...Death of an expert witness by P.D James English C Background Phyllis Dorothy James or more commonly referred to as P.D James was born in Oxford in 1920. James attended Cambridge High School for Girls. Her first published work titled Cover Her Face which she began writing in the mid 50s introduced the public to her most iconic character; investigator Adam Dagliesh. Dagliesh is a well-known character who is a reoccurring presence in a series of detective novels one of which I have had the pleasure of indulging in/reading, namely The Death of an expert witness. Death of an Expert Witness The novel was published 1977 receiving praise from an array of writers and readers. The story opens with scientists and experts in cases of violent deaths being summoned to the scene where a murder has taken place. The victim is a young woman who by the looks of it has been strangled and abandoned in a field. The storyline however does not revolve around the murder in question but is more of a subtle method to introduce the reader to the staff of the forensics laboratory before the murder which the story centres around has takes place/been committed. One is primarily introduced to the forensic pathologist of the Hoggatts Laboratory (located in East Anglia), Dr Kerrison. Kerrison is one morning rudely awoken by the insistent ringing of the phone, careful not to awaken his two young children Nell and William, he quietly leaves the house. In this passage we also become intimately acquainted...
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...From the passage adapted from the Murder Room, P.D.James uses a voluminous amount of techniques and usage of language to reveal the conditions of which the Gearings were living. One of the major techniques the author conveys is imagery. He shows us the condition of the house for instance in line 42, “the small sitting room with the flowered curtains, shabby furniture.” This was allocated to give a visual appearance on how the house was situated and also to give the readers the idea that their living conditions are destitute. Another imagery consumed by P.D.James to reveal the condition of the house were the house was security enforced with security locks, nailed windows due to Mr. Gearings disease which causes him to go in and out of the house as he pleases. The level of security also shows the possible paucity the Gearings were living and the restrictions they were to. From the lamentable scent of the heated and squalid room, one can imagine the despicable state in which the family was living. As the author describes the old eyes of Mrs. Gearings, showing the frazzled and apprehensive position she was in due to her husband’s disease. As the passage steps forward, another character trait was seen with the narrow malevolent eyes of Mr. Gearings, showing his mind set due to his disease, and also that he is particular with his surroundings. During their conversation a tip of sarcasm was used in the dialogue on lines 24-25, where Mrs. Gearings said, “I suppose were...
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...P.D. Eastman’s book, “Go Dog Go” is a book with fun illustrations with an easy to follow story that was my favorite book as a child. The illustrations are very detailed which keeps a child’s interest throughout the entire book. The easy to follow story is simple to memorize which helps the child to remember the book and feel like they are actually participating in the reading of the story. As a child, my mom would always allow me to pick a book to read before bedtime. I remember picking this book several nights a week for her to read to me. If you ask her she will tell you that it was almost every night of the week. I think the first thing that I loved about this book was that it had so many different looking dogs in it. I loved, and still do love, animals and I found it exciting and fun to read about the adventures that these dogs were going on. On almost every page there would be a different dog on a new adventure. I know that after my mom had read this book over and over to me I had it memorized. This was exciting to me as a young child. I used to think that I was actually reading the book right along with her when in all actuality, I had memorized the words in the book. The story was very east to catch on to and I used to recite the words over and over. I can remember asking if we could read it twice each night just so I could show off my good “reading” skills. My mom would usually smile and then let me show off those great “reading” skills of mine. As...
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...ABSTRACT This study examines previous research of antisocial personality disorder. Both biological and psychological research was examined. This paper will attempt to identify common environmental factors shared among people with antisocial personality disorder. PROBLEM STATEMENT Undoubtedly, the first question asked by many upon the gruesome discovery of a murder victim is, “Who could commit such a heinous crime?” Newspaper journalists, broadcast reporters, and the public alike, have asked the question, “What kind of person is capable of taking another person’s life?” A person with Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) is capable of just that and much more. Common careers of people diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder include, sales, management, and business professionals, as well as con artists. This is not an exhaustive list of careers for the antisocial person, as it is common practice for an antisocial person to be a career criminal, and in the most severe cases a serial killer. APD has been defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), published by the American Psychiatric Association as a person having, “a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others” (1994, p.645). The criteria outlined in the DSM-IV notes that APD behavior is indicated by at least 3 of the following characteristics: 1) failure to conform to social norms, 2) deceitfulness, 3) impulsivity, 4) irritability, 5) reckless disregard...
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...Definition and Types of Conduct Disorder Brian is 14 and has conduct disorder and depression. He lives with his Uncle and Aunt who have practically taken care of him since birth and who have adopted him. Occasionally his mom visits, but not regularly and she does not know who his father is. Brian’s uncle and aunt are the head of a “team” which cares for him, involving respite foster parents, Brian’s second Uncle and his grandparents or adoptive parents who have fixed weekends to have him stay with them. Currently, Brian is functioning, staying out of any major trouble and his grades have been improving. After his last sentencing, his adoptive parents were able to get better assistance from his probation officer and a more flexible probation agreement and in general Brian receives more supervision than his adopted parent’s four year old. Last year, he was hospitalized after he cut his wrist when he was caught drinking after breaking into someone’s house and has been found to have killed the neighbors’ cat or stray cats that wondered into his back yard and has stayed out at night until after three in the morning and found in a neighboring bad neighborhood. Brian is currently a member of a group at school who volunteer to help build houses for the poor and he generally does well except for when he broke into one of his teacher’s cars however, since Brian’s parents have included everyone in his life, including adults at school, they knew to watch out for such actions and were able...
