Marcus is a repeat offender who has been convicted of several violent assaults. A neurological assessment using an fMRI scan reveals that Marcus has significantly reduced grey matter volume in his amygdala. Marcus also demonstrates an inability to recognize facial expressions of fear or distress in others, and psychometric testing indicates he does not associate his aggressive actions with negative consequences.
Explain how amygdala dysfunction can be used to explain Marcus's criminal and violent behaviour.
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.
