Biological Psychology Key Question

• What is the key question in biological psychology discussed?

  What are the implications if aggression is due to nature not nurture?
• How is aggression defined in the study material?

  A harmful interaction intending to inflict damage
• What does nurture suggest about human behavior?

  We come into the world as a blank slate
• What does nature argue regarding behavior influences?

  There are genetic and biological influences
• What percentage increase in violent crime was recorded by police?

  19%
• What was the percentage increase in domestic abuse in 2020?

  20%
• How many deaths from violent crimes were recorded in 2017?

  464,000
• Why is it essential to understand the cause of aggressive tendencies?

  To formulate treatments and keep society safe
• What does the theory of evolution suggest about human purpose?

  Our purpose is to pass down genes
• How do males use physical aggression according to the evolution theory?

  To attract females by demonstrating strength
• What type of aggression are females more likely to use?

  Social aggression to reduce attractiveness of others
• What did Daly and Wilson find regarding low status males?

  They were most likely victims and offenders
• What is a weakness of the evolutionary theory mentioned?

  It lacks temporal validity due to outdated data
• What does the amygdala regulate?

  The fight or flight mechanism and emotional processing
• What happens if there are deficits in the amygdala?

  It may falsely activate fight or flight responses
• What is the role of the prefrontal cortex (PFC)?

  Linked to planning and decision making
• What might happen if the PFC is damaged?

  Individuals may act for immediate rewards
• What case supports the strength of brain structure research?

  Charles Whitman's mass shooting and tumor findings
• What is a strength of the methodology in brain structure research?

  It generates objective quantitative data
• What are the applications of understanding aggression's causes?

  • Suggests prisons and rehabilitation may be ineffective
  • Focus on medical therapies and surgeries
  • Example: amygdalectomies to reduce aggression
• What if aggression is due to nurture?

  • Behavior can be unlearned through stimuli
  • Importance of talking therapies
  • Role of positive role models in behavior change