AC 2.1 & AC 3.2 - Biological theories Flashcards
What is the general explanation for why crimes are committed?
It states that criminal behaviour could be influenced by the structure of the gene codes for psychological factors and functioning of the nervous system and neurochemistry.
Study by Plomin, 2004
He was one of the criminologists that wanted to study the extend to which certain traits are heritable; if individuals behaviour is too similar to their biological family then it proves that traits are more influenced genetically.
Osborne and West’s study (1982)
They had carried out a research to compare the sons of criminal fathers (40% of these sons were criminals) with the sons of non-criminal fathers (13% of these sons were criminal). Their research were viewed as reliable as it shows the consistency with the genetic influence.
Hollin’s perspective (1989)
She contradicted with the genetic influence and stated that the environment plays an equal role as criminal behaviour is learned within the family or due to their factors such as poverty or negative influenced of the peers they hang out with.
Ainsworth’s 2000 perspective on Osborne and West’s study
He focused more on the reasons of the results as he believed that it’s important to discuss and find out why the other 60% of the sons of the criminal fathers didn’t become criminals and why those 13% of the non-criminal fathers did.
Jacob’s study
He had discovered that some males have the XYY Super Male Karyotype (aka XYY syndrome) in which instead of the normal amount of 46 chromosome, they have an extra male chromosome, constructing 47 chromosomes. This allowed them to believe that this may have increased the levels of testosterone, which leads to these males being extra aggressive therefore they commit crimes.
‘Super Males’
What are the symptoms of the XYY syndrome?
- tall
- average IQ
- sever acne
Rare condition - 1/1000 males
Evaluation of the Jacob’s study - strengths
- His study was quite reliable as huge number of prisoners had the XYY syndrome than the ordinary males.
- Adler supports his study by stating that it’s possible that aggressive and violent behaviour are partially determined by the genetic factors.
Evaluation of the Jacob’s study - Weaknesses
- Some studies discovered that genetic abnormalities are spread across the general population therefore it doesn’t explain aggression of the criminal males who have the condition.
- His study focuses on genetic influence too much and ignores the behavioural impacts.
- Theilgaard 1984 discovered that aggression was not associated with the XYY males, which he found from his research into the character traits of the XYY and XY men.
What does Lombroso’s theory state about criminals?
evollution, atavism, biological difference
In his theory he explains how criminals biologically differs from non-criminals and are not fully evolved as an ordinary human being to which he said that they were an ‘evolutionary throwback’.
This is called Atavism; causes them to be reckless and have less control over their basic urges.
What are the signs of atavism?
- low foreheads
- shifty eyes
- reduced senstivity to pain
State the different features that are used to describe specifc types of criminals
Thieves - flattened nose
Murderers - aquiline nose (curved or bent)
Rapists - lips are fleshy
Swindlers (con-artists) - lips are thin and straight
con-artists - manipulaters; often with intentions to take something (money) or make you believe something that’s not true.
Atavism - someone who is not fully evolved.
What was Lombroso’s aim?
What was the method he used?
1) he wanted to identify physical features of criminals which segragated them from non-criminals based on the biological principles.
2) he examined nearly 4,000 criminals and 400 skulls of dead criminals.
From his research, what results did Lombroso find?
What was his conclusion?
inherited physiology
He found that criminals had the following features:
- sloping brow; indicated low intelligence levels
- pronounced jaw
- high cheek bones
- large ears
- extra nipples, toes and fingers
He concluded that these criminals cannot be blamed for their actions as they cannot control their inherited physiology.
Evaluation of Lombroso’s theory - Strengths
attractiveness, intelligence, scientific explanation, Goring & Garland
- less attractive criminals are more likely to be sentenced and found guilty
- Goring supported his study as he also found that all the criminals had similiar low levels of intelligence and that there must be genetical influence on their criminal behaviour.
- Garland supported his study as he acknowleged Lombroso’s work and gave him the credits of giving this study a scientific explanation.