Theory of aggression - Brain areas

What are the two brain areas?

• Periaqueductal grey matter

• Amygdala

What is periaqueductal grey matter?

Periaqueductal grey matter (PAG): an area of grey matter located within the midbrain. It plays a role in the modulation of pain and in defensive behaviour.

Who did a study for the periaqueductal grey matter

• longstein and stern

What did longstein and stern find?

Rats recently given birth show increased aggression when confronted with potential threat in the form of an unfamiliar male being introduced to the cage.

What’s a CA to the last point?

Generalisability - humans have much more complex brains than animals, therefore we may not display the same behaviours as them. Therefore must be cautious when generalising animal studies to humans.

Issue with using animals?

Some people would argue it is not ethically correct to use animals.

Ca?

Human benefit - no different than using animals as food.

What is the amygdala?

Amygdala: centre in the brain responsible for emotions, emotional behaviour and motivation.

prefrontal cortex

Sit behind forehead

Social interactions and regulates behaviour

Delay gratification and impulses

Damage- anger management, irritability & impulsiveness

Who can be used to support the theory that damage to the prefrontal cortex can cause agression?

Phineas Gage

CA?

Case study - individualistic.

Who else can support it?

Raine - NGRIs had less activity in prefrontal cortex.