-violent crimes.
• Why is the biological explanation of aggression considered insufficient?


  Because it does not account for socio-psychological factors that influence behavior.
• What are the socio-psychological factors that may influence aggressive behavior?

  • Social Learning Theory (SLT)
  • Environmental influences
  • Personal experiences
• How does the explanation of aggression reduce a complex behavior?


  It reduces it down to basic units, such as hormones.