2.1 Biological Theories- Genetics- Jacobs Theory

Question 1

What is Jacob’s Theory

Answer 1

XYY chromosome theory

Question 2

What are chromosomes

Answer 2

Chromosomes are structures in the cells’ nucleus which contain our genes

Question 3

How many chromosome’s does a human have

Answer 3

46, 44 for physical form and 2 for gender X-Female, Y-Male

Question 4

Outline the XYY theory

Answer 4

XYY are referred to as super males, they contain the extra male chromosome, this tends to make them more aggressive, low IQ, very tall, well-built

Question 5

How does Jacob’s theory link to criminality

Answer 5

XYY links to criminality as the extra aggression from the Y chromosome can link to violent crimes

Question 6

Outline Jacob’s study and his findings

Answer 6

His study was on imprisoned criminals, such as those in secure psychiatric facilities. A higher proportion of inmates tended to have XYY syndrome, his findings were 15/1000 men in prison and 1/1000 in the general population.

Question 7

What are two strengths of Jacob’s theory

Answer 7

-Consistent with Sheldon’s theory
-Association with XYY and violent criminals (15/1000)

Question 8

What are five limitations of Jacob’s XYY theory

Answer 8

-isnt generalisable as to why women commit crime
-XYY males are more likely to be labelled (SFP)
-XYY is very rare (15/1000) in prisoners
-XYY has no correlation to criminal behaviour
-Biologically deterministic