AC 2.1 & AC 3.2 - Biological theories Flashcards

1
Q

What is the general explanation for why crimes are committed?

A

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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Study by Plomin, 2004

A

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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Osborne and West’s study (1982)

A

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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Hollin’s perspective (1989)

A

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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Ainsworth’s 2000 perspective on Osborne and West’s study

A

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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Jacob’s study

A

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’

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are the symptoms of the XYY syndrome?

A
  • tall
  • average IQ
  • sever acne
    Rare condition - 1/1000 males
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Evaluation of the Jacob’s study - strengths

A
  • 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.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Evaluation of the Jacob’s study - Weaknesses

A
  • 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.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What does Lombroso’s theory state about criminals?

evollution, atavism, biological difference

A

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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are the signs of atavism?

A
  • low foreheads
  • shifty eyes
  • reduced senstivity to pain
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

State the different features that are used to describe specifc types of criminals

A

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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What was Lombroso’s aim?
What was the method he used?

A

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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

From his research, what results did Lombroso find?
What was his conclusion?

inherited physiology

A

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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Evaluation of Lombroso’s theory - Strengths

attractiveness, intelligence, scientific explanation, Goring & Garland

A
  • 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.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Evaluation of Lombroso’s theory - weaknesses

disfigurements, substantial nature, inconsistent, abnormalities, Goring

A
  • After a while, it was said that his study was very inconsistent or non-existent
  • He couldn’t provide comparisons as he didn’t use a controlled group, therefore his research had no substantial nature (wasn’t solid).
  • Ignores the fact that not all abnormal individuals are criminals
  • Ignores the fact that not all criminals have abnormalities
  • Determining a criminal by their physical features or viewing someone who has these features as criminals is not reliable, accurate or fair.
    People with disfigurements on their face could have been caused by an earlier event in their life, eg accidents.
  • Goring found no distinctive differences in behaviour when he researched non-criminal control groups.
17
Q

What was Sheldon’s physiological theory?

A

His theory was about Somatotypes, referring to different body types.
His study explained that a tough body was needed in order to be accepted by the society and survive within it.

18
Q

Describe the physical charactertistics and personality of an Endomorph

A

Physical charactertistics:
- soft and fat
- fat spread all over their body; upper arms and thighs
- overweight, lacking in muscle or tone
- wide hips
- slim ankles
- wrists

Personality:
- socialable
- relaxed

19
Q

Describe the physical charactertistics and personality of an Ectomorph

A

Physical charactertistics:
- thin and fragile
- lacking in fat and muscle
- thin shoulders
- narrow hips
- thin chest and abdomen (stomach)
- thin faces with high foreheads

Personality:
- fragile
- self-conscious
- private
- emotionally restrained
- thoughtful

20
Q

Describe the physical charactertistics and personality of a Mesomorph

A

Physical charactertistics:
- muscular and hard; strong arms and legs
- broad shoulders
- narrow waists
- little body fat

Personality:
- brave
- adventurous
- enjoy physical activity
- aggressive
- domineering
- care little about others

21
Q

Which somatotypes does Sheldon believe is likely to commit crimes?

imposing stature, strong-willed

A

Mesomorphs have the greater risk of criminal behaviour, due to their imposing stature which makes them feel a lot more domineering and are strong-willed than other somatotypes.

22
Q

Evaluation of Sheldon’s theory - Strengths

correlation, sample size, delinquents

A
  • Other studies such as Putwain & Sammons have confirmed that there is some correlation between body build and criminal behaviour.
  • He had a good sized sample of 200 boys and he was able to compare them as he had a controlled condition of non-offenders.
  • Glueck and Glueck had supported Sheldon’s theory by their research in which they discovered that in the sample of delinquents 60% were mesomorphs while in the sample of non-delinquents there were 31% mesomorphs.
    Each sample had 800 people, concluding that more delinquents are mesomorphs.

delinquents - means offenders

23
Q

Evaluation of Sheldon’s theory - Weaknesses

peer-pressured, justice system

A
  • Due to the body structure of mesomorphs, they most likely be dared and peer-pressured to do delinquent acts as they are perceived to do so (stereotyped). Concludes that mesomorphs are picked upon.
  • As mesomorphs body structure considered criminal, the criminal justice system may also consider this as they might say mesomorphs have the potential to do it. therefore they are treated more harshly and it increases the chance of being labelled as a criminal.
  • Ignores the fact that somatotypes are not fixed throughout an individual’s life as body structures can change, and therefore Sheldon doesn’t cover the changes in personality and criminal behaviour along with body shape.