Amygdala Studies

Question 1

Name the three Amygdala studies

Answer 1

Pardini (2014)
Cannon and Britton (1925)
Raine et al (1997)

Question 2

Explain in 3 points Pardini

Answer 2

• Used evidence from brain scanning techniques and found that:
• Psychopaths have smaller amygdalas (3x more likely to exhibit aggression)
• Amygdala size can predict future aggression

Question 3

Explain in 3 Points Cannon

Answer 3

• Sham Rage is an emotional state found in animals
• Severed neural connections in cats and they then showed signs of rage and aggression
• Now believed that aggression comes from the Amygdala

Question 4

Explain in 5 points Raine et al
( aim, method (2) results (2) conclusion )

Answer 4

AIM - To investigate how brain activity differs between murderers pleading NGRI and a control group specifically regarding the amygdala.
METHOD - 6 ppts in each group had schizophrenia ( 41 in each group )
- CPT (continuous performance tasks) were used with a glucose tracer to measure brain activity.
RESULTS - Less activity in murderers in the frontal lobe and prefrontal cortex.
- more activity in the right Amygdala than the left (Asymmetric Amygdala)
CONCLUSION - Murderers had less control of emotion and lower rational thinking