Marcus was involved in a serious rugby collision that resulted in localized trauma to his amygdala. Since his recovery, his behavior has altered significantly. He has become highly reactive and volatile, frequently provoking arguments with his flatmates.
Marcus’s long-term partner has ended their relationship because of his sudden outbursts of rage. Marcus has recently started socializing with a new peer group known for anti-social and confrontational behavior. Last weekend, Marcus was detained by the police for physical assault following a street brawl with his new associates. Marcus claims his violent outbursts are solely the result of the physical trauma to his amygdala.
Discuss how damage to Marcus’s amygdala may explain his violent behavior.
You must make reference to the context in your answer.
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.