A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

Which brain structure is associated with long-term planning and showed less activity in NGRIs?

1. Prefrontal cortex

2. Corpus callosum

3. Thalamus

4. Hippocampus

The correct answer is: Corpus callosum

The correct answer is the prefrontal cortex. This brain structure is critically involved in long-term planning, decision-making, and impulse control. It enables individuals to foresee the consequences of their actions and make choices that align with their future goals. Research has shown that individuals with diminished activity in the prefrontal cortex, such as those identified as non-guilty by reason of insanity (NGRIs), often display impaired judgment and difficulty in planning for the future. This relates to their ability to anticipate outcomes and manage their behavior accordingly. When considering other structures, the corpus callosum facilitates communication between the two hemispheres of the brain but is not primarily associated with long-term planning. The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory and motor signals, and while it plays a role in consciousness and alertness, it does not specifically relate to planning. The hippocampus is primarily involved in memory formation and spatial navigation, rather than the processes associated with long-term future planning. Therefore, the prefrontal cortex stands out as the key structure linked to long-term planning and activity differences in NGRIs.