Raine et al - Brain abnormalities in murderers

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To look at direct measures of both cortial and subcortial brain functioning using PET scans in a group of murderers who have pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity

Question 2

Method

Answer 2

Quasi, independent measures

Question 3

Participants

Answer 3

41 murderers pleading guilty for reasons of insanity(NGRI)
(Kept medication free for 2 weeks before)
41 controls (matched by age and sex and screened for mental health)
+6 schizophrenia cases matched with 6 schizophrenic patients with no history of murder

Question 4

Procedure

Answer 4

Injected with glucose tracer then given PET scan
NGRI compared with control on level of activity in 14 areas
(6 cortical areas 8 subcortial areas)

Question 5

Results

Answer 5

Less activity in prefrontal and parietal areas
More activity in occiptal areas and no difference in temporal areas
subcortial areas: less activity in corpus collosum. Imbalance of activity between two hemispheres

Question 6

Conclusion

Answer 6

difference in activity in amygdala support theory that suggests violence due to unusual behaviour emotional response ( lack of fear )

Differences i ncorpus collosum activity matched with evidence that shows that this can cause an inappropriate emotional expression and inability to grasp long term expressions

Question 7

Background

Answer 7

Recently more investigative techniques have been developed which allows researchers to identify parts of the brain that are active diring a particular task.
Comparisons are useful to see differences in brain activiy when carrying out same task.
Previous research has shown that general brain dysfuction may predispose a person to being violent.