16.3.3 Neural Explanations

• $\text{Neural explanations of offending behavior}$ focus on regions like the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and key neurotransmitters such as serotonin
• Reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex can lead to impulsivity and poor judgment.
• Match the neural area with its function:

  Prefrontal Cortex ↔️ Executive functions, decision-making

  Amygdala ↔️ Emotions, fear response

  Serotonin ↔️ Mood regulation, impulsivity control
• What is associated with lower levels of serotonin in relation to offending behavior?

  Aggression
• $\text{Neural explanations of offending behavior}$ highlight regions like the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and neurotransmitters such as serotonin
• Dysfunction in the amygdala may cause reduced emotional regulation or empathy.
• Match the brain structure with its relevance to offending:

  1️⃣ Prefrontal Cortex

  2️⃣ Reduced activity impairs judgment

  3️⃣ Amygdala

  4️⃣ Dysfunction reduces emotional regulation
• What does the amygdala primarily process in the brain?

  Emotions and fear
• $\text{Neural explanations of offending behavior}$ focus on regions like the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and neurotransmitters such as serotonin
• Reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex can lead to impulsivity and poor judgment.
• What neurotransmitter is associated with mood regulation and impulsivity control?

  Serotonin
• Lower levels of serotonin are linked to increased aggression.
• Which brain structure is responsible for executive functions like decision-making and impulse control?

  Prefrontal cortex
• The amygdala processes emotions and fear, and dysfunction in this area can result in reduced empathy.
• Reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex can lead to impulsive behavior.
• What executive functions is the prefrontal cortex responsible for?

  Decision-making and impulse control
• Impaired judgment and impulsive behavior are associated with reduced prefrontal cortex activity.
• Match the brain structure with its relevance to offending:

  Prefrontal Cortex ↔️ Impaired judgment, impulsive behavior

  Amygdala ↔️ Reduced empathy, emotional dysregulation
• Dysfunction in the amygdala can lead to reduced empathy and emotional dysregulation.
• What are the key neural areas involved in offending behavior according to neural explanations?

  Prefrontal cortex, amygdala, serotonin
• What is the amygdala essential for?

  Emotional processing, fear response
• Dysfunction in the amygdala can lead to reduced empathy
• The amygdala's impaired functioning is a key component of neural explanations of offending behavior.
• What are the key areas included in neural explanations of offending behavior?

  Prefrontal cortex, amygdala, neurotransmitters
• Match the neural area with its function:

  Prefrontal cortex ↔️ Executive functions, decision-making

  Amygdala ↔️ Emotional processing, fear response

  Serotonin ↔️ Mood regulation, impulse control
• What happens when there is reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex?

  Impulsivity and poor judgment
• Lower levels of serotonin are associated with increased aggression
• What are the key brain structures involved in offending behavior?

  Prefrontal cortex and amygdala
• Match the neurotransmitter with its function and role in offending:

  1️⃣ $Serotonin$: Mood regulation, impulse control, low levels associated with aggression

  2️⃣ $Dopamine$: Reward and motivation, high levels linked to risk-taking

  3️⃣ $GABA$: Inhibitory neurotransmitter, low levels may reduce inhibition
• Match the study with its key finding:

  Raine et al. (1997) ↔️ Reduced activity in prefrontal cortex and amygdala

  Glenn et al. (2009) ↔️ Lower amygdala volumes in psychopathic traits

  Brunner et al. (1993) ↔️ Genetic mutation leading to low serotonin levels
• What is one limitation of neural explanations of offending behavior?

  Complexity of brain function
• Which brain structures are key areas of focus in neural explanations of offending behavior?

  Prefrontal cortex and amygdala
• Raine et al. (1997) found reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala of violent offenders
• What did Glenn et al. (2009) find in individuals with psychopathic traits?

  Lower amygdala volumes
• Biological explanations of offending behavior include the role of neural structures and neurotransmitters.
• Match the strengths and limitations of neural explanations:

  Provides scientific evidence ↔️ Overly deterministic

  Offers insights into biological causes ↔️ Complex neural interactions not fully understood

  Supports treatment strategies ↔️ Biological stigmatization of offenders
• What are neural explanations of offending behavior based on?

  Brain structures and activity
• The prefrontal cortex is responsible for executive functions such as decision-making and impulse control
• What is the function of the amygdala in the context of offending behavior?

  Emotion processing
• What is the role of serotonin in mood regulation?

  Low levels increase impulsivity