Aggression A2 Psychology

Aggression A2 Psychology

1. Social Psychological Explanations of Aggression

   • Social Learning Theory
     • Observation of role models Mental Representation of events Production of behaviour
   • Deindividuation
     • Reduced self-evaluation, decreased concern about evaluation by others, leading to an increase in antisocial behaviour
   • Prison Violence
     • Importation model
       • Prisoners 'import' violent behaviours into prison
     • Deprivation model
       • Violent behaviour is caused by prison (lack of privacy, overcrowding etc)

2. Biological Explanations of Aggression

   • Neurotransmitters
     • Low levels of serotonin, high levels of dopamine associated with aggressive behaviour
   • Hormonal Mechanisms
     • High levels testosterone, low levels of cortisol associated with aggressive behaviour

3. Evolution and Human Aggression

   • Jealousy
     • Men experience sexual jealousy due to threat of parental uncertainty
       • Dell (1984)- jealousy accounted for 17% of the murders in the UK
   • Infidelity
     • Infidelity may lead to sexual coercion or partner rape
       • Violence toward pregnant partners may be to terminate the pregnancy
   • Explanations of Group Display
     • Warfare
     • Sports
       • Xenophobia a common issue in sports
     • IDA
       • Real world applications