5.5 Biological Explanations Of Offending Behaviourist: Genetic And Neural Flashcards
What is epigenetics?
modification of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself
What are genetic explanations?
Explaining the likelihood of behaviour using genetic makeup
What are neural explanations?
Explaining behaviour using brain areas, nervous system, and chemical messengers
What did Raines study on twins find?
52% concordance rate for delinquent behaviour in MZ twins
21% for DZ twins
What are candidate genes for criminal behaviour?
MAOA
CDH13
What did Brunner research on criminal genetics?
Researched dutch family with history of impulsive and violent crimes
Found gene leading to low levels of MAOA
What did a study find about the CDH13 gene?
A study on offenders found low activity of CDH13 gene
How does diathesis stress apply to genetic explanations?
Longitudinal study found 12% of men had low MAOA genes and also been maltreated in childhood - accounted for 44% of violent convictions
What is research support from adoption studies?
Crowe found 50% greater risk if biological parent had criminal record (5% if not)
What’s a problem with determinism and genetic explanations?
Not everyone who has the gene is a criminal
but shows that some it’s out of their control
What percentage of people in prisons have head injuries?
Study found 60% in US prisons
How is the PFC related to criminal behaviour?
it regulates emotion and controls behaviour
Reduced functioning found in violent individuals
damage leads to impulsive behaviour
How does serotonin link to criminal behaviour?
low levels inhibits prefrontal cortex so predispose people to aggression and crime
How does noradrenaline link to criminal behaviour?
Low and high levels link to aggression
low levels reduce ability to react to threats
How can the issue of cause of effect be related to head injuries in criminality?
Growing up in a violent household could increase risk of a head injury and criminality
