2.1 Biological theories- Physiological- Sheldon's Theory

Question 1

What is Sheldon’s theory called

Answer 1

Somato Types

Question 2

What are the three Somato Types

Answer 2

Ectomorph- thin and fragile
Endomorph- fat and soft
Mesomorph- muscular and agressive

Question 3

Explain Sheldon’s Theory

Answer 3

Sheldon looked at 4000 bodies from different angles. He concluded that these three body types were different.

Question 4

Which Somato Type is more criminal according to Sheldon

Answer 4

Mesomorph is more criminal than an Ectomorph

Question 5

Explain Sheldons second study to evaluate his previous research

Answer 5

P’s looked at photographs of college students some criminal some not. p’s then rated them on a scale of 1-7, 7 being mesomorph. He found criminals had a higher ranking of mesomorphy of (4.6) compared to a normal student whose mesomorphy was around (3.8).

Question 6

Explain and Name one piece of supporting research for Sheldons Theory (Somato Types)

Answer 6

Glueck and Glueck, found in a sample of delinquents that 60% were mesomorphic, In a control group of non criminals 31% were mesomophic

Question 7

Give one limitation of Sheldons second study

Answer 7

There research doesn’t account for demand characteristics and the mean point score is very close only (0.8) difference

Question 8

Give one limitation of Sheldons original theory

Answer 8

His research isn’t ethical, replicable nor does it account for physical change over time (human development)

Question 9

Give 5 limitations to the three somato types

Answer 9

-They can lead to wrongful convictions and stereotyping.
-provides an excuse for mesomorphic criminals
-Leads to labelling and SFP
-research isnt generalisable
-biologically deterministic theory