Neural and Hormonal

• What are the main topics discussed in the aggression unit?

  Biological, evolutionary, and social psychological explanations
• What is the focus of the first video in the aggression unit?

  Neural and hormonal explanations for aggression
• What are the three distinct sections covered in the video on aggression?

  • Neural mechanisms
  • Hormonal mechanisms
  • Evaluations of both mechanisms
• What is the role of neurotransmitters in aggression?

  They influence how neurons work in the brain
• What neurotransmitter is specifically discussed in relation to aggression?

  Serotonin
• What hormone is discussed in relation to aggression?

  Testosterone
• What is the limbic system's role in aggression?

  It processes emotional information, including aggression
• Which two regions of the limbic system are particularly important for aggression?

  Amygdala and hypothalamus
• What is the function of the amygdala in aggression?

  It is thought to be the origin of aggressive feelings
• How does the hypothalamus contribute to aggression?

  It triggers the fight or flight response
• What is the role of the orbito frontal cortex (OFC) in aggression?

  It makes decisions and can overrule aggressive impulses
• How does the OFC help manage aggressive impulses?

  By regulating impulses from the limbic system
• What did early research by Egger and Flynn demonstrate about the hypothalamus?

  Electrical stimulation caused aggression in cats
• What did the case study by Sumer reveal about aggression?

  A tumor near the amygdala caused extreme aggression
• What is serotonin's role in aggression?

  It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that calms impulses
• What does the serotonin deficiency hypothesis suggest?

  Low serotonin levels lead to increased aggression
• How can serotonin levels be measured in the brain?

  By measuring 5-HIAA in spinal fluid
• What did Passamonti's study reveal about serotonin and aggression?

  Low serotonin reduced communication between OFC and amygdala
• What is testosterone's role in aggression?

  It is linked to higher levels of physical aggression
• How does testosterone affect the orbito frontal cortex?

  Excessive testosterone reduces its ability to regulate aggression
• What did Wagner's experiment with mice demonstrate about testosterone?

  Testosterone increases aggressive behavior in males
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of biological explanations for aggression?

  Strengths:

  • Open to scientific testing
  • Can lead to effective treatments

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Reductionist approach
  • Ignores social psychological factors
• What is the problem with a biologically deterministic approach to aggression?

  It suggests biology is destiny for behavior
• What is social sensitivity in psychological research?

  Research could negatively affect individuals' lives
• How do biological measuring tools contribute to research validity?

  They minimize potential bias in measurements
• What evaluations can be applied to the topic of genetic factors in aggression?

  • Reductionism and determinism evaluations
  • Social sensitivity concerns
  • High internal validity of biological studies