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Brain Scans Predict Which Criminals Are More Likely To Re-offend

Posted by Soulskill on from the computer-says-you-are-not-yet-rehabilitated dept.

ananyo writes "In a twist that evokes the dystopian science fiction of writer Philip K. Dick, neuroscientists have found a way to predict whether convicted felons are likely to commit crimes again from looking at their brain scans. Convicts showing low activity in a brain region associated with decision-making and action are more likely to be arrested again, and sooner. The researchers studied a group of 96 male prisoners just before their release. They used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to scan the prisoners' brains during computer tasks in which subjects had to make quick decisions and inhibit impulsive reactions. The scans focused on activity in a section of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a small region in the front of the brain involved in motor control and executive functioning. The researchers then followed the ex-convicts for four years to see how they fared. Among the subjects of the study, men who had lower ACC activity during the quick-decision tasks were more likely to be arrested again after getting out of prison, even after the researchers accounted for other risk factors such as age, drug and alcohol abuse and psychopathic traits."

5 of 187 comments (clear)

  1. Good technology by rmdashrf · · Score: 5, Funny

    Now let's first use it on our politicians.

    --
    Nihil in publicum sputa.
    1. Re:Good technology by Sulphur · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Now let's first use it on our politicians.

      Why? We already know.

      To calibrate the tests.

  2. Beware of sampling bias by SirGarlon · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Does the more impulsive decision-making mean they're more likely to commit new crimes, or simply more likely to get caught?

    --
    [Sir Garlon] is the marvellest knight that is now living, for he destroyeth many good knights, for he goeth invisible.
  3. Brain discrimination by i+kan+reed · · Score: 5, Interesting

    It's not illegal to discriminate against people on the basis of their brain activity. Should it be? Can you judge someone on the basis of their biology? Is it really that person's fault anymore if a part of their body predelects them to wrongdoing? Where does liability start? Can you fix people? Should you?

    Too many questions about really understanding the brain that our primitive moral system could begin to address.

  4. Re:Targeted Rehab or Targeted Parole by geekmux · · Score: 5, Insightful

    You use this test as an excuse to keep certain people in jail for political reasons.

    So, let me get this straight...you're going to continue to incarcerate me, for something I might do in the future?

    Believe me, I'm not questioning whether this would actually happen or not. We've proven corruption knows no bounds.

    I'm merely pointing out the "minor" issues with this concept, regardless of where our Rights have dissolved away.