Ms. Vance has been referred to a cognitive neuropsychologist due to recent impulsive aggressive outbursts. The neuropsychologist conducted a series of functional brain scans over a month during simulated threat and frustration tasks. The scans measured hyper-reactivity spikes (defined as deviations from normal resting baselines) in key brain structures associated with aggression. The results are summarized in Table 3.
| Brain Structure | Average Spike Amplitude (relative units 1-100) | Number of Hyper-Reactivity Events | Total Reactivity Load |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amygdala | 80 | 5 | 400 |
| Anterior Hypothalamus | 60 | 3 | 180 |
| Orbitofrontal Cortex (OFC) | 90 | 1 | 90 |
| Hippocampus | 15 | 12 | 180 |
| Total Load | 850 |
Describe how the cognitive neuropsychologist could use this data to explain Ms. Vance's aggressive behavior and advise her on how to manage it.
88 exam-style questions on Edexcel A Level Psychology Content, covering Central nervous system and neurotransmitters, Effect of recreational drugs on transmission, Brain structure and aggression, Evolution and natural selection, Freud's psychodynamic explanation of aggression, Role of hormones in aggression, Individual differences, and Developmental psychology. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.