Gene-Environment
Caspi et al studied 500 children.
Found variant gene associated with high levels of MAOA & variant gene associated with low levels.
Those with low levels = more likely to exhibit antisocial behaviour - but only if maltreated as children.

Children high levels, who were/weren't maltreated = didn't display aggressive b.
Shows it is interaction between genes & environment that leads to aggression.

Research that questions link between genes & behaviour conducted by Walters.
Meta-analysis of studies investigating role of genetic factors in criminal behaviour. Found: Only low/moderate correlation between heredity & crime.

Freewill/determinism debate
Suggests level of MAOA in body determines how aggressive we are & how much impulsive behaviour we demonstrate.
It fails to consider freewill - people may chose how they respond in situation.
Two individuals may have low MAOA - one may chose lash out, one may remove themselves.

	Created by ggarr13088 almost 10 years ago

Note on Genetic Factors in Aggression, created by ggarr13088 on 04/01/2015.