A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

Which characteristic of the Raine et al. study indicates it might not represent typical criminal behavior?

1. Sample was inclusive of various demographics

2. NGRIs do not represent typical criminals

3. The methods used were outdated

4. High standardisation of procedures

The correct answer is: NGRIs do not represent typical criminals

The choice indicating that NGRIs (Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity) do not represent typical criminals provides a critical context for understanding the findings of the Raine et al. study. This research primarily focused on a specific group of offenders who were legally classified as insane at the time of their offenses. Since NGRIs constitute a distinct subset of the criminal population, their behavioral patterns and neurological correlates may differ significantly from those of individuals who commit crimes without such legal defenses. As a result, drawing conclusions about general criminal behavior based solely on this group's characteristics may not accurately reflect the broader criminal population. In comparison, while a diverse demographic sample can offer some insights into different backgrounds and experiences, it does not inherently address the representativeness of criminal behavior in a typical sense. Similarly, claims about the methods being outdated or the high standardization of procedures focus on the study's design rather than the specific nature of the sample itself. Consequently, the unique status of NGRIs is the key factor that suggests that the findings may not generalize to typical criminal behavior.