6 Markers

Question 1

Describe the procedures of Raine, A., Buschaum, M., and LaCasse, L. (1997) ‘Brain abnormalities in murderers indicated by positron emission tomography’.

Answer 1

Credit could be given for description of:
* Opportunity sample.
* PET scans were used to study the active brain.
* Ten minutes before the injection participants were given the chance to practice trails of the continuous performance task (CPT).
* 30 seconds before the injection participants started the CPT.
* The radioactive tracer (fluorodeoxyglucose) was injected into the
participant.
* After 32 minutes participants were given a PET scan.
* Ten horizontal slices (pictures) of the brain were taken- cortical peel and box technique.
* Any other relevant information.

5-6
* Description and level of accuracy is thorough.
* Depth and range included.
* Effective use of terminology.

Question 2

Describe the localisation of brain function and one other assumption of the biological approach in explaining human behaviour.

Answer 2

Localisation of brain function:
Credit could be given for description of:
* Different areas responsible for different functions.
* Four lobes.
* Description and examples of function of specific areas.
* Any other relevant information.

Other assumptions:
Credit could be given for description of:
* Evolutionary influences.
* Neurotransmitters.
* Any other relevant assumptions.

3 (per assumption)
* Description and level of accuracy is thorough.
* Effective use of terminology.

Question 3

Analyse the weaknesses of the cognitive approach.

Answer 3

Credit could be given for:
* Nomothetic.
* Reductionist.
* Mechanistic.
* Ethics.
* Nature versus nurture.
* Any other relevant information.
NB There is no definitive weaknesses as it is subjective and one issue can be presented as being both.

5-6
* Thorough analysis with well-developed arguments.
* Evaluative comments are evidently related to the context.
* Structure is logical.
* Depth and range included.