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Related Experiment Videos

The contingent negative variation in psychopaths.

A E Forth, R D Hare

    Psychophysiology
    |November 1, 1989
    PubMed
    Summary

    Psychopathy research indicates that the early contingent negative variation (CNV) is larger in psychopaths, suggesting enhanced attention to stimuli that interest them. This challenges previous findings on CNV in psychopathy.

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    Area of Science:

    • Neuroscience
    • Psychology
    • Criminology

    Background:

    • Previous research suggests contingent negative variation (CNV) is diminished in psychopathy.
    • These prior studies suffered from methodological and diagnostic limitations.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the contingent negative variation (CNV) in psychopaths using improved methodology.
    • To re-evaluate the relationship between psychopathy and electrophysiological responses during anticipation.

    Main Methods:

    • Male prison inmates were assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist to categorize them as psychopaths or nonpsychopaths.
    • Contingent negative variation (CNV) was recorded during a forewarned reaction time task with a 6-second stimulus interval.
    • Monetary incentives were used to ensure participant motivation.

    Main Results:

    • The early CNV component was significantly larger in the psychopath group compared to the nonpsychopath group.
    • No significant differences were observed between groups in the late CNV or reaction time.
    • These findings suggest psychopaths may exhibit proficient attention to task-relevant stimuli.

    Conclusions:

    • The study challenges the notion of absent or attenuated CNV in psychopathy.
    • Results support the hypothesis that psychopaths can effectively focus attention on stimuli that capture their interest.
    • Methodological rigor is crucial for understanding neurophysiological correlates of psychopathy.

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