Student ID #: 814002322
Course title: Introduction to Social Psychology
Course Code: PSYC 1004
Lecture Topic: Aggression

Aggression
Baron and Branscombe define aggression as “behaviour directed toward the goal of harming another living being who is motivated to avoid such treatment” (Baron & Branscombe, 2012). * Violence: “an extreme form of aggression, such as assaults, rape or murder” ().
Types of Aggression * Instrumental aggression – aggression aimed at accomplishing a goal * Hostile aggression – aim of the aggression is to inflict harm * Indirect aggression – aggressive is not face to face * Direct aggression – aggressive act is face to face
Theories of Aggression
Instinct Theory: Through evolution, humans have inherited a fighting instinct similar to that found in many species of animals.
Social Learning Theory: Human aggression is largely learned by watching other people behave aggressively, either in person or in films. It is also learned when we are rewarded for aggression.
Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis: Our motivation for aggression increases when our ongoing behavior is interrupted or we are prevented from reaching a goal.
Negative Affect Theory: Proposed by Leonard Berkowitz, it states that negative feelings and experiences are the main cause of anger and angry aggression. Sources of anger include: pain, frustration, loud noise, foul odours, crowding, sadness, and depression.

Aggression as Biology
Neural influences - electrical stimulation of the amygdala produces rage
Genetic influences * selective breeding of mice and other animals for aggressiveness * sympathetic nervous system activity * temperament * twins are similar
Biochemical influences * alcohol unleashes aggression (in people who are provoked) * high levels of testosterone * low levels of serotonin