neural and hormonal explanations of aggression

 NEURAL.

1. SEROTONIN

• an imbalance of neurotransmitters are linked with aggression, especially low levels of serotonin
• mann found that drugs that reduced levels of serotonin, increased hostility and aggression in males
• research to describe by Davidson et al - suggested that serotonin has a balancing calming effect on the brain; he compared non violent and violent criminals and found violent criminals had lower levels of serotonin
• this research was a correlation analysis; cant establish cause and effect; other factoras could be involved e.g. environment
• research to support by morand et al tested effects of the serotonic drug 5htp on juvenile delinquents and found that increased levels of serotonin reduced the amount of aggression; increases support for biochemicals
• research has aetiology fallacy; drug works as a treatment so believe it is the cause; other factors could be involved e.g. environment/cognition so cant say conclusively low levels of serotonin is cause of aggression

2. TESTOSTERONE

• nelson reviewed research and found a positive correlation between the levels of androgens [male sex hormones e.g. testosterone] and aggressive behaviour
• To evaluate Nelson- high in scientific validity; objective measurements of…