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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, Gages 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.

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