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.
Practise Edexcel A Level Psychology Content with exam-style questions for A Level Psychology. 1,059 questions covering Biological explanations of crime, Social explanations of crime, Cognitive and ethical interview techniques, Psychological formulation of offending, Cognitive-behavioural treatment for offenders, Biological treatment for offenders, Factors influencing eye-witness testimony, Factors influencing jury decision-making, Individual differences, and Developmental psychology, matched to the Edexcel A Level Psychology (9PS0) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.
