Limbic system

• Supporting evidence +

  Zagrodzka et al (1998)- found damage to the central nucleus of the amygdala in cats led to aggressive ‘predator-like-attacks’.
• Animal studies -

  Animal studies cannot always be generalisable to humans.
• Supporting evidence+

  Gospic et al (2011)- Used the ‘ultimatum game’ method fMRI scans showed heightened activity in the amygdala when responders rejected the unfair offers.
• Contradictory evidence -

  Research suggests the amygdala does not work in isolation in determining aggression. For example, Phineas Gage.
• Contradictory evidence-

  Raine et al (1997)- found lower activity in the frontal cortex in murderers compared to non-murderers.