A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

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What is a possible effect of the Raine et al. study being too reductionistic?

It may oversimplify the psychological complexities of crime
It allows for thorough exploration of criminal behaviors
It provides a comprehensive view of psychological factors
It encourages focused qualitative research

The correct answer is: It may oversimplify the psychological complexities of crime

The effect of the Raine et al. study being too reductionistic is that it may oversimplify the psychological complexities of crime. Reductionism refers to the approach of analyzing complex phenomena by breaking them down into their simpler components. In the context of Raine's research, which primarily focuses on biological factors, such as brain structure and function, there is a risk that the broader psychological, social, and environmental influences on criminal behavior are overlooked. By concentrating mainly on biological aspects, the study may neglect interactive factors such as upbringing, socio-economic status, mental health, and cultural influences, which are essential to fully understanding the multifaceted nature of crime. Therefore, this reductionist approach might lead to incomplete interpretations of criminal behavior, potentially resulting in inadequate or misleading conclusions about the causes of crime.