Question 1
Assess the role of hormones as an explanation of aggression.
12
Learning Theories and Development
AO1 (4 marks), AO3 (4 marks)
AO1
- Exposure to excess testosterone whilst in the womb can affect the
developing brain which may lead to an increase in aggression.
- After birth testosterone sensitises some neural circuits, stimulating
cell growth, including in the amygdala which can lead to aggression.
- Low levels of cortisol can lead to an under aroused autonomic nervous
system so people may be aggressive to increase arousal.
- Adrenaline when released activates the flight or fight response, if the
person chooses to fight this will lead to aggression.
AO3
- Chang et al. (2012) found that pre-experience levels of testosterone
and cortisol positively correlated with displays to a mirror image,
suggesting aggressive behaviours, therefore hormones can explain
aggression in animals.
- A lot of studies on the effect of hormones on aggression are done on
animals, so they may not be a good explanation of aggression in
humans as animals such as fish do not have the same social
behaviour as humans.
- The study of hormones and aggression is more scientific than other
theories such as Freud's as it is more empirical, as levels of hormones
and aggressive acts can be directly observed, making it a more
credible explanation of aggression.
- Dabbs and Morris (1990) found that socio-economic status was also a
factor in aggression, with testosterone having less of an effect on
aggression in those from higher social classes, so hormones are not a
complete explanation of aggression.
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(8)
\begin{tabular}[t]{|l|l|l|}
\hline Level
Mark
Descriptor
AO1 (4 marks), AO3 (4 marks)
Candidates must demonstrate an equal emphasis between knowledge and
understanding vs assessment/conclusion in their answer.
0
No rewardable material.
Level 1
1-2
Marks
Demonstrates isolated elements of knowledge and understanding.
(AO1)
Generic assertions may be presented. Limited attempt to address
the question. (AO3)
Level 2
3-4
Marks
Demonstrates mostly accurate knowledge and understanding.
(AO1)
Candidates will produce statements with some development in the
form of mostly accurate and relevant factual material, leading to a
generic or superficial assessment being presented. (AO3)
Level 3
5-6
Marks
Demonstrates accurate knowledge and understanding. (AO1)
Arguments developed using mostly coherent chains of reasoning
leading to an assessment being presented which considers a range
of factors. Candidates will demonstrate understanding of
competing arguments/factors but unlikely to grasp their
significance. The assessment leads to a judgement but this may be
imbalanced. (AO3)
Level 4
7-8
Marks
Demonstrates accurate and thorough knowledge and
understanding. (AO1)
Displays a well-developed and logical assessment, containing
logical chains of reasoning throughout. Demonstrates an
awareness of the significance of competing arguments/factors
leading to a balanced judgement being presented. (AO3)