Biological Perspective
Are we all born with genes for aggression?
Are some individuals more aggressive than others because
their brain functions in a different way?
Is aggression the result of our biological make-up, such as
the presence of certain hormones?
Psychologists who study the relationship between the body
and behaviour have developed various biologically based
theories to explain aggression.
Biological Perspective
Biological theories suggest that there are some
important physiological factors that combine in various
ways to influence whether an aggressive response will
occur in a particular situation.
Biological influences on aggression can occur through
genetics (inherited characteristics), through the brain
and nervous system and biochemically (as a result of
various chemical substances in the body).
Both naturally occurring chemicals, such as hormones
and chemicals which are ingested, such as alcohol and
drugs, can affect the parts of the brain that control
aggression.
Neuropsychology
The study of the changes
in our brain structures
can affect aggressive
behaviours.
Therefore if we sustain
damage to our brain, this
can have a significant
impact on our tendency
towards aggressive
behaviour.
Phineas Gage
Phineas gage was a road
worker in the mid 19th
Century who was a road
worker.
Whilst at work, he was
impaled by a steel rod
which flew through the
air and struck him in the
head.
Phineas Gage
Surprisingly he survived!
However, Gage’s personality
type changed from passive, to
angry and abusive.
Psychologists identified the
increase in aggressive attitude
and behaviour to have
occurred as a result of the
steel rod damaging his frontal
lobe.
Phineas Gage
This was a breakthrough
in the investigation of
aggression, there was
now proof that changes
in brain structure can
affect aggressive
behaviour.
Activity 1. Group Work
Task
Need to cover
Break into 3 groups.
Explain your biological influence.
Each group will be given a different
‘biological influence’ to investigate.
Explain any underlying theories.
Either: Genetic Influences, Neural
Influences or Biochemical influences.
Your group needs to create a short
PowerPoint presentation on biological
influence.
You will then teach the class about
your different influences.
What research methods are used?
Outline any major experiments or
studies.
Outline any criticisms.
You must provide relevant pictures, it
should be eye catching.
Homework
You will need to complete
Learning Activity 10.23
on page 445 of the
textbook for homework.
This will ensure that you
will cover all of the
different biological
influences on
aggression.