Task 1
Please follow the link to download a pdf of a booklet/magazine called ‘BigPicture on Thinking’ and read the booklet to get a feel for the information and debates relating to how we think and process information.
Here is a link to the optical illusions mentioned in the booklet:
https://bigpictureeducation.com/optical-illusions-images
Task 2
Once you have done that please look at the Powerpoint on ‘What does it all mean? (below this task)
There are further links and reading material to study via the PPT. The case studies on the PPT are also in the booklet – the first two involve you being the judge, the second two involve you being the parent and the final two involve you being the regulator.
Make your judgements/decisions and explain the reasons for your answers - answers and reasoning can be typed up or handwritten.
Task 3 Research and making a podcast/mp3 file.
Are we responsible for our actions? Using specially commissioned podcasts as stimulatory material, you will discover more about the human brain, its structure and function, and its control over human behaviour.
Introduction
- the task involves listening to two podcasts featuring news reports of a fictional court case, then consider the styles of reporting and the verdict. You will then research another biomedical story related to responsibility, and create your own news story and podcast using the knowledge gained.
- You have access to two fictional podcast news reports describing the history, verdict and reactions to a controversial court case. The defendant had a brain tumour at the time he attacked and killed a colleague. His defence was based around the claim that the physical changes in his brain caused him to become more aggressive and impulsive, making him less responsible for his actions. The story is covered in two very different reporting styles and is based on a true story.
- As well as considering the scientific and legal facts of the case, you must also be aware of the different styles of reporting and how that may influence listeners’ points of view.
- Though fictional, the podcasts are based on scientific and legal fact. Scientific, legal and journalistic experts were consulted in the creation of both the podcasts.
Use the Topic Guide and Homework sheet 'Are you responsible?' below to help you with the task:
This homework sheet provides prompts to help you consider the issues raised in the podcasts.
This has the relevant research information to help you with your news story/podcast.
Podcast 1: Broadsheet version (listen to the podcast now) and use the homework sheet 'Are you responsible?' to prompt you. ( It takes a few seconds for the podcast to download before you will hear any sound!)
- This is recorded in the style of a typical BBC-style news programme. All the facts in the case are reported and it gives a clear timeline for the story. The programme team have made the most of the fact that they had exclusive access to the defendant’s family and used this to tell his side of the story. The listener is led to the conclusion that there were victims on both sides of the case.
Podcast 2: Tabloid version (listen to the podcast now)and use the homework sheet 'Are you responsible?' to prompt you.
- This is recorded in the style of the sort of news programme that might be found on a pop music station. In the report different clips are used to cast doubt on the verdict and the leniency of the sentence. The programme expects its audience to be similarly outraged by the sentence.
Case history
Our brain controls our behaviour. Throughout history we have discerned the functions of the brain by studying brain injury and lesions, and the resulting effects on patients’ behaviour.
Pete is a 35-year-old carpenter who had previously worked on a number of skilled and successful jobs. Until last year he was happily married with two small children, and was considered generous, considerate and very popular with friends and colleagues. Pete began to behave very differently. He made inappropriate advances towards women, had many arguments with his wife, frequently lost his temper and became much more aggressive. One day he was taunted and highly provoked by another man and killed him.
In prison it is discovered that Pete has developed a tumour in his frontal cortex that appears to cause him to have an extremely short fuse; on occasions he is unable to control his impulses.
The case goes to court and the brain scans and behavioural evidence are weighed up. Was he really responsible for his actions or is his brain tumour ultimately the cause?
The jury find Pete not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. However, because he has already served time in prison, the judge gives him a suspended sentence (and appropriate supervision orders etc.) and he walks free from court. This is a high-profile case, which attracts plenty of publicity.
Research (using the topic guide and booklet) and write a news story as follows:
- Choose another topic where responsibility for actions is in question. For example:
- alcohol
- drugs
- sleepwalking
- schizophrenia
- mental illness
- genetics.
- Decide the ‘style’ in which to report. For example:
- daily tabloid
- daily broadsheet
- science magazine (e.g. ‘New Scientist’)
- scientific journal (e.g. the ‘Lancet’)
- Write the script for the
news story.
- Use content from this issue of the ‘BigPicture on Thinking’ in your research and the topic guide.
- Create
podcast/mp3 file
- There are lots of websites/youtube links to help you do this if you are unsure how to do so.
- If you really are unable to do this, then please create a newspaper article.
Extension task.
- Collect newspaper articles from a range of newspapers/online sources and compare language and style.
- Additional links and reading related to the BigPicture booklet:
https://bigpictureeducation.com/strange-times
https://bigpictureeducation.com/amnesia-and-deliberate-forgetting