AC 2.1- biological theories- physiological theories Flashcards
what did sheldon suggest (3)
somatotype theory
-criminality linked to physique
-physique linked to personality
-relationship between metamorphism and degree of criminality
sheldon: physique and personality (3)
ectomorph- solitary, restrained
endomorph- relaxed, hedonistic
mesomorph- energetic, adventurous due to increased testosterone
sheldon: study- assessing somatotypes (3)
-assessed somatotypes of a sample of 20 college students
-used mesmorphy scale (1= low, 7= high)
-findings: delinquents had higher average rating than students (4.6 vs 3.8)
sheldon: evaluation- 2 strengths
-other research supports small association between physique and criminality- in a study, 60% were mesomorphs
-good sample size, had a control group
sheldon: evaluation- 2 limitations
-couldn’t explain criminality in ectomorphs+endomorphs
-didnt consider that somatotypes are unfixed- bodies change all the time
what did lombroso suggest (3)
-criminality was heritable
-distinct biological class of people were prone to criminality- had atavistic features- they were throwbacks who had characteristics from ancestors
-different criminals had different atavistic features
lombroso: study- measuring criminals (3)
-studied over 4000 dead/alive italian offenders
-measured height, weight, hand size etc
-findings: 40% had atavistic features
lombroso: evaluation- 2 strengths
-research shows less attractive people=more likely to be considered guilty
-argues offenders dont freely choose to commit crime- helps us focus on how to prevent further offending rather than punishing
lombroso: evaluation- 2 limitations
-no control group of non-criminals- comparisons cant be made
-sample had many people with psychological disorders/chromosomal abnormalities- he hasnt distinguished between criminality+pathology
