PAPER 3 - Aggression

Question 1

What are the two NEURAL mechanisms in aggression ?

Answer 1

• limbic system

- serotonin

Question 2

What are the two components of the LIMBIC SYSTEM ?

Answer 2

• amygdala

- hippocampus

Question 3

What is the role of the AMYGDALA ?

Answer 3

evaluating the EMOTIONAL IMPORTANCE of SENSORY INFORMATION and promoting an APPROPRIATE RESPONSE

Question 4

What research was done into the amygdala ?

Answer 4

• 43 / 51 normal behaviour after amygdala removed

Question 5

What are the STRENGTHS for the amygdala ?

Answer 5

RESEARCH

• MRI scans
• lower amygdala volume = high (A)

Question 6

What are the WEAKNESSES for the amygdala ?

Answer 6

EXACT ROLE IS UNKNOWN

• Muller = 6 male psychopaths / 6 non-psychopaths
• psychopaths = increased amygdala activity
• Pardini = lower amygdala activity = increased (A)

Question 7

What is the role of the HIPPOCAMPUS ?

Answer 7

• formation of long-term memories

- compare current situation to past experiences

Question 8

What research has been done in to the hippocampus ?

Answer 8

• boccardi = HABITUALLY VIOLENT offenders exhibited abnormalities of hippocampus functioning

Question 9

What are the STRENGTHS for the hippocampus ?

Answer 9

RESEARCH
- raine = successful and unsuccessful psychopaths = MRI showed abnormalities in unsuccessful

• summer = 14yr old with tumour - aggressive manner
• treated with drugs - returned to normal

Question 10

What are the WEAKNESSES for the hippocampus ?

Answer 10

NOT CLEAR CUT

- many components in limbic system - not sure which part is implicated

Question 11

What is the role of SEROTONIN ?

Answer 11

• communication of impulses between neurons
• normal levels have calming effect
• low levels in PFC remove calming effect

Question 12

What research has been done in to SEROTONIN ?

Answer 12

mann et al - drug that depletes serotonin - questionnaire to access hostility - those with drugs had increased hostility