neural explanations Flashcards
1
Q
serotonin
A
- Neurotransmitter linked to mood and impulsiveness
- Moir and Jessel (1995) cite a number of human and animal studies which suggest a link between low levels of serotonin and aggression, which is linked to criminal behaviour.
- Scerbo and Raine (1993) Conducted a meta-analysis On twenty nine pieces of research into antisocial adults and children finding in all cases, low levels of serotonin
2
Q
Dopamine
A
- Linked to the dopamegenic pathway which results in pleasure
- Linked to addiction and substance abuse so indirect link to criminal behaviour
- Buitlaar (2003) Found that juvenile delinquents given up me in Antagonists, which reduced levels of dopamine should a decrease in aggressive behaviour
- Couppis (2008) Some individuals who engage in certain criminal behaviors may experience an increase in japanese, so seek out the experience again to experience rewarding feeling
3
Q
Amygdala
A
- Part of the Olympic system, which is regarded as the older region of the brain - Survival instinct
- Links to emotion regulation and aggression
4
Q
Frontal lobes
A
- Part of the neocotex and linked to higher functions such as social behaviours and planning.
- Brower and Price (2001) Find a link between frontal lobe dysfunction and violent crime
- Kandel and Freed (1989) Looked at frontal lobe damage and antisocial Behaviour they tended to exhibit emotional instability and failure to consider the consequences
5
Q
Raine 1997
A
Aim: Identify brain regions, specific to offenders, charged with murder or manslaughter who had pleaded not guilty by reason insanity
6
Q
Method
A
Took pet scans of forty one murderers including 2 women.
7
Q
Results
A
Reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex and the corpus callosum and abnormalities in the limbic system
8
Q
Conclusion
A
Indicates that violent offenders have abnormal brain function.
9
Q
Evaluation
A
- overly simplistic
- research sometimes correlational
- doesn’t consider environmental factors
