2B: Relevance of theories- Physiological, Psycological Sociological Flashcards
What does recent evidence suggest a link between
Recent evidence suggests a link between men with low heart rate and an increased risk of criminality
What did research in Sweden look at
Looked at heart rates which were measured in recruits at medical exams as part of mandatory service. More than 700,000 results were considered from men who were roughly 18 years old
Evidence found that those men in the LRHR category were
- 39% more likely to be convicted of a violent offence including murder assault and arson
- 25% more likely to be convicted of non - violent offences
- 39% more likely to be involved in an assault or accident … than those who had a HRHR (836pm or more)
What did the research in Sweden take into account
Research took into account those factors which could affect RHR levels including height weight and fineness levels and still found that the results gained were not negatively impacted even when considering all of these
What are teens who have a low resting heart rate at increased risk of
Teens who have a low resting heart rate may be at increased of committing violent crimes as adults
What do people with low resting heart rate have unusually low levels of
Have unusually low levels of arousal or the feeling of being awake and alert - this may be linked to those people seeking stimulating experiences such as risk and crime to boost their arousal
What do people with low resting heart rate have less reaction to
Those with low resting heart rate have less of reaction to mildly stressful experiences like getting your heart rate checked meaning they are fearless and less afraid of risks and consequences
What other factors affect those with low resting heart rate
There are likely other environmental factors that play a role in the link Eg these people may have trouble with their peers, get involved with groups
What are makes with low resting heart rate more likely to be at risk of
Males with a low resting heart rate were at significantly greater risk of engaging in stalking behaviour also linked to the arousal theory more likely to exhibit impulsive behaviour
What do other studies suggest
Other studies suggest that crime could be linked to low serotonin levels in the brain
What do serotonin levels help the brain to control
Serotonin levels help the brain to control behaviour and is believed to help explain why some oriole are more prone to aggression, with low levels the messages between the amygdala and frontal lobes are weakened perhaps leading to more impulsive behaviour
What did low serotonin levels
Low brain serotonin made communications between specific regions of the emotional limbic system of the brain and the frontal lobes weaker. Compared to those present under normal levels
What are low serotonin levels linked
Low serotonin levels are also linked to a host of psychiatric afflictions other than impulsive aggression some of these include migraines, pathological shyness, obsessive - compulsive disorder, anxiety restless leg syndrome, gambling, depression and several addictions (food, sex, drugs)
Who was cesare lambroso
Cesare lambroso was one of the first to link crime to human biology. He argued that the physical shape of the head and face determined the ‘born criminal’
What were the number of genetically determined characteristics which were often found in criminals :
- Large saw
- high cheek bones
- large cars
- extra toes and fingers
- extra nipples
- insensitivity to pain
How representative was lambrosos research
Research was carried out amongst inmates in Italian prisons. He was studying very poor people who’s physical development had been affected by poverty and poor nutrition. Also not everyone who commits crime ends up in prison. Lombrosos research was not representative
What did William sheldon
William sheldon believed that people could be classified into 3 body shapes, which corresponds with three different types of personality
What did William sheldon find using a correlation study
Using a correlation study he found that many convicts were mesomorphic (aggressive and adventurous) and least likely to be ectomorphic (introverted and restrained)
How was William Sheldons study carried out
The study he carried out didn’t include women and the groups he tested were too different from each other
What can Brain damage in childhood and early adulthood increase
Brain damage in childhood and early adulthood may increase the likelihood of criminal behaviour. This typically lowers inhibitions or emotional control affecting the way we respond to triggers in the environment.
Which group has a higher amount of brain damage
There is a higher amount of brain damage amongst offenders in custody
Which types of traumatic brain injury can increase anti social behaviour and criminality
Certain types of traumatic brain injury seem too increase the risk of offending behaviour and there is increasing evidence that brain tumours, epilepsy, levels of chemical neurotransmitters in the brain and many other biological factors can increase anti social behaviour and criminality
What does failure to form an association between precede criminal activity for
Failure to form an association between a loud noise and fear at the age of t here years appeared to precede criminal activity in adulthood
What do in some cases men have an extra of
In general men are born with an XY chromosome in some cases people have an additional Y chromosome
