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Peter is 17 years old and has just been arrested for arguing in the street and refusing to go home - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 9 - 2021 - Paper 2
Question 9
Peter is 17 years old and has just been arrested for arguing in the street and refusing to go home. His family is well known to the police. Peter's mother has been a... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Peter is 17 years old and has just been arrested for arguing in the street and refusing to go home - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 9 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
Discuss how Peter's criminal behaviour may be affected by role models.
Answer
Criminal behaviour can be learned in childhood by observing same-sex role models. Given that Peter's older brother has a history of fighting, he may have observed this behaviour and internalized it as acceptable. This is known as the self-fulfilling prophecy, where individuals adopt labels based on stereotypes around their family and environment.
Step 2
Discuss the influence of testosterone on Peter's behaviour.
Answer
At 17 years old, Peter is in the adolescent stage of development, where testosterone levels are typically higher. Elevated testosterone is often linked with increased aggression and risk-taking behaviours, which may explain why Peter has become more aggressive since the sporting accident.
Step 3
Discuss the potential impact of brain development on Peter's behaviour.
Answer
The sporting accident Peter experienced could have caused damage to the prefrontal cortex of his brain. This area is crucial for impulse control and delaying gratification. Damage here may result in difficulty managing aggressive impulses and inhibiting anti-social behaviour, contributing to his current challenges.
Step 4
Discuss the effects of living in a bad reputation area.
Answer
Living in a neighbourhood with a bad reputation may expose Peter to further negative influences, making it difficult for him to escape a label of being anti-social. This environment may reinforce his aggressive behaviours and limit opportunities for positive social interactions, further entrenching his anti-social tendencies.