Understanding Aggression and Cooperation: Biological and Social Influences
This text explores the complexities of aggression, a range of behaviors that can cause physical and psychological harm. It examines genetic and neural influences, highlighting the roles of the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex in aggression regulation. The biochemistry of aggression is discussed, focusing on neurotransmitters such as serotonin, testosterone, and cortisol, and their connections to aggressive behaviors. Additionally, it emphasizes how witnessing rewarded aggression can lead to learned behaviors. Cooperation is also highlighted, detailing how common goals can unite people beyond their differences.
Understanding Aggression and Cooperation: Biological and Social Influences
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Presentation Transcript
Aggression & Cooperation Salvador Ayala and Joseph Nield
Aggression A range of behaviors that can result in both physical and psychological harm to oneself, other or objects in the environment.
Genetic and Neural influences on Agression • A very complex social behavior that evolved in the context of defending or obtaining resources. • The neural systems implicated by aggression are mostly the amygdala and the orbitofrontal cortex. • Our genes may make our receptors of testosterone more or less sensitive causing more or less aggressive behaviors.
Biochemistry and Aggression • Neurotransmitters involved are serotonin, testosterone, and cortisol. • High levels of testosterone cause more aggression. • Low levels of serotonin also are a cause of more aggressive behavior.
Learning Aggression Learn by Proxy : If one sees aggressive acts being rewarded, they are more likely to imitate the aggressive act to "succeed". • Violent video games, movies and TV
Superordinate Goals and Cooperation A common goal that overrides differences among people that requires cooperation to achieve that goal.
Outside Sources Feyen, Kevin. Thinking About Psychology. Second. New York: Worth Publishing, 2008. 689-694. Print. Cherry, Kendra. "What Is Aggression?." Psychology. n. page. Web. 28 May. 2013. <http://psychology.about.com/od/aindex/g/aggression.htm>.