Category Archives: Biological

Hall and Player (2008) Criminal Revision H567

Hall & Player (2008) – Fingerprint Analysis

A Level Psychology H567, Applied Psychology, Biological, Criminal Psychology, , , ,

Hall, L. J., & Player, E. (2008). Will the introduction of an emotional context affect fingerprint analysis and decision-making?. Forensic Science International, 181(1), 36-39.

Background

This is a study you may need for your OCR H567, Applied Psychology exam. It is from the criminal psychology unit. It considers the topic: The collection and processing of forensic evidence (biological). The application for this study is at least one strategy for reducing bias in the collection and processing of forensic evidence. 

For this criminal psychology unit, it is highly recommended that you read Forensic Psychology: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) to gain a deeper understanding of criminal psychology.

It is accepted that an expert in any discipline, as opposed to a novice, is able to demonstrate their increased competencies and cognitive processing skills, which have been enhanced with extensive training and practice. It is often said ‘that practice makes perfect’.
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Raine et al (1997)

Raine et al (1997) – Brain Abnormalities in Murderers

A Level Psychology H567, Applied Psychology, Biological, Criminal Psychology, , , ,

Raine, A., Buchsbaum, M., & LaCasse, L. (1997). Brain abnormalities in murderers indicated by positron emission tomography. Biological psychiatry,42(6), 495-508.

Background

This is a study you may need for your OCR H567, Applied Psychology exam. It is from the criminal psychology unit. It considers the topic: What makes a criminal (biological). The application for this study is at least one biological strategy for preventing criminal behaviour. 

Several previous research studies have suggested that damage to the pre-frontal cortex may cause individuals to become increased in impulsivity, immaturity. It may also caused altered emotionality, loss of self-control and the inability to modify behaviour. The combination of all of these behavioural deficits may lead to increased aggressive behaviour (Damasio, Tranel & Damasio. 1990; Weiger and Bear 1988).

Damasio et al. (1990) suggested that after damage to the pre-frontal cortex, previously normal individuals would display behaviour which would be considered abnormal and they would display deficits in decision making and planning.
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