Researchers, as well as psychologists, sociologists, and criminologists, have devoted a great deal of time to the study of criminal behavior. Investigators are increasingly turning to brain research as a way to better understand the genetic origins of violence and aggression. For example, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a technique used to measure brain activity. Using fMRI, researchers can identify changes in blood oxygenation and flow that occur in response to certain stimuli. In other words, they are able to identify which parts of the brain are involved in specific mental processes, for example, fear and aggression.

One area of the brain that has been associated with criminality is the amygdala. The amygdala is involved in a variety of emotional responses, including fear, anger, and disgust and allows an individual to develop emotional valence to a situation (i.e., providing emotional value or appraisal). Several recent studies highlight the role of the amygdala in aggressive and violent behavior. For instance, Pardini and colleagues (2013) found that young men with lower amygdala volumes were more likely to be aggressive and violent than men of the same age who had average amygdala volumes. The young men with lower volumes were also more likely to show psychopathic traits, such as pathological lying, diminished empathy and remorse, and poor behavioral control. In another study, amygdala dysfunction in early childhood predicted criminality at age 23 (Gao et al., 2010).

Locate an online article or interview (there are a number of informative interviews on YouTube) that addresses brain/neurological differences in criminals versus noncriminals. Find an article or interview that focuses on an area other than the amygdala.

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