Evolutionary Theories of Aggression

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THEORIES OF AGGRESSION ENVIRONMENTAL Introduction Environmental explanations of aggression offers three main situations which can arise – out of one’s control – that may lead to a rise in aggressive behaviour. * Noise * Crowding * Temperature These can increase people’s stress thereby giving rise to aggression. However, the relationship between these environmental stressors can be complex. Noise The presence of unpredicted or loud noise can increase aggression. Research by Geen & O’Neal (1969) suggests that noise may be more of a trigger to pre-existing aggression than actually causing it. They exposed participants to either an aggressive or non-aggressive film then gave them the opportunity to administer electric shocks to others. It was found that, when noise levels were elevated, the frequency of shocks increased. However, this was only in the group who’d watched the aggressive film. Donnerstein & Wilson (1976) conducted a similar experiment and found, if participants were given control over the noise, levels of aggression decreased. In both of these experiments, aggression increased with noise but only if the participants were already aroused which suggests that noise has an indirect influence of the increase of aggression. Crowding Often, displays of aggression occur in crowds e.g. hooliganism within football fans or nightclub brawls in crowded venues and even ‘trolley rage’ in shopping centres. Experiments conducted by Calhoun (1962) involved the overcrowding of rat populations which gave rise to killing, assault and cannibalism. Overcrowding can increase negative effects such as irritation, discomfort and frustration brought about by the feeling that personal space is being invaded. However this feeling of invasiveness varies between cultures – what is considered unacceptable in western culture is not necessarily true
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