Biological Explanation - Neural Flashcards
What does the neural explanation consider?
how brain structures and neurotransmitters levels may be different in criminals
What areas of the brain influence offending behaviour?
- pre-frontal cortex
- limbic system
pre-frontal cortex role
decision making
emotion regulation
research on pre-frontal cortex
Raine
conducted 71 brain imaging studies
shown that criminals have reduced functioning pre-frontal cortex
what is lowered activity in pre-frontal cortex associated with?
loss of control
What does limbic system control?
emotions
What is the limbic system made up of?
thalamus
amygdala
research on limbic system
Raine
Found murders who were not guilty by reason of insanity had reduced activity in the limbic system
what does reduced activity in the limbic system suggest?
the ability to process and understand fear and emotions may have been inhibited
What are the 2 types of neurotransmitters associated with offending behaviour?
serotonin
noradrenaline
what is serotonin associated with?
emotional regulation
what does low levels of serotonin do?
influence aggressive and criminal behaviour
inhibits the pre-frontal cortex more
What does serotonin inhibit?
pre-frontal cortex
What is noradrenaline associated with?
fight or flight response
helps individuals perceive threat
What levels of noradrenaline influence aggression/criminal behaviour?
very high
very low
