Neural Explanation^

Question 1

Background

Answer 1

neural diff (brain structure) between non-offenders and offenders
research conducted on those with antisocial personality disorder (APD)
- reduced emo response, lack of empathy

Question 2

Prefrontal Cortex

Answer 2

PFC regulates emo

Raine- brain scans on APD people- reduced PFC activity and 11% less grey matter in it
: helps process info and release new info

Question 3

Mirror Neurons

Answer 3

fire in response to own and other’s actions
Keysers’
- people with APD have empathy but have to switch it on in the brain with MN
those with APD have structurally diff brains

Question 4

Intervening Variables

Answer 4

link between neural diff and APD may be complex
Farrington
- other factors contribute
- studies group of men with high APD score
- experience risk factors as kids (neglect)
early childhood experiences causes APD and some of the neural diff associated

Question 5

Bio Determinism

Answer 5

offending beh determined by neural factors and genetics
can’t be controlled by people so they are not responsible for actions
But justice system is based on resp, so the bio view complicates it

Question 6

Research Support

Answer 6

Kandel & Freed
Examined frontal lobe, PFC damage and presence of antisocial beh
Damage = tendency for impulsive beh
- can’t learn from mistakes
- emo instability
Brain damage to PFC can be linked to offending beh