Outline and Evaluate the Role of Neural and Hormonal Mechanisms in Aggression

Describe and evaluate the role of neural and hormonal mechanisms in aggression (24 marks)

One factor that is considered to contribute to acts of aggression is neural and hormonal mechanisms. This would be when hormonal levels differ from their normal behaviour and potentially cause an individual to behave differently.

In the UK, since the 1980s, series of high profile cases where hormonal fluctuations surrounding premenstrual tension (PMT) have been given as a ground for temporary insanity. In R v Smith, 605611 cases, a murder charge was successfully reduced to manslaughter after taking OMT as a contributory factor. It was argued that aggressive acts caused by uncontrollable hormonal changes are associated with the monthly cycle.

Nelson found that there was a positive correlation between the level of androgens and aggressive behaviour in both male and female prisoners. However, a fault of this finding is that the measurements of hormone levels were not taken at the exact point when the act was performed. Another flaw is that it was a correlational study which means that we cannot establish and causal factors towards the acts – such as cue arousal.

However, testosterone is argued to not always have a negative effect on an individual. Pillay conducted a study on 94 athletes, measuring their testosterone levels. Their levels of testosterone differed according to whichever sport they were playing. She found that both male and females in aggressive sports had the highest levels of testosterone. Kimura added that the female ability also tends to improve with higher levels of testosterone. So, the outcome of high testosterone levels is not always negative and aggressive.

An advantage of Pillay's study is that she biologically tested the levels of testosterone that athletes had which means that the results gathered were reliable to some extent. Another advantage is that she studied both males and females, avoiding any kind of gender bias, thus increasing the...