AC 3.2 Evaluate biological theories of criminality

Question 1

Biological theories
- genetic theories
- Jacobs XYY study

Answer 1

STRENGTHS
- tangible scientific evidence of the genetic theory proposed, with research and case studies supporting the theory empirically.

LIMITATIONS
- Characteristics of XYY syndrome are often subtle and do not necessarily suggest a serious chromosomal disorder. Thus, males with this condition are often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, reducing the sample size accessible for study. Furthermore, there are many misconceptions about the resulting behaviours of the disease.

Question 2

Biological theories
- genetic theories
- Twin and adoption studies

Answer 2

STRENGTHS
- Give some support to genetic explanations of crime, because as identical twins are genetically identical, if one is criminal, we should find the other is too.

LIMITATIONS
- If genetics were the only cause of criminality identical twins would show 100% concordance. Also the higher rates for MZ could be due to them sharing the same home and therefore one could influence the other. Also other environmental factors could impact on their criminality.

Question 3

Biological theories
- physiological theories
- Lombroso

Answer 3

STRENGTHS
- led to further developments in the explanation of criminality. It is often regarded to be responsible for developing newer theories which have sound scientific evidence.

LIMITATIONS
- lacks scientific evidence for support. Although there may be certain common features among criminals, there is no definite causal link.