3.1.1 Bio exp. 2: Role of the Amygdala evaluation

Question 1

1# Gender Bias

Answer 1

• a lot of research has focused soleley on men and theories have either ignored women or applied the same theories to them

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Question 2

2# Beta Bias - Derntl et al. (2009)

Answer 2

• suggests amygdala function can be affected by testosterone levels
• may not be appropriate to assume that we can generalise studies on amygdala function from males to females due to hormonal differences
• may be that oestrogen has a different effect on the amygdala in females than testosterone does in males

Question 3

3# Reductionist exp.1

Answer 3

• The regulation
  of aggressive behaviour is complex
  and involves three important
  structures- the amygdala, the
  orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and the
  neural connection between them.
  Therefore dysfunctions of the
  amygdala may not be enough on
  their own to account for criminal
  behaviour.

Question 4

4 Reductionist exp. 2

Answer 4

Amygdala does not operate on its own- part of
a complex system.

RISK factor for criminal behaviour but not a
CAUSE!

Question 5

What did Moffitt suggest about neurolopsychological impairments and their environment?

Answer 5

• suggested that neuropsychological
  impairment interacts with a criminogenic
  environment to produce life-course persistent
  criminal behaviour

Question 6

What are the Ethical Implications?

Answer 6

• If we accept a biological explanation for
  criminal behaviour then there is not much
  hope for behavioural change.
• Ethical and social implications: consider the
  treatment of children with brain
  abnormalities:

1. Inaccurate diagnosis
2. Stigma and labelling
3. Isolation