Using brain scanning to study human behaviour
Raine et al (1997) Betts (2009)
Used PET scans to investigate the Discussed the case of Herbert
differences between the brains of Weinstein, whose defence used CAT
murderers and those of non- scanning to show he had damage to the
murderers. They were able to map brain that could have led to his
abnormal brain activity in the aggression. He had strangled his wife.
murderers’ group in areas of the The scan did show a widened sulci and
brain associated with impulsivity and this evidence was used to persuade the
risk-taking behaviour. This can help jury that his actions were not thought
explain increased aggression. Raine through. Betts suggests that 60-70% of
highlighted the importance of the the people who plead NGRI (not guilty
prefrontal cortex and amygdala. through reason of insanity) have a
psychosis.
Weber et al (2006)
The study aimed to advance the Dustin Pardini et al (2014)
media effects debate concerning 56 male participants that were
violent video games. In a fMRI study studied 20 years ago were studied
13 male research participants were again using fMRI scans. Over the 20
observed playing a latest-generation years the participants behaved
violent video game. Each criminally and aggressively. Strong
participant’s game play was correlation levels were found
recorded and analysed. The study between levels of aggression and
found that virtual violence amygdala volumes. Findings were
suppresses affective areas of the significant as they couldn’t be
anterior cingulate cortex and the explained by confounding variables.
amygdala. However no control group
was used.
Volkov et al (1995)
Studied 8 violent psychiatric patients
and 8 controls using PET scans. He
found that violent patients had
reduced functioning in their left and
right temporal medial cortex, left
frontal cortex and left and right
prefrontal cortex.
Raine et al (1997) Betts (2009)
Used PET scans to investigate the Discussed the case of Herbert
differences between the brains of Weinstein, whose defence used CAT
murderers and those of non- scanning to show he had damage to the
murderers. They were able to map brain that could have led to his
abnormal brain activity in the aggression. He had strangled his wife.
murderers’ group in areas of the The scan did show a widened sulci and
brain associated with impulsivity and this evidence was used to persuade the
risk-taking behaviour. This can help jury that his actions were not thought
explain increased aggression. Raine through. Betts suggests that 60-70% of
highlighted the importance of the the people who plead NGRI (not guilty
prefrontal cortex and amygdala. through reason of insanity) have a
psychosis.
Weber et al (2006)
The study aimed to advance the Dustin Pardini et al (2014)
media effects debate concerning 56 male participants that were
violent video games. In a fMRI study studied 20 years ago were studied
13 male research participants were again using fMRI scans. Over the 20
observed playing a latest-generation years the participants behaved
violent video game. Each criminally and aggressively. Strong
participant’s game play was correlation levels were found
recorded and analysed. The study between levels of aggression and
found that virtual violence amygdala volumes. Findings were
suppresses affective areas of the significant as they couldn’t be
anterior cingulate cortex and the explained by confounding variables.
amygdala. However no control group
was used.
Volkov et al (1995)
Studied 8 violent psychiatric patients
and 8 controls using PET scans. He
found that violent patients had
reduced functioning in their left and
right temporal medial cortex, left
frontal cortex and left and right
prefrontal cortex.
