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During the course you will have learned about the classic study by Raine et al - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 8 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 8
During the course you will have learned about the classic study by Raine et al. (1997). Evaluate the classic study by Raine et al. (1997).
Worked Solution & Example Answer:During the course you will have learned about the classic study by Raine et al - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 8 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
AO1: Overview of the Study
Answer
Raine et al. (1997) conducted a study examining the brains of 41 participants who pleaded Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) and compared them to a control group of 41 matched participants. The average age of participants was similar, around 31.7 years, and crucially, none were on medication prior to the study. The study employed a PET scan to measure brain activity, specifically focusing on the differences in brain regions between the two groups.
Step 2
AO3: Evaluation of the Study
Answer
The participants charged with murder provided a unique sample, contributing to specific results that may not generalize broadly. While the controls ensured consistency in variables like age and medication, this may limit the study's external validity. Additionally, the PET scans revealed that NGRIs had reduced activity in their prefrontal and parietal brain regions compared to the control group, suggesting potential neurological markers associated with criminal behavior. Still, the results must be interpreted cautiously, as the ethical implications of researching such sensitive cases and the ecological validity of measuring brain activity in an artificial setting could influence the findings. The study's insights into the biological underpinnings of violent behavior help further psychiatry and criminology, yet identifying individuals with similar brain patterns may present additional ethical dilemmas.