A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

In Raine et al.'s findings, which brain area was noted for increased activity in the NGRI group?

1. Corpus callosum

2. Thalamus

3. Occipital lobe

4. Frontal lobe

The correct answer is: Thalamus

The correct answer highlights that increased activity in the thalamus was noted in the NGRI (not guilty by reason of insanity) group in Raine et al.'s study. This is significant because the thalamus is a key structure in the brain involved in processing sensory information and relaying signals to various areas, which may contribute to emotional responses and decision-making processes. Raine et al.'s study utilized PET scans to analyze brain activity in individuals diagnosed with NGRI for violent crimes, revealing that abnormal functioning within specific brain regions could be linked to aggressive behavior. Increased activity in the thalamus suggests that these individuals may process sensory information or emotional experiences differently, which could play a role in their behavior. The other brain areas mentioned do not align with the findings, as Raine et al. specifically points to the thalamus in relation to the NGRI group's brain activity patterns. Understanding the significance of brain regions involved in aggression and behavioral control is crucial in the field of psychology, particularly in forensic contexts.