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...CA critical review of ‘An exploration of the serotonin system in antisocial boys with high levels of callous-unemotional traits’ by C. Moul, C. Dobson-Stone, J. Brennan, D. Howes and M. Dadds (2013) Introduction: Aggressiveness is a complicated study due to the fact that it does not act as an integral trait, and increased interest towards the matter of anti-social behaviour is partly explained by the apparent escalation of aggression in contemporary society (Popova, 2006). The human expression of anger is due to a combination of endocrine, neural and behavioural mechanisms and as such, a central question of human history. Children with aggressive behaviour form a heterogeneous population in relation to certain subtypes of aggressive antisocial behaviour. Callous-unemotional traits (e.g. absence of emotions and blame) are well-studied and temperamentally tied in with acute and persistent antisocial expression in children, which holds the risk for progressing psychopathy later in life (Frick & Viding, 2009) Serotonin levels are thought to contribute to childhood aggressive and antisocial behaviour, which can lead to expression later in adulthood (Raine, 2002). Thus, genetic factors are an inseparable part of the nature of antisocial behaviour, as demonstrated by twin research that has shown that heritability is likely to determine various forms of aggression and personality factors, such as impulsivity and callous-unemotional traits (Moffitt, 2005). Despite the fact...
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...As reports have noted, social situations always provoked great anxiety in Lanza, additionally, when in the eighth grade, Lanzas’ mother Nancy withdrew him from school, and he was placed in a program for children who were “too disabled even with support and accommodation to attend school”. After returning back to school in tenth grade, Lanza finished high school outside of the traditional classroom setting, and rather through independent study, and tutoring. According to police, psychiatrist, Dr. King reported that Lanza “displayed a profound autism spectrum disorder with rigidity isolation and a lack of comprehension of ordinary social interaction and communication” (Oliveira, P., 2014). King also told police that “my concern was that Lanza’s social isolation and withdrawal was increasing” (Oliveira, P., 2014). The police report on Lanza revealed that he was seen at the Yale Child Study Center in his early teens and prescribed the antidepressant, Celexa. Lanza was prone to anxiety, was becoming more isolated, and viewed his Netwon home as a secure zone while school and interacting with peers resulted in pressure. Prior to the December 2012 massacre, Lanza had not left his room, where he lived surrounded by an...
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...play a critical role in their education score higher grades than those whose parents play a passive role or are absent altogether. This is because active parents encourage their children to succeed in school. They aid their children to do their homework and help teachers to identify and solve difficulties encountered in their children’s education. They also help their children choose subjects and courses they can pursue with passion and excellence. The involvement of parents in the education of their child also influences teachers (Jeynes, 2011). Since instructors play a significant role in rating and grading a child, “a high degree of parental involvement likely influences how the teacher perceives and even grades the child” (Jeynes, 2011, p. 55). According to Chance (1997), providing teachers with feedback about a child’s attitude and wellbeing can help the child achieve higher scores in IQ tests and vocabulary competence. Secondly, children with supportive parents are more disciplined than those with unsupportive parents. It is easy for parents who follow up on their children’s school activities to identify weaknesses that may lead to indiscipline. They can then discuss such weaknesses with teachers and...
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...play a critical role in their education score higher grades than those whose parents play a passive role or are absent altogether. This is because active parents encourage their children to succeed in school. They aid their children to do their homework and help teachers to identify and solve difficulties encountered in their children’s education. They also help their children choose subjects and courses they can pursue with passion and excellence. The involvement of parents in the education of their child also influences teachers (Jeynes, 2011). Since instructors play a significant role in rating and grading a child, “a high degree of parental involvement likely influences how the teacher perceives and even grades the child” (Jeynes, 2011, p. 55). According to Chance (1997), providing teachers with feedback about a child’s attitude and wellbeing can help the child achieve higher scores in IQ tests and vocabulary competence. Secondly, children with supportive parents are more disciplined than those with unsupportive parents. It is easy for parents who follow up on their children’s school activities to identify weaknesses that may lead to indiscipline. They can then discuss such weaknesses with teachers and develop...
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...life seemed normal and he was quite dependable. After his accident, Phineas Gage showed his emotions (justifiable or not) openly. He appeared to have mood swings, and an inability to master his sentiments. According to Carlson (2014), Mr. Gage was immature, unbalanced, reckless, and inconsiderate (p. 251). Phineas laughed a lot, cried and whimpered, and had fits of rage, all usually occurring at inappropriate times....
