15 Aggression MCQs: Test Your Knowledge

Challenge yourself with 15 multiple-choice questions on aggression. Test your understanding of its causes, types, and consequences.

1. What is aggression?

a) A behavior intended to harm another individual
b) A feeling of sadness or disappointment
c) A type of social bonding
d) A form of passive communication

Answer: a) A behavior intended to harm another individual
Explanation: Aggression is defined as any behavior that is intended to cause harm or injury to another individual, whether physically or psychologically.

2. Which of the following is an example of instrumental aggression?

a) A child pushing another child to get a toy
b) A person yelling at someone out of anger
c) A driver honking aggressively in traffic
d) A soldier following orders to attack an enemy

Answer: a) A child pushing another child to get a toy
Explanation: Instrumental aggression is goal-directed and used to achieve a specific purpose, such as obtaining a toy, rather than being driven by emotion.

3. What is hostile aggression?

a) Aggression used to achieve a goal
b) Aggression driven by anger or frustration
c) Aggression that is premeditated
d) Aggression that is socially acceptable

Answer: b) Aggression driven by anger or frustration
Explanation: Hostile aggression is impulsive and motivated by feelings of anger or frustration, rather than by a specific goal.

4. Which theory suggests that aggression is a natural instinct?

a) Social Learning Theory
b) Instinct Theory
c) Cognitive Dissonance Theory
d) Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis

Answer: b) Instinct Theory
Explanation: Instinct Theory, proposed by theorists like Freud and Lorenz, suggests that aggression is an innate and natural human instinct.

5. According to the Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis, what leads to aggression?

a) Genetic predisposition
b) Blocking of goal-directed behavior
c) Observing aggressive behavior in others
d) Low levels of serotonin

Answer: b) Blocking of goal-directed behavior
Explanation: The Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis states that aggression is a result of frustration, which occurs when goal-directed behavior is blocked.

6. Which neurotransmitter is often associated with increased aggression?

a) Dopamine
b) GABA
c) Serotonin
d) Endorphins

Answer: c) Serotonin
Explanation: Low levels of serotonin are often linked to increased aggression and impulsive behavior.

7. What does the Social Learning Theory propose about aggression?

a) Aggression is genetically inherited
b) Aggression is learned through observation and imitation
c) Aggression is caused by hormonal imbalances
d) Aggression is a result of unconscious drives

Answer: b) Aggression is learned through observation and imitation
Explanation: Social Learning Theory, proposed by Albert Bandura, suggests that aggression is learned by observing and imitating others, especially role models.

8. Which of the following is a situational factor that can increase aggression?

a) High self-esteem
b) High temperatures
c) Low testosterone levels
d) Strong social support

Answer: b) High temperatures
Explanation: Research has shown that high temperatures can increase irritability and aggression, a phenomenon known as the "heat hypothesis."

9. What is relational aggression?

a) Physical harm caused to others
b) Harming others through social manipulation or exclusion
c) Aggression caused by genetic factors
d) Aggression directed toward inanimate objects

Answer: b) Harming others through social manipulation or exclusion
Explanation: Relational aggression involves harming someone’s social relationships or status, often through gossip, exclusion, or manipulation.

10. Which of the following is a biological factor influencing aggression?

a) Parenting style
b) Testosterone levels
c) Socioeconomic status
d) Cultural norms

Answer: b) Testosterone levels
Explanation: Testosterone is a hormone that has been linked to increased aggression, particularly in males.

11. What is the primary difference between aggression and assertiveness?

a) Aggression is verbal, while assertiveness is physical
b) Aggression intends to harm, while assertiveness respects others' rights
c) Aggression is learned, while assertiveness is innate
d) Aggression is always physical, while assertiveness is emotional

Answer: b) Aggression intends to harm, while assertiveness respects others' rights
Explanation: Assertiveness involves expressing oneself confidently without intending to harm others, whereas aggression involves intent to harm.

12. Which of the following is an example of passive aggression?

a) Yelling at someone during an argument
b) Giving someone the silent treatment to express anger
c) Physically hitting someone
d) Directly confronting someone about an issue

Answer: b) Giving someone the silent treatment to express anger
Explanation: Passive aggression involves indirectly expressing anger or hostility, such as through the silent treatment or sarcasm.

13. What role does the amygdala play in aggression?

a) It regulates serotonin levels
b) It processes emotions like fear and anger
c) It controls logical reasoning
d) It produces testosterone

Answer: b) It processes emotions like fear and anger
Explanation: The amygdala is a brain region involved in processing emotions, including fear and anger, which are closely linked to aggression.

14. Which of the following is a cultural factor influencing aggression?

a) Testosterone levels
b) Brain structure
c) Norms that condone violence
d) Genetic inheritance

Answer: c) Norms that condone violence
Explanation: Cultural norms that accept or encourage violent behavior can increase the likelihood of aggression in individuals.

15. What is the most effective way to reduce aggression, according to research?

a) Punishing aggressive behavior severely
b) Teaching conflict resolution and empathy skills
c) Ignoring aggressive behavior
d) Encouraging competitive behavior

Answer: b) Teaching conflict resolution and empathy skills
Explanation: Research shows that teaching individuals how to resolve conflicts peacefully and empathize with others is more effective in reducing aggression than punishment or ignoring the behavior.