the role of neural mechanisms

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What have psychologists claimed low levels of seratonin are linked to?
low levels of seratonin have been linked to impulsive behaviour and ultimately aggression.
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What is the effect of normal levels of seratonin on an individual?
normal levels of seratonin will have an inhibitory effect on an individual
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what is the effect of low levels of seratonin on an individual?
low levels of seratonin mean the inhibitory effect is gone, this results in less control over their impulsive tendencies. less seratonin=less control over the amygdala in the pre-frontal cortex which controls emotions such as fear and anger.
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What is a relevant IDA point for this explanation?
Reductionist
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Why is this theory reductionist?
it argues that it is the low seratonin that causes aggression, it doesnt explain the cause of the low levels of seratonin. it also fails to include any other valid factors that contribute to aggressive behaviour such as nurture/envrionmental factors.
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What is a general point about reductionist theories?
it doesnt allow you to identify why behaviours occur, this explanation cannot explain why the person was aggressive in the first place. doesnt necessarily address the bigger picture.
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Name two pieces of evidence for the theory
Crockett and Davidson
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What did the research by Crockett find?
ppts who had the drink which did not contain tryptophan were more aggressive during the ultimatum game to offers they considered unfair.
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How does the research by Crockett support the theory?
it shows a relationship between levels of seratonin and levels of aggressive behaviour.
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What did the research by Davidson find?
violent criminals had lower levels of seratonin whereas non-violent criminals had higher levels of seratonin.
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How does the research by Davidson partially support the theory?
it shows that there could be a link between levels of seratonin and aggression however the two variables were measured at different times, the aggression was measured based on their past convictions where the seratonin was measured while in prison.
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What is good about the Crockett research (AO3)
it was strong research, it was conducted under high control (lab-based) so little influence from extraneous variables which makes it internally valid.
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What are some practical applications of this theory? (AO3)
some foods contain naturaly occuring seratonin. according to this theory by controlling your diet and including these foods(porridge,chocolate.bananas and turkey) you could reduce aggression in people who suffer from low levels of seratonin.
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As well as foods what other treatment could be used based on the theory? (AO3)
SSRI could be used (selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors) to reduce aggression in people who suffer from such moof disorders as a result of low levels of seratonin. these drugs enhance transmission making more seratonin availble for the individual
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Card 2

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What is the effect of normal levels of seratonin on an individual?

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normal levels of seratonin will have an inhibitory effect on an individual

Card 3

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what is the effect of low levels of seratonin on an individual?

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Card 4

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What is a relevant IDA point for this explanation?

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Card 5

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Why is this theory reductionist?

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