How to Revise Aggression — AQA A-Level Psychology
Aggression in Psychology examines the etiology of hostile behavior through biological, social, and evolutionary lenses. It encompasses neural mechanisms like the limbic system, genetic predispositions such as the MAOA gene, and social frameworks including Social Learning Theory and de-individuation. Assessment requires critical evaluation of the nature-nurture debate and the application of theoretical models to real-world phenomena like institutional aggression and media influence. Candidates must demonstrate an ability to synthesize experimental evidence with theoretical constructs to explain the persistence and manifestation of aggressive acts in diverse contexts.
Examiner Tips for Aggression
- Ensure you can distinguish between dispositional and situational explanations for institutional aggression.
- Be prepared to apply social psychological theories to real-world scenarios of aggression.
- Evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of different explanations for aggression.
Key Marking Points
- Neural and hormonal mechanisms (limbic system, serotonin, testosterone)
- Genetic factors (MAOA gene)
- Ethological explanation (innate releasing mechanisms, fixed action patterns)
- Evolutionary explanations of human aggression
- Social psychological explanations (frustration-aggression hypothesis, social learning theory, de-individuation)
- Institutional aggression in prisons (dispositional and situational explanations)