Question 1
Evaluate whether antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) can explain crime and anti-social behaviour.
AO1 (4 marks), AO3 (4 marks)
AO1
- Impulsive anti-social behaviour can be caused by anti-social
personality disorder which is linked to abnormalities in the brain.
- People diagnosed with ASPD can be aggressive, hostile, violent
and threatening to others, which can lead to criminal acts.
- ASPD can be explained as a form of innate pathology in brain-
functioning in areas such as the prefrontal cortex.
- Those with ASPD do not conform to acceptable social behaviour,
and so are more likely to demonstrate anti-social behaviour.
AO3
- Yang et al. (2008) found, using fMRI brain scanning, that
emotional information was not processed in the frontal regions of
the brain of those with ASPD leading to anti-social behaviour.
- Criminal behaviour as suggested by self-fulfilling prophecy would
be where the individual internalises the label of being violent and
behaves according to that belief so it is not due to ASPD.
- ASPD can be empirically tested giving the theory credibility as it
has been found that those with ASPD have structural and
functional impairment leading to anti-social behaviour.
- Anti-social behaviour could be as a result of the media as opposed
to ASPD as Anderson and Dill (2000) found a correlation between
increased aggression and playing violent video games.
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(8)
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\hline Level
Mark
Descriptor
AO1 (4 marks), AO3 (4 marks)
Candidates must demonstrate an equal emphasis between knowledge and
understanding vs evaluation/conclusion in their answer.
0
No rewardable material.
Level 1
1-2
Marks
Demonstrates isolated elements of knowledge and understanding.
(AO1)
A conclusion may be presented, but will be generic and the supporting
evidence will be limited. Limited attempt to address the question.
(AO3)
Level 2
3-4
Marks
Demonstrates mostly accurate knowledge and understanding. (AO1)
Candidates will produce statements with some development in the form
of mostly accurate and relevant factual material, leading to a superficial
conclusion being made. (AO3)
Level 3
5-6
Marks
Demonstrates accurate knowledge and understanding. (AO1)
Arguments developed using mostly coherent chains of reasoning.
leading to a conclusion being presented. Candidates will demonstrate a
grasp of competing arguments but evaluation may be imbalanced.
(AO3)
Level 4
7-8
Marks
Demonstrates accurate and thorough knowledge and understanding.
(AO1)
Displays a well-developed and logical evaluation, containing logical
chains of reasoning throughout. Demonstrates an awareness of
competing arguments, presenting a balanced conclusion. (AO3)
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