Aggression

• What subcortical structure is associated with memory, emotion, and learning?

  The Limbic System
• Which structures make up the Limbic System?

  Hippocampus, hypothalamus, and amygdala
• What is the primary role of the amygdala?

  Regulating emotional behaviour
• What did the Gospic study investigate?

  The amygdala's role in aggression
• What was observed in amygdala activity during the Ultimatum game?

  Increased activity when rejecting unfair offers
• How did benzodiazepines affect amygdala activity in the study?

  Reduced spikes in activity
• What is the role of serotonin in aggression?

  Regulates impulsive behaviour
• Where is serotonin primarily associated in the brain?

  Orbitofrontal cortex
• What did Virkkunen propose about serotonin?

  It controls sleeping patterns
• What did Giammanco et al.'s animal studies show about testosterone?

  It can increase aggressive behaviour
• What is a limitation of the amygdala's function in aggression?

  It works with the orbitofrontal cortex
• What did Coccaro find about patients with psychiatric disorders?

  Reduced OFC activity in aggressive patients
• What was the outcome of Berman's study on serotonin?

  Paroxetine group gave fewer shocks
• What is a limitation of the serotonin-aggression link?

  It is biologically reductionist
• What do twin studies suggest about aggression?

  Genetic basis for aggressive behaviour
• What were the concordance rates for MZ and DZ twins in Coccaro's study?

  50% for MZ, 19% for DZ
• What did Rhee and Waldman's meta-analysis find about genetics and aggression?

  Genetic features accounted for 41% of variance
• What does the MAOA gene code for?

  MAOA enzyme that breaks down serotonin
• What evidence did Brunner provide regarding MAOA levels?

  Low MAOA levels linked to aggression
• What is the interactionist approach suggested by Frazzetto?

  Low MAOA levels increase aggression with trauma
• What is a limitation in isolating genetic factors in aggression?

  Difficulty separating genetic and environmental factors
• What did McDermott's study reveal about the MAOA gene?

  Low-activity MAOA gene shows aggression when provoked
• What did Stuart et al. find about partner violence?

  Low MAOA and 5-htt activity in violent men
• What is a strength of animal studies in aggression research?

  Can isolate effects of specific genes
• What did Godar et al. find about the MAOA gene in mice?

  Switched off MAOA gene led to hyper-aggression
• What do ethological explanations of aggression focus on?

  Links between animal and human behaviour
• How is aggression adaptive according to ethological explanations?

  Increases survival chances of species
• What is appeasement in the context of aggression?

  Seeking new territory after aggression
• What did Pettit find about children's aggression?

  Used aggression to assert authority
• What is ritualistic aggression according to Lorenz?

  Involves little physical damage in fights
• What triggers an innate releasing mechanism (IRM)?

  An environmental stimulus
• What are fixed action patterns (FAPs)?

  Sequences of behaviours triggered by IRMs
• What did Tinbergen find about male sticklebacks?

  Respond aggressively to red spots
• What evidence challenges ritualistic aggression?

  Goodall's observations of chimpanzees
• What did Morgan Hunt find about fixed action patterns?

  Influenced by environmental factors
• What cultural differences did Nisbett find regarding aggression?

  South American males more aggressive when insulted
• What does evolutionary psychology explain about aggression?

  Behaviour evolved through natural selection
• What motivates sexual jealousy in males?

  Fear of cuckoldry
• What are mate retention strategies linked with aggression?

  Methods to prevent partner straying
• What did Wilson find about domestic abuse and mate retention strategies?

  Higher violence in partners using these strategies