A03

• * evidence to support from delgado?

  • stimulated hypothalamus (part of limbic system) of monkeys with mild electric cuurents & found they attacked other monkeys
  • shows limbic system as whole plays role in aggression
  • works holistically to govern our emotions
  • when stimulated leads to increase in aggression
• * charles whitman case study?

  • 1/8/66 former US marine killed 16 & wounded 32 pople - fired rifles/shot gun/handguns from 28th floor observation deck of tower of uni of texas & later shot by police
  • autopsy - brain tumour in region of amygdala
  • bouts of intense rage before & admitted to overwhelming periods of hostility with minimum provocation
  • supports role of neural mechanisms
  • shows when damage present within l.s unable to regulate emotional responses - results in aggression/violent acts
  • was rage alone sufficient - systematically planned violence first on fam members & random members of public
• X contradictory theory of social psychological cause?

  • slt suggests instead of being down to innate biological factors aggression explained in terms of environmental exposure
  • beleives its a learnt behaviour developed through observation & imitation of aggressive role models - vicariously reinforced
  • ignores role of environment
  • may be best to look at aggression from more holisitic pov & take into account environmental factors - learning
  • interactionist apprach more appropriate
• X biologically deterministic?

  • pro: cause & effect so empirical & used to develop practical applications to treat aggression
  • allows us predict & prevent future behaviour eg identify whos at risk look at levels of nt & meds to prevent imbalance
  • con: implies that aggression caused by brain chem/physical structure - out of our control/not in free will
  • potential socially sensitive - criminals being absolved - less responsible for crimes due to brain structure/chem
  • may upset/offend victims/families
  • feel removal of blame minimises significance of trauma
  • excuse/normalise aggression in others