Biological Approach Case Studies

Aim of Meyer-Lindenburg et al. (2008)

To see how differences in the MAOA gene affects brain activity when exposed to threat.

Method of Meyer-Lindenburg et al. (2008)

fMRI was used to measure brain activity in participants with different variants of the MAOA gene while they viewed angry faces.

Results/Conclusion of Meyer-Lindenburg et al. (2008)

The MAOA-L group showed increased activity in the amygdala, reduced activity in the PFC, and reduced cognitive control.

Aim of Baker et al. (2007)

To investigate the relationship between genetics, environment, and antisocial behavior.

Method of Baker et al. (2007)

Literature review and meta-analysis of twin and adoption studies.

Results/Conclusion of Baker et al. (2007)

Antisocial behavior is a combination of genetics and the environment, with heritability estimated at approximately 50%.

Aim of Ahs et al. (2009)

To investigate connections between phobias and activation of the amygdala.

Method of Ahs et al. (2009)

Used fMRI to measure amygdala activation when participants were exposed to stimuli they had a phobia of.

Results/Conclusion of Ahs et al. (2009)

Activity in the amygdala was higher for stimuli that participants had a fear of.

Aim of Radke (2015)

To investigate the effect of testosterone on the amygdala's response to social threat.

Method of Radke (2015)

Participants were given testosterone or a placebo, then underwent fMRI while viewing faces with angry expressions.

Results/Conclusion of Radke (2015)

Testosterone biases the amygdala towards dealing with social threat.

Aim of Ehrenkranz et al. (1974)

To find the correlation between testosterone levels and behavior.

Method of Ehrenkranz et al. (1974)

Measured testosterone levels in participants and correlated these levels with observed aggressive behavior and social dominance.

Results/Conclusion of Ehrenkranz et al. (1974)

Higher testosterone levels were linked with aggressive behavior and social dominance.

Aim of Pucilowski (1985)

To study the effect of serotonin on aggression in rats.

Method of Pucilowski (1985)

Injection of serotonin in the amygdala in a rat study.

Aim of Luby (2013)

To see if socioeconomic status is correlated with brain development.

Method of Luby (2013)

Longitudinal study using MRI to measure brain development in children from different socioeconomic backgrounds.

Results/Conclusion of Luby (2013)

SES affects neuroplasticity and brain development,