classic evidence- Raine, Buchsbaum and Lacasse (1997)

• What is the title of the study by Raine, Buchsbaum, and LaCasse (1997)?

  Brain Abnormalities in murderers
• What did Lombroso (1876) suggest about criminals?

  They have physical differences from non-criminals
• What were the characteristics of the experimental group in the study?

  • 41 participants
  • 39 males, 2 females
  • Mean age of 34.3
  • All pleaded NGRI
• What were the characteristics of the control group in the study?

  • 41 participants
  • 39 males, 2 females
  • Mean age of 34.3
  • 6 had schizophrenia
  • No history of mental illness
• What is a continuous performance task?

  A test measuring sustained and selective attention
• What was done to participants before the PET scan?

  They practiced the task before the injection
• How long after the injection was the PET scan performed?

  32 minutes
• What were the findings related to handedness and brain activity?


  • Left-handed participants had less amygdala asymmetry
  • More prefrontal activity observed
• Were there significant differences in ethnicity among participants?

  No significant differences were found
• What was concluded about brain dysfunction and aggression?

  Past research suggested a link between them
• What does Raine et al. emphasize about their results?

  Violent behavior is not determined by biology alone
• What did Charles Whitman do on August 1st, 1966?

  He murdered his mother and wife
• What was found in Charles Whitman's brain?

  A 'pecan sized' tumor near his amygdala
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of using PET scans in this research?

  Strengths:

  • Detailed view of brain regions
  • Shows brain activity during tasks

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Cannot manipulate independent variable
  • Causal conclusions are limited
• What type of experiment was conducted in this study?

  Quasi-experiment
• Why are conclusions about brain dysfunction limited in this study?

  Sample only included murderers pleading NGRI
• What ethical guidelines were considered in the study?

  • Confidentiality
  • Protection from harm
  • Informed consent
  • Right to withdraw
  • No deception
• What ethical issue arose regarding informed consent?

  Murderers may not be mentally competent
• What does 'socially sensitive research' refer to?

  Research with consequences for a large group
• How does James Fallon's work contradict biological criminality?

  He has violent traits but is not violent
• What are the implications of this research for individuals with brain abnormalities?

  • May help understand violent behavior
  • Raises questions about responsibility