3.1.1 Bio exp.1: Inherited Criminality Evaluation Flashcards
General Evaluation of Twin studies #1
Often reliant upon random mating:
- if individuals choose a partner who is similar to themselves (their traits) then DZ twins may share more than 50% of their genetic makeup
General Evaluation of Twin studies #2
May not fully separate genes from the environment:
- it is assumed MZ and DZ twins are raised in similar environments
- however, MZ twins are treated more similar to DZ twins- think teachers and peers
General Evaluation of Twin studies #3
Ignores the interaction of Genes and Environment
Adoption studies #1
Androcentric study- only uses males
- gender bias
- cant be generalised to females
sampl size +1
Adoption studies #2
Large sample size
- high ecological validity
Adoption studies #3
The relationship between bio parents and criminal children is only high with minor crimes not violent crimes
e.g property vandalism & minor offences
Adoption studies #4
When adoption takes place:
- Children may be exposed to biological parents
aggressive environments before being adopted
- Cant fully separate genes and environment
Adoption studies #5
Similarity to bio family:
- Children are often adopted into a family as
similar to their own bio family
- Even more difficult to separate genes from the
environment
MAOA #1
Unlikely there is a causal relationship between genes and aggressive behaviour
MAOA #2
If criminality it due to genes, it is likely to be due to the interaction of a large number of genes rather than just one or two
- Polygenic (characteristic that’s influenced by 2
or more genes)
Research issues
- Most theories are based on heratibility studies
- Methodological issues
- Non- experimental = cause and effect
relationship can’t be drawn
Gender Bias
- Lots of research is solely done on men
- Theories have ignored women or applied the
same theory - little attempt to investigate crime in women and
may not be appropriate to assume the reasons
women become criminals is the same as men
What is Beta Bias?
Refers to theories that ignore or minimise sex differences
- these theories often assume that findings from studies using males can apply equally to females
Why is this Reductionist?
- ignores the roles of society and culture in
genetic explanation
Reductionist example #1
Criminals are assessed equally regardless of socioeconomic background or education
Reductionist Example #2
Real causes of crime are varied- interactionist approach is better
- society
- upbringing
- genes as causes
Reductionist example #3
‘The definition of crime is constantly changing’
- depends on your culture and the time period you live in
- genes change slowly over 1000 of years
- whereas cultural views change within 10 years
- therefore difficult to argue that crime is genetic
