A03

• A strength of the ethological explanation is that there is supporting evidence relating to biological factors.

  For example, research such as Brunner (1993) has shown that the low-activity variant of the MAOA gene is associated with aggressive behaviour 

  In addition, further evidence proposes that sexual jealousy drives aggressive behaviours, which is seen as adaptive in our evolutionary history.

  Therefore, all these findings add validity to the ethological explanation as it assumes aggression is genetically determined and heritable, because of its adaptive nature.
• Point: However, a limitation of this explanation is that it is unable to explain cultural differences in aggression.

  Point: For example, Nisbett (1993) has found a north-south divide in the US in terms of homicide rates, where killings are more common amongst males in southern states.

  Explain: This was likely caused by a ‘culture of honour’ which leads males in southern states to display higher rates of reactive aggression

  Link: Therefore, assuming aggression is instinctive (according to ethologists), it is hard to explain how culture can override biological influences.
• Point: In addition, another limitation is that there is evidence that challenges ritualistic aggression

  Point: For example, Goodall (2010) studied chimpanzees in Tanzania and found that one community systematically slaughtered members of another group.

  Explain: This happened despite the victims displaying appeasement signals and showing defencelessness.

  Link: Therefore, this challenges the validity of the ethological explanation that same-species aggression evolved into harmless ritualistic behaviours.
• Point: A final limitation is that it FAPs may actually not be fixed

  Point: For example, Hunt (1973) suggest that the sequence of behaviours are greatly influenced by environmental factors, thus making them more flexible

  Explain: This is evident from the fact that the duration of aggressive behaviours varies from one individual animal to another, and even in the same animal from one encounter to another.

  Link: This challenges the validity of FAPs as they are supposed to be innate and universal, whereas in reality other factors also play a role.