Approaches explaining Aggression

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to aggression in the context of applied psychology, focusing on definitions, theories, and biological influences.

What are the main characteristics of hostile aggression?

angry and impulsive physiological arousal.

What is instrumental aggression?

goal-directed and planned, intending to provoke a response.

Define verbal aggression.

Verbal aggression is using words to cause psychological damage to another person.

What is schema in the cognitive approach?

A mental framework of beliefs and expectations built through experience.

What is cognitive priming?

Cognitive priming refers to the subconscious processing of cues that activate aggressive thoughts.

What does hostile attribution bias imply?

Assuming others' neutral behavior is threatening or aggressive.

What role does the media play in aggression?

Can normalize aggressive behavior and desensitize viewers to violence.

What is institutional aggression?

Occurs in environments like prisons, influenced by factors such as gang membership and staff behavior.

How does operant conditioning relate to aggression?

Learned through reinforcement

Either encourage or discourage aggressive actions.

What does Bandura's social learning theory propose about aggression?

It suggests that aggression is learned through imitation, modeling, and observation.

What is the role of testosterone in aggression?

Testosterone levels are linked to increased aggression, particularly in males.

What impact does serotonin have on aggression?

Low levels of serotonin = more aggression

Define the MAOA gene's role in aggression.

The MAOA gene controls the enzyme responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters

Low activity variant (MAOA-L) is associated with higher aggression.

What is vicarious reinforcement?

Vicarious reinforcement occurs when individuals learn from observing the consequences of others' behaviors.

Describe desensitization in the context of aggression.

Repeated exposure to aggressive behavior reduces physiological arousal and empathy towards violence.

How does the biological approach explain aggression?

Focuses on genetic, hormonal, and neurobiological factors that contribute to aggressive behavior.