Discuss The Role Of Neural And Hormonal
Discuss the role of neural and hormonal mechanism in aggression (8 marks + 16 marks)
AO2
Pg. 129 in blue book
There are neural and hormonal factors in aggressive behaviour, levels of testosterone and their influence on aggression have been studied – Studies show that testosterone, which is an androgen tends to be related to higher levels of aggression at points in life when testosterone is plentiful, such as during puberty.
Davidson argues that the role of serotonin is to inhibit aggressive tendencies. Research on animals supports this as low levels of serotonin causes an increase in aggressive behaviour.
It could be argued that manipulating the levels of serotonin in humans is unethical as this supposedly leads to increased levels of aggression. Furthermore, the research conducted by Mann is on a small sample of 35 adults and is not representative of the wider population, therefore generalizability cannot be achieved.
A01
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that allow impulses from one area of the brain to be transmitted to another area. All behaviours are influences by the actions of neurotransmitters. For example, aggression has been associated with low levels of serotonin, and high levels of dopamine.
It is claimed low levels of serotonin, reduces the ability to control aggressive impulses. Proof of the role of low levels of serotonin in aggression comes from Mann, who manipulated levels of serotonin. They directed the drug dexfenfluramine known to reduce serotonin levels, to 35 healthy adults. They then used a questionnaire to assess aggression levels, and found these levels had increased among males after treatment with the drug.
AO2
Pg. 129 in blue book
There are neural and hormonal factors in aggressive behaviour, levels of testosterone and their influence on aggression have been studied – Studies show that testosterone, which is an androgen tends to be related to higher levels of aggression at points in life when testosterone is plentiful, such as during puberty.
Davidson argues that the role of serotonin is to inhibit aggressive tendencies. Research on animals supports this as low levels of serotonin causes an increase in aggressive behaviour.
It could be argued that manipulating the levels of serotonin in humans is unethical as this supposedly leads to increased levels of aggression. Furthermore, the research conducted by Mann is on a small sample of 35 adults and is not representative of the wider population, therefore generalizability cannot be achieved.
A01
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that allow impulses from one area of the brain to be transmitted to another area. All behaviours are influences by the actions of neurotransmitters. For example, aggression has been associated with low levels of serotonin, and high levels of dopamine.
It is claimed low levels of serotonin, reduces the ability to control aggressive impulses. Proof of the role of low levels of serotonin in aggression comes from Mann, who manipulated levels of serotonin. They directed the drug dexfenfluramine known to reduce serotonin levels, to 35 healthy adults. They then used a questionnaire to assess aggression levels, and found these levels had increased among males after treatment with the drug.