BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE - Raine et al

Question 1

Context

Answer 1

Lombroso’s theory linked facial characteristics to criminal behavior and suggested criminals are born not made. Atavism was proposed

Question 2

Aim of Raine et al (1997)

Answer 2

To investigate whether violent criminals have brain dysfunctions in parts of the brain linked to mental illness but not violence.

Question 3

Methodology - Participants

Answer 3

41 participants (19 men, 2 women)

Question 4

Procedure - PET Scan

Answer 4

A PET scan was used to study brain activity with radioactive FDG injected 30 seconds after a Continuous Performance Task (CPT). 10 horizontal brain slices were recorded.

Question 5

Findings

Answer 5

Reduced brain activity in areas linked with violence specifically the left brain. Increased activity in the right side

Question 6

Conclusions

Answer 6

Violent behavior is complex and cannot be reduced to one brain mechanism. Murderers pleading NGRI show different brain activity but this doesn’t mean they can’t be held accountable.

Question 7

Evaluation - Control & Reliability

Answer 7

PET scans offer non-invasive studies. The study had a large sample size making the results reliable.

Question 8

Evaluation - Weaknesses

Answer 8

PET scans are still developing. The CPT task might not directly relate to violent acts. Quasi-experiment limitations prevent random assignment.

Question 9

Alternative Evidence

Answer 9

Yang & Raine (2009) found reduced prefrontal activity in antisocial individuals. Tiihonen et al (2015) linked a gene to violent crime. Fallon had the genetic traits of a violent criminal but didn’t act on them.

Question 10

Ethical Issues

Answer 10

Lack of valid consent from murderers who may not be mentally competent. Possible psychological harm from injections. Prisoners may not have the right to withdraw. Research is socially sensitive and reductionist.