Genetic Explanations

• What is the main concern with genetic explanations for aggression?

  Implying born criminals
• Why do psychologists often turn to twins to study genetic factors in aggression?

  Similarities in aggression levels
• What type of twins share all of their genes?

  Monozygotic
• What did Coccaro's research on Vietnamese twins find regarding genetic difference and aggression?

  47% of difference in assault
• What is the concordance rate in aggression?

  Likelihood of two people showing same behavior
• Why are adoption studies useful in researching genetic factors in aggression?

  Remove environmental issues
• What did Mednick and Hutchings' adoption study find regarding criminality and genetics?

  21.4% of adoptees had criminal record
• How could someone be aggressive genetically?

  Genes code for biological processes
• Is there a single gene or combination of genes that always results in aggression?

  No
• What is the MAOA gene and its relation to aggression?

  Breaks down serotonin in brain
• What is the diathesis stress model of aggressive behavior?

  Combination of genetic and environmental factors
• What is the nickname of the MAOA-L genetic variation?

  Warrior gene
• What did Brunner's case study find regarding the MAOA gene and aggression?

  Low activity MAOA gene in aggressive males
• What is the issue with the MAOA hypothesis regarding aggression?

  Most people with MAOA-L are not aggressive
• What is the role of the limbic system in aggression?

  Regulates emotional responses
• What is the relationship between testosterone and aggression?

  Testosterone is linked to aggression
• What is the relationship between serotonin and aggression?

  Complex, with too much or too little being problematic
• What is the concept of concordance rate in aggression?

  Likelihood of two people showing same behavior
• What are the differences between monozygotic and dizygotic twins?

  Monozygotic twins share all genes, dizygotic twins share 50% of genes
• What are the limitations of twin and family studies in researching genetic factors in aggression?

  Environmental issues, social pressures
• Why are adoption studies important in researching genetic factors in aggression?

  Remove environmental issues, study genetic factors
• What is the concept of the diathesis stress model of aggressive behavior?

  Combination of genetic and environmental factors
• What is the role of environmental factors in aggression?

  Interact with genetic factors to influence aggression