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Neural mechanisms refer to the role of neurotransmitters The sending neuron secretes its biochemical into the synaptic gap biochemical The biochemical binds to the receptor sites of the receiving neuron This causes the receiving neuron to fire thus sending its neurotransmitter into its synaptic gaps A quick recap.. Low levels of a particular neurotransmitter are thought to be linked to aggression. BUT WHICH ONE? See if you can click on the right link below… Noradrenaline SerotoninDopamine

In Psychology, Anand is an extremely capable, well-behaved and well-motivated student. I would put him within the top 5% of students in terms of his ability. He has achieved consistently high marks on assignments and scored high A grades on both mock exams. He has demonstrated an aptitude for analytical thought within his essays. He has been a key contributor to class discussions and has co- operated well in group work exercises. I would highly recommend him for higher education WRONG! Try again Go back to last page

Yes! Well Done! Psychologists have suggested low levels of serotonin in the brain can be linked with impulsive aggression Impulsive aggression is the tendency to respond with hostility or aggression when faced with serious frustration What counts as serious frustration? Click on the link to see some examples of events that could lead to impulsive aggression… Examples

From the list below, click on the 3 examples that you think would be likely to lead to impulsive aggression. If they disappear, they are not correct examples, if they turn gold they are! Burning the toast Someone throws an egg at you Someone crashing into your car after trying to cut you up at a junction The bus failing to stop for you when you have a job interview to go to Your pet becomes unwell Go to next Page

Normal levels of serotonin will have a calm, inhibitory effect on an individual But if serotonin levels are low this inhibitory effect is gone. Therefore, people will be less able to control impulsive and aggressive tendencies But what happens in the brain to make this the case? Click on the link to find out How lack of serotonin affects the brain

Why do low levels of serotonin affect aggression? Click to find out about the role of the amygdala Click to find out about the role of serotonin the amygdala is an almond-shaped structure in the brain that controls fear, anger and other emotional responses When the amygdala is stimulated by external novel and potentially threatening events, it will become more active, driving the person to act on their impulses Under normal circumstances, serotonin works in the frontal areas of the brain to inhibit the firing of the amygdala After you have found out information on amygdala and serotonin, click on ‘take the test’ Take the Test

Using what you learned from the last slide, see if you can choose the correct statement from the options below: (click on the one you think is correct) If there is less serotonin in the frontal brain areas, there will be less inhibition of the amygdala, so the amygdala will not be under control, resulting in increased aggression. If there is increased serotonin in the frontal brain areas, there will be less inhibition of the amygdala, so the amygdala will not be under control, resulting in increased aggression. If there is less serotonin in the frontal brain areas, there will be greater inhibition of the amygdala, so the amygdala will be under control, resulting in increased aggression. If there is increased serotonin in the frontal brain areas, there will be less inhibition of the amygdala, so the amygdala will not be under control, resulting in decreased aggression.

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Yes! Well Done! Go back to beginning Exit slide show Now go back through this presentation and write down on your worksheet details of how serotonin is linked to aggression