Getting you thinking: Extension: Compare the studies you found in terms of validity. Share the study you found and your weakness with somebody else.

Neural and hormonal mechanisms in aggression Pages

Learning objectives : By the end of this lesson you will be able: To evaluate the brain structure as an explanation of aggression. To describe serotonin as an explanation of aggression. To evaluate serotonin as an explanation of aggression.

Biological factors 1)Brain structure  Amygdala  Prefrontal /frontal cortex/frontal lobe (usually used interchangeably) 1)Brain structure  Amygdala  Prefrontal /frontal cortex/frontal lobe (usually used interchangeably) Neural factorsHormonal factors 2) Neurotransmitters  Serotonin 2) Neurotransmitters  Serotonin 1)Hormonal  Testosterone  Androgens 1)Hormonal  Testosterone  Androgens This lesson we will continue to focus on neural factors You could potentially get a 24 mark question on either neural OR hormonal factors, OR both.

Brain structure – AO2/3 1)There is research evidence from ……… to support brain structure as a neural mechanism in aggression. 2)This research found… 3)The implications of this are … 4)This supports brain structure as a neural explanation of aggression because… 5)HOWEVER there are issues with the research into the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. 6)For example…case studies, objectivity 7)This is an issue with the explanation because… 8)In conclusion…does the supporting research and that used in AO1 seem valid? Why?

Neural factors Discuss: 1) What can you remember from AS about neurotransmitters and their effect on behaviour. 2) Watch the You Tube clip describing how neurotransmitters work. Create a visual image to help you to remember how neurotransmitters work. Extension: How could you practically apply this explanation?

Serotonin (AO1) Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which is thought to reduce aggression by inhibiting responses to emotional stimuli that might otherwise lead to an aggressive response. LOW levels of serotonin have been associated with aggressive behaviour. This is demonstrate by Davidson et al (2000) who compared violent criminals to non-violent ones and found in violent criminals serotonin levels were lower. Put this in your notes Use pages to add to your AO1 notes for serotonin, be selective with the information you include. Extension: Which AID would be relevant and why?

Neural mechanisms 1)Brain structure  Amygdala  Prefrontal /frontal cortex/frontal lobe (usually used interchangeably) 1)Brain structure  Amygdala  Prefrontal /frontal cortex/frontal lobe (usually used interchangeably) Neural factors (AO1) Evaluation (AO2/3) 2) Neurotransmitters  Serotonin 2) Neurotransmitters  Serotonin 1)Brain structure Supporting research Issues with research 1)Brain structure Supporting research Issues with research 2) Neurotransmitters Supporting research Issues with research Practical applications 2) Neurotransmitters Supporting research Issues with research Practical applications Both explanations Conflicting explanation (tie in with nature vs nurture - AID) AID (reductionism) Both explanations Conflicting explanation (tie in with nature vs nurture - AID) AID (reductionism)

Your task (5 minutes) Use the research below to write out in full an 8 step AO2/3 point. Extension: What other factors may influence female aggression? Mann et al (1990) gave 35 healthy participants a drug which is known to reduce levels of serotonin (it was developed to help with weight loss, but is now withdrawn). Using a questionnaire to assess hostility and aggression levels, they found that males (but not females) showed higher levels of hostility and aggression after taking the drug.

Serotonin– AO2/3 1)There is research evidence from Mann et al (1990) to support serotonin as a neural mechanism in aggression. 2)This research found… 3)The implications of this are … 4)This supports serotonin as a neural explanation of aggression because… 5)HOWEVER there are issues with the research into serotonin. 6)For example…is serotonin constant? What factors could influence serotonin levels in Mann’s research? 7)This is an issue with the explanation because… 8)In conclusion…does the supporting research and that used in AO1 seem valid? Why?

Check your understanding In pairs/small groups play hangman using key terms from the lessons on neural factors in aggression. Extension: Use terms from anywhere in aggression so far.

Learning objectives : You are now able: To evaluate the brain structure as an explanation of aggression. To describe serotonin as an explanation of aggression. To evaluate serotonin as an explanation of aggression.

Homework Due in next lesson: 1)Use the 8 step process to write out the following AO2/3 points…. o Practical applications (serotonin) o AID – reductionism (both neural explanations) o AID – nature vs. nurture, tied in with conflicting explanations (both neural explanations) Preparation for next lesson: Read pages of your text book.