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17 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Why are twin studies used to look at the influence of genetics? (3) (AO1) |
• MZ twins share all of their genes, while DZ twins share a maximum 50% • if MZ are more alike in terms of aggression than DZ twins this suggests similarity can be attributed to genetics • studies of adult twins suggests at least 50% of variance of aggression can be accounted for by genetic factors |
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Why are adoption studies used how genetics influence aggression? (1) (AO1) |
• adoption studies can help determine the relative contributions of environment and heredity in aggression • positive correlation between kid and biological parents shows genetic influence, • positive correlation to kid and adoptive parent = environmental influence |
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When Hutchings et al analysed the concordance rate of 14,427 Danish adoptees of criminality between adoptee and adopted/biological parents, what were the results? (2) (AO2) |
• Found a positive correlation between number of convictions between biological parents and children |
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Why might adopted children be more involved in criminal activity than regular children? (3) (AO2) |
• adopted children might have difficulty adjusting to environment • could be learnt behaviour from biological parents • could be violent due to the stigma attached with being adopted |
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What results did Miles and Carey find that supports genetics whilst carrying out a meta analysis on 24 twin+adoption studies? (3) (AO2) |
• strong evidence of genetic influence in development of aggressive behaviour • found that in children genetics + environment were important • in adults genetics were important and environment less important |
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What results did Rhee and Waldman conclude that supports Miles and Carey's findings? (2) (AO2) |
• meta analysis of 51 twin and adoption studies • concluded that aggressive and antisocial behaviour was largely the product of genetic contributions |
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What is the gene that is linked to aggression? (1) (AO1) |
• Monamine oxidase A • MAOA |
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What is the role of MAOA? (1) (AO1) |
• regulates metabolism of serotonin in the brain • low levels of serotonin are linked to aggression • thus low levels of MAOA = aggression |
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What evidence did Brunner et al find to show the effects of MAOA in a violent Dutch family? (1) (AO1) |
• violent Dutch family had low levels of MAOA and a defective gene for the production of MAOA |
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How does Caspi et al provide an alternative explanation for the role of genetics and their interaction with the environment? (4) (AO1) |
• Caspi et al found 2 variations of the gene for MAOA • one linked to high levels of MAOA • other linked to low levels of MAOA • the low levels of MAOA people showed aggression behaviour but only if maltreated as children • therefore showing how genes interact with environment |
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What are the problems with assessing aggression with self report techniques and observations? (2) (AO2) |
• studies with self report showed a high genetic influence • observations showed high environmental influence • therefore this suggests that the method use to assess aggression is a significant influence on findings of a study |
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How is the genetic influence viewed reductionist? (1) (IDA) |
• Not only genetics that influence aggression, many environmental factors influence the manifestation of aggressive behaviour • genes act as a predisposition which acts as a diathesis stress |
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What value does animal research have upon research into genetics? (4) (IDA) |
• studies of rodents have the advantage of allowing researchers to eliminate a single gene from an experimental group to see it's effects • thus researchers can identify a genetic mutation that causes aggressive behaviour in mice • animals such as mice have a different genome and physiology to humans, so effects of genes may be different • unethical |
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What is the problem with sampling with studies about aggression? (3) (AO2) |
• Studies focus on individuals convicted violent crime
• this represents a small minority of those who are regularly involved in aggressive behaviour, as many attacks do not mean conviction
• secondly, individuals in prison may not be habitual offenders, therefore may be calm and might be a one time offence |
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How has research into aggression being influences by genetics allows for real life applications? (1) (IDA) |
• using genetic engineering to prevent crime, or using chemical castration to 'treat' potential violent offenders |
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What are the ethical problems associated with looking at someone's genetics and believing that they are aggressive? (2) (IDA) |
• ethical concerns concerning labelling someone as a threat to society based on their genetic heritage • particularly if evidence is inconclusive |
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How can the influence of genetics be seen as deterministic? (1) (IDA) |
• If people believe that aggression is pre programmed • this ignores peoples free will • this deterministic approach could cause problems with the legal system when dealing with acts of aggression |
