Aggression -Ethological explanation

• What is the study of animal behavior in natural settings called?

  Ethology
• Who is considered the founder of ethology?

  Konrad Lorenz
• What does the ethological explanation of aggression suggest about its nature?

  Aggression is an instinct present in all species
• What are the two key elements of the ethological approach to aggression?

  Aggression is instinctual and genetically determined
• What is an innate releasing mechanism (IRM)?

  A biological process triggered by external stimuli
• Define a fixed action pattern.

  A sequence of stereotyped behaviors triggered by IRM
• What is the main adaptive function of aggression?

  To benefit survival and establish territory
• How do male chimpanzees use aggression in their social structure?

  To climb the social hierarchy
• What role does aggression play in children's development according to Pettit et al (1988)?

  It helps establish dominance over peers
• What is ritualistic aggression and its significance?

  • Series of behaviors carried out in order
  • Reduces physical harm during confrontations
  • Indicates acceptance of defeat to prevent injury
• What did Lorenz observe about physical damage in animal fights?

  Very little damage occurred during fights
• How does ritualistic aggression prevent damage to the loser?

  By indicating acceptance of defeat
• What is the consequence of every aggressive encounter ending in killing?

  The species would eventually die out
• What triggers an innate releasing mechanism (IRM)?

  An environmental stimulus like a facial expression
• What are the six main features of Fixed Action Patterns according to Stephen Lea (1984)?

  Stereotyped, universal, unaffected by learning, ballistic, single-purpose, response to sign stimulus
• What is the sign stimulus for male sticklebacks during mating season?

  The red spot on their underbelly
• What did Tinbergen's study on sticklebacks demonstrate about aggression?

  It is triggered by specific visual cues
• What does the research by Han Brunner et al (1993) suggest about aggression?

  It is associated with the MAOA-L gene
• What cultural factor did Nisbett (1993) identify affecting aggression?

  A 'culture of honour' in the southern US
• What limitation does Jane Goodall's observation of chimpanzees present to the ethological explanation?

  Same-species aggression can be systematic and lethal
• How did Morton Hunt (1973) challenge Lorenz's view of Fixed Action Patterns?

  FAPs are influenced by environmental factors
• What term do many ethologists prefer over Fixed Action Patterns now?

  Modal behaviour pattern
• What are the strengths and limitations of the ethological explanation of aggression?

  Strengths:

  • Genetic basis supported by research
  • Aggression seen as adaptive behavior

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Cultural variations in aggression
  • Aggression can be systematic and lethal
  • FAPs influenced by environmental factors