Describe and evaluate the ethological explanation of aggression. [16 marks]

AO1

• what is ethology…

• ethology argues that aggression is ritualistic, takes place instead of physical aggression, promotes survival, idea of appeasement strategies

• also argues that aggression is innate

• IRMs - built-in physiological structures that detect certain environmental stimuli, trigger the start of a FAP

• FAPs - sequence of behaviours carried out in response to a specific stimulus

  • unique

  • unstoppable (ballistic)

  • unchanging/stereotyped

  • universal

  • unaffected by learning

• research from Tinbergen (1951) sticklebacks

AO3

• cannot explain cultural differences, Nisbett (1993), homicide greater amongst white males in the south of America than in the north, found it was due to a culture of honour, ehtology cannot account for how simple cultural influences can overcome innate biological traits

• FAPs do change with experience and learning, more flexible than fixed, Hunt (1973), many ethologists prefer the term modal action pattern nowadays

• Goodall (2010) appeasement strategies do not always work…

• can these findings be applied to humans, much more complex, theological ideas too reductionist, do we have a universal aggressive behaviour?

  • link to !Kung San tribe…