Strength 2: longitudinal studies on amygdala (5)

• Pardini et al (2014): 503 male ppts who had previously taken part in a study in 1980s, age 6/7
• fMRI scans used to measure amygdala volume
• found that high levels of aggression were associated with lower amygdala volumes - findings persisted 3 years on
• can't be explained by confounding variables or earlier levels of aggressive behaviour because all were controlled for
• supports role of amygdala in aggressive behaviour - especially valuable because it's evidence of the predictive validity of explanation
• shows differences in amygdala volume may predict future aggressive behaviour and involvement in crime
•  identified subgroup of 56 males who showed aggressive behaviour since childhood and later had involvement in serious criminal violence (rape, gang fighting etc.)