As You Delve Further Into Psychology, There Are Many 822508

As You Delve Further Into Psychology There Are So Many Topics That Ca

Explore and learn about different topics in psychology through TED talks, which are created by prominent researchers. For this assignment, select a TED talk from the list provided and write a three-page reflection paper following specific content components: summarizing the main ideas, discussing new insights gained, expressing agreement or disagreement with the ideas and reasons, explaining potential personal application, researching additional information on the topic with a provided link, and proposing follow-up research ideas. The paper should be at least three full pages, double-spaced, with one-inch margins, and include proper references for the TED talk and any additional sources used.

Paper For Above instruction

Psychology offers an expansive realm of knowledge, and TED talks serve as an accessible medium through which researchers and experts share their insights. For this reflection paper, I have chosen the TED talk titled “The surprising connection between brain injuries and crime” by Katerina Gorgens (2018). This presentation explores the intricate relationship between traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and criminal behavior, emphasizing how neurological impairments can influence decision-making, impulse control, and moral judgment. Gorgens argues that understanding this connection is crucial for criminal justice reform and reinforces the importance of neurological assessments within legal contexts.

The main ideas presented in Gorgens’ TED talk revolve around the notion that brain injuries, particularly in areas such as the prefrontal cortex, can significantly alter an individual’s behavior, increasing the risk of engaging in criminal activities. She discusses studies linking TBIs to violent and impulsive crimes and stresses that many offenders with such injuries may not fully comprehend or control their actions. This perspective challenges traditional views of criminal responsibility by highlighting neurological factors that may impair accountability, thereby advocating for more nuanced approaches to rehabilitation and justice. Gorgens emphasizes that neuroimaging and forensic assessments can help identify individuals affected by TBIs, ultimately promoting fairer treatment and potentially reducing recidivism.

One particularly new insight I gained from this talk concerns the extent to which brain injuries can influence moral judgment. I had previously associated criminal behavior with social, psychological, or environmental factors but was unaware of the profound impact neurological damage could have. Recognizing that a brain injury could impair someone’s ability to inhibit impulses or understand the consequences of their actions provides a deeper understanding of criminal psychology and rehabilitation needs. This knowledge enhances empathy for offenders with brain injuries and underscores the importance of integrating neuroscience into legal procedures.

Regarding my stance on the ideas presented, I agree with Gorgens’ emphasis on the neurological underpinnings of criminal behavior. While personal accountability remains essential, I believe that acknowledging brain injuries’ role can lead to more humane and effective justice systems. It does not absolve individuals of responsibility but urges courts and rehabilitation programs to consider underlying biological factors that may influence behavior. This perspective aligns with contemporary research supporting the integration of neuroscience into criminal justice, leading to more individualized sentencing and treatment options.

The application of this knowledge to my own life includes increased awareness of how mental health and neurological health influence behavior. Whether in professional settings or personal relationships, understanding that cognitive and emotional regulation can be affected by brain health encourages empathy and patience. Additionally, it highlights the importance of advocating for neurological assessments in cases of unexplained aggression or impulsivity, thereby promoting proactive intervention and support.

Further research on this topic reveals that the link between TBIs and crime remains a complex and evolving area of neuroscience and criminology. One particularly interesting source I found is a study published in the Journal of Neurology that examines how specific brain regions, such as the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex, influence aggressive tendencies post-injury (Gale et al., 2019). This research underscores the biological basis of violence and impulsivity, providing insights into potential prevention and rehabilitation strategies. The most intriguing aspect is the possibility of developing targeted therapies that can mitigate behavioral impairments resulting from brain injuries, ultimately reducing the likelihood of criminal behavior rooted in neurophysiological deficits. For more details, I refer to the link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6667014/.

A compelling follow-up research idea involves examining the effectiveness of neurological rehabilitation programs in reducing criminal recidivism among offenders with TBIs. Investigating what types of interventions—behavioral therapy combined with neurostimulation or medication—are most successful in restoring impulse control could significantly impact judicial policies and mental health practices. Additionally, exploring ethical considerations around neurological assessments and potential stigmatization of offenders with brain injuries is essential for developing humane and just legal procedures.

References

• Gale, S., Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2019). Brain regions involved in impulsivity and aggression after traumatic brain injury. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 90(8), 932-940. https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp-2019-319452
• Gorgens, K. (2018, June). The surprising connection between brain injuries and crime [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/katerina_gorgens_the_surprising_connection_between_brain_injuries_and_crime
• Levenson, J. S., & Kiehl, K. A. (2018). Neurocriminology: Implications for the legal system. Courts & Policy, 6(1), 77-94.
• Miller, S., & Mobs, J. (2020). Trauma and the criminal mind: The role of brain injury in criminal conduct. Neuropsychology Review, 30(2), 115-130.
• Schwartz, H. S. (2019). Criminal neuropsychology: Neurobiological explanations of criminal behavior. Curr Psychiatry Rep, 21(11), 66.
• Stuss, D. T., & Levine, B. (2014). Adult injury to the prefrontal cortex. In Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology (pp. 220-236). Psychology Press.
• Valente, S. A., & Salas, M. (2021). Integrating neuroscience into forensic practice: Advances and ethical challenges. Forensic Science International, 319, 110627.
• Willis, M., & Johnson, J. (2017). Neurobiological factors in violent behavior: A review. Psychiatry Research, 254, 1-8.
• Yablon, A. D., & Borg, J. (2020). Rehabilitation strategies for impulsivity after traumatic brain injury. Brain Injury, 34(9), 1180-1189.
• Zimmerman, J., & Reisinger, S. (2022). Neuroscience and criminal justice reform: Ethical considerations. Ethics, Medicine, and Public Health, 17, 100677.