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...also accurately report whether an action is morally wrong. The current study revealed that cooperative suppressor effects and conflicting subsets of personality traits within the construct of psychopathy might help explain this conundrum. Among a sample of adult male offenders (N 100) who ranked deserved punishment of crimes, Psychopathy Checklist–Revised (PCL–R) total scores were not linearly correlated with deserved punishment task performance. However, these null results masked significant opposing associations between task performance and factors of psychopathy: the PCL–R Interpersonal/Affective (i.e., manipulative and callous) factor was positively associated with task performance, while the PCL–R Social Deviance (i.e., impulsive and antisocial) factor was simultaneously negatively associated with task performance. These relationships were qualified by a significant interaction where the Interpersonal/ Affective traits were...
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...Who is a Sociopath? Tianny C Salazar Iona College Who Is A Sociopath? “Antisocial personality disorder is a mental health condition in which a person has a long-term pattern of manipulating, exploiting, or violating the rights of others” (National Library of Medicine, 1999). This is commonly resulting in criminal behavior. When we hear the word sociopath or psychopath we automatically register the names of Ted Bundy or that of Charles Manson, who were both American criminals and murderers. However they could actually be our friends, neighbors, or even family. Some of the popular representations of a sociopath can be conflicting, ranging from uncommonly impulsive and violent criminal offenders to corporate figures who callously and skillfully maneuver their way to the highest rungs of the social ladder. (Lykken, 1957) Many people argue that sociopaths are born sociopathic rather than molded into one. Who is what many doctors and criminologist call a sociopath? A sociopath is a person with a personality disorder, manifesting in extreme antisocial attitudes and behavior. Sociopaths are sometimes referred to as a psychopath. Doctors argue whether there is really a difference between the two and many support the notion that there in fact is separate identifying traits. A lack of conscience can be seen through a sociopath’s behavior which includes their lack of remorse for others or their actions. In The Sociopath Next Door, Stout (2005) states that at least four...
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...Differences and Similarities in Generalized Characteristic Traits among Genders: The Sociopath and Psychopath by Evelyn J. Dotson MS, University of Phoenix, 2015 Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science Psychology University of Phoenix March, 2015 Abstract Psychopathic and sociopathic general characteristic traits are found in both genders in various populations. More research on the general characteristic traits of females is needed. Research for the female populations will give professionals information about the differences displayed between genders. Different applied sciences will also further their knowledge in treatment options for either tendency. The study used explored if any differences existed between genders with intensified levels of psychopathic traits in regard to psychopathy factor scores. The sample consisted of 2,500 people of both genders (52.6% women) (M=22.15; SD=1.38) from the generalized population, aged 20-24. Results displayed women with psychopathic personality traits had significantly higher levels of behavioral tendencies than men of the same. The genders did display a difference in aggressive behavior. The men showed a significant amount of aggressive behaviors compared to the women. The gender differences displayed in the seven psychopathic features show the variations needed for treatment options. Differences and Similarities in Generalized Characteristic Traits among...
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...Psychophysiology, 51 (2014), 645–657. Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Printed in the USA. Copyright © 2014 Society for Psychophysiological Research DOI: 10.1111/psyp.12209 Dissociable effects of psychopathic traits on cortical and subcortical visual pathways during facial emotion processing: An ERP study on the N170 PEDRO R. ALMEIDA,a,b FERNANDO FERREIRA-SANTOS,a JOANA B. VIEIRA,a,c PEDRO S. MOREIRA,a,b FERNANDO BARBOSA,a and JOÃO MARQUES-TEIXEIRAa a Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal School of Criminology, Faculty of Law, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal b c Abstract This study examined the relation between psychopathic traits and the brain response to facial emotion by analyzing the N170 component of the ERP. Fifty-four healthy participants were assessed for psychopathic traits and exposed to images of emotional and neutral faces with varying spatial frequency content. The N170 was modulated by the emotional expressions, irrespective of psychopathic traits. Fearless dominance was associated with a reduced N170, driven by the low spatial frequency components of the stimuli, and dependent on the tectopulvinar visual pathway. Conversely, coldheartedness was related to overall enhanced N170, suggesting mediation by geniculostriate processing. Results suggest that different dimensions of psychopathy are related...
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...Antisocial personality disorder From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Not to be confused with Asociality, Antisocial behavior, Avoidant personality disorder, or Schizoid personality disorder. "ASPD" redirects here. For the sleep disorder, see Advanced sleep phase disorder. For the former trade union, see Amalgamated Society of Painters and Decorators. Antisocial personality disorder Classification and external resources ICD-10 F60.2 ICD-9 301.7 MedlinePlus 000921 Patient UK Antisocial personality disorder MeSH D000987 Personality disorders Cluster A (odd) Paranoid Schizoid Schizotypal Cluster B (dramatic) Antisocial Borderline Histrionic Narcissistic Cluster C (anxious) Avoidant Dependent Obsessive–compulsive Not specified Depressive Passive-aggressive Sadistic Self-defeating Psychopathy v t e Antisocial (or dissocial) personality disorder is characterized by a lack of empathy or remorse and a pervasive pattern of disregard for, or violation of, the rights of others. There may be an impoverished moral sense or conscience and a history of crime, legal problems, and impulsive and aggressive behavior. Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is the name of the disorder as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). Dissocial personality disorder is the name of a similar or equivalent concept defined in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD), where it states that the diagnosis includes antisocial...
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