Genetic

• Genes are the cause of aggressive behaviour.

  Through genetic transmission aggression can be passed from one generation to the next
• MAOA gene - responsible for regulating the enzyme MAOA.

  This enzyme breaks down the neurotransmitter serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine. This allows neurons to communicate more effectively.
• If there is a dysfunction in the MAOA gene then the enzyme doesn't regulate the levels of serotonin properly resulting in aggressive behaviour.
• Different forms of the MAOA gene

  A low (L) activity version and a high (H) activity version.

  Research suggests that it is the MAOA-L gene which predisposes a person to violence.
• AO3 - Brunner

  Investigated the case of a Dutch family whose male members had been particularly aggressive over many generations. Males in this family were found to have a rare mutated version of the MAOA gene.
• AO3 - McDermott

  Demonstrated in a controlled experiment conditions how those with the MAOA-L gene are more likely to force someone to eat hot chilli sauce, despite having to pay to punish, than someone with the MAOA-H gene supporting the role of the MAOA-L gene in aggression.
• Supports biological determinism

  Suggests a persons aggressive behaviour is controlled by their genetics and that free will plays no part.

  Has serious implications for legal system where a person is seen to be responsible for their actions , a biologically deterministic stance would suggest that violent offenders may not be accountable for their actions.
• Genetic explanations are reductionist as they explain aggression by looking at genetic factors only.

  Makes the study of aggression far simpler and more scientific but it ignores holism.