AC 4.1 Informed Policy Development(biological theories)

Question 1

Neurochemicals

Answer 1

• Gesch et al (2002) demonstrates it is possible for diet to positively affect aggressive behaviour
• 231 young male prisoners received a daily vitamin,mineral supplements or placebo drug
• results showed number of violent offences reduced by 35% compared to 6.7% who took placebo

Question 2

Neurochemicals (sugar)

Answer 2

• Schoenthaler; reduced sugar diet reduced anti social behaviour by 48%; research had impact on prisons
• prisons have embraced balance of nutrient foods

Question 3

Death penalty

Answer 3

• most violent biologically driven policy is capital punishment
• used as a deterrent to reduce crime
• ending someone’s life will prevent person to engage in criminality
• in the US, murder rate 25% higher in death penalty states than non-death penalty states
• not an effective deterrent

Question 4

Neurochemicals (chemcial castration)

Answer 4

• 2012 pilot scheme provided chemical castration for sex offenders
• volunteers given a pill, or anti-libidinal psychopharmological intervention, reducing sex drive
• positively received by prisoners who were volunteers

Question 5

Testerone levels

Answer 5

• level peaks from puberty to the early 20s; age that correlates with highest crime rates in males