Extra

Question 1

Neural explanation of offending

Answer 1

Considers how brain structures may be different in criminals as well as there being different neurotransmitter levels

Question 2

Brain structures

Prefrontal cortex

Answer 2

Raine did 71 brain imaging studies showed that criminals have reduced functioning in the prefrontal cortex. Lowered activity in this area is associated with loss of control as this area is involved in thinking and decision making

Question 3

Brain structures

Limbic system

Answer 3

Made up of structures such as the thalamus and amygdala - linked to emotion
Rain 1997 found murders who were not guilty by reason of insanity had reduced activity in the limbic system

Question 4

Neurotransmitter

Serotonin

Answer 4

Researchers suggest low levels may predispose an individual to aggressive and criminal behaviour
Serotonin inhibits the prefrontal cortex. Dopamine hyperactivity May enhance this affect (linked to motivation and reward)

Question 5

Neurotransmitter

Noradrenaline

Answer 5

Very high and very low levels have been associated with aggression and criminal behaviour
High - activation of sympathetic nervous system and fight or flight respond
Low - reduce ability for people to react to threats

Question 6

Positive evaluation of neural explanation

Answer 6

Real world application - the research done on neural abnormalities could lead to methods of treatment. For example low levels of serotonin cause aggression then we can implement a diet to increase serotonin levels. This is a good se it means that we have exact causes so we can make sure treatments directly target that.

Question 7

Negative evaluation of neural explanation

Answer 7

Research often relies on studies of animals. In the research aggression is often being studied not criminality. This undermines the potential relevance of information for understanding offending behaviour. Additionally genetic evidence there is not 100% correspondence with any area of the brain and and neurotransmitter, so the data can not predict who will become an offender

Question 8

Evaluation of atavistic form

Positive

Answer 8

Shifted research away from moralistic discourse and to scientific evolution.
He also tried to describe different types of criminals and how they are likely to commit certain crimes - criminal profiling
Major contribution to science of criminology - he paved the way

Question 9

Evaluation of atavistic form

Negative

Answer 9

Poor control in his work - did not compare his sample to a non criminal (control group) so his atavistic form may not be that reliable. Also he fails to account for other variables such as history of psychological disorders which may act as a confounding variable. Reduced internal validity

Question 10

A genetic study is Crowe

Answer 10

He found that adopted children who had a biological parent with a CR had a 50% greater risk of have a Cr by 18 whereas adopted children whose mother didn’t have a cr only had a 5% risk - inherited genes are a more significant factor

Question 11

Genetic explanation

MAOA and CDH 13

Answer 11

Maoa associated with aggression, it regulates metabolism of serotonin- low levels of serotonin are links with impulsive and aggressive behaviour
CDH 13 links to add and substance abuse Tiihonen - 900 offenders low maoa and cDH 13 activity 5-10% of crime sin Finland due to this