AC3.2- Evaluate theories of criminality Flashcards
What are the strengths of the XYY theory by Jacob et al?
- Study by Jacob et al (1965) found that a significant number of men in prison had XYY sex chromosomes instead of the normal XY
-Alder et al (2007) indicated that it’s possible aggression and violent behaviour is at least determined by genetic factors
-Case studies: John Wayne Gacy, Charles Manson & Andrel Chikatilo
What are the weaknesses of the XYY theory by Jacob et al?
-studies have found that genetic abnormalities are widespread throughout the general composition and therefore don’t explain aggression
-Focuses too heavily on genetics and ignores the behaviourist approach
-Theilgard (1984) researched that the traits of XYY men compared to XY men and found the characteristics of aggression was not associated with the XYY men
What are the strengths of the atavism theory by Lambrosso?
- Charles Goring (1913) did a low order intelligence in convicts which suggests some genetic base to criminality
-Several pieces of research (Bath Spa Uni) suggests less attractive individuals are more likely to be considered guilty
-Beginning of offender profiling in psychology and criminology
What are the weaknesses of the atavism theory by Lambrosso?
-only a correlation: lack of control variables therefore can’t identify whether there’s a cause and effect relationship
-Unfalsifiable: cannot be scientifically measured and there’s no medical evidence
-Not everyone with atavistic features are criminals
What are the strengths of the somatypes theory by William Sheldon?
-psychological insights: correlation between body types and personality traits spurred further exploration into how physical attributes might relate to psychological tendencies
-Clinical relevance: in certain areas of health and fitness, understand someone’s somatype
-simplicity + clarity: straightforward and accessible in categorising body types making it easy to understand the diversity in physiques
What are the weaknesses of the somatypes theory by William Sheldon?
-oversimplification: reduces complex bodies into 3 categories which doesn’t account for the vast diversity of body types and traits. Most don’t fit neatly into a single category
-Unfalsifiable: lack of scientific evidence as modern research has largely discredited the theory and shown personality traits are not reliably determined by physique
-Cultural bias: reflects ethnocentric views, western biases and body ideals
What are the strengths of the Twin Studies by Johannes Lang?
-Christian Sen (1977) research supports the view that criminality does have a genetic component
-Louise wise Services adds credibility: twins separated at birth and put in similar families and even when they were separated they demonstrated similarities
What are the weaknesses of the Twin Studies by Johannes Lang?
-unethical
-Focuses more on nurture
-lacked validity as to whether twins were DZ or MZ which was based on appearance rather than DNA
What were the strengths of the Adoption Studies by Hutchins + Mednick ?
-Louise Wise Study
-Studies have convulsed that there is a correlation between adopted children and their biological parents
-As adopted children are exposed to a different environment to their biological family it is easier to separate genetics and environmental factors
What were the weaknesses of the Adoption Studies by Hutchins + Mednick ?
- Age of adoption may mean that adopted children have already been influenced by either their natural parents or foster environment
-information about biological family isn’t always available
-Adoption process isn’t always random as often children are placed with parents similar to their biological parents
What are the strengths of the Brain abnormality & Neurochemicals theory by Raine et al?
-Case studies: Fred West, Phineas Gage & Robert Napper
-Roid rage caused by steroids
-Neurochemicals abnormality can cause changes in serotonin
-scientific evidence in PET scans by Raine Et Al
What are the weaknesses of the Brain abnormality & Neurochemicals theory by Raine et al?
-doesn’t explain why some offenders have no brain abnormality but commit their crimes
-some offenders have a healthy balanced lifestyle
-not all body builders become criminals
What are the strengths of the diseases theory by Constantin Van Ecohomo?
-personality changes- some survivors of encephilitus suffer from personality shifts and psychological changes which may include increases irritability, impulsiveness and aggression
-Delusional thinking/hallucinations can distort a person’s perception of regulating behaviour making decisions + planning for the future
-Frontal lobe damage
What are the weaknesses of the diseases theory by Constantin Van Ecohomo?
-risk of justification: a concern with connecting crime to disease may be used as an excuse for criminal behaviour overshadowing responsibility
-social and legal consequences: people with neurological diseases or brain injuries might be unfairly treated by society of legal systems
-most individuals with neurological conditions do not commit crimes
What are the strengths of the sex hormones theory by Ellis + cohntz?
- Holistic approach: understanding biological approaches considering adds another layer of complexity and depth to the analysis
-tailored treatment: if hormonal imbalances are shown to contribute to criminal behaviour then therapies/ medications to regulate those hormones could be used as a part of rehabilitation/ intervention programmes
-biological insight- helps to uncover biological underpinnings of aggressive/antisocial behaviours
What are the weaknesses of the sex hormones theory by Ellis + cohntz?
-ignores social & environmental factors as it’s focusing too heavily on hormonal influences which could oversimplify the complexities of criminal behaviour
-deterministic: biological determinism where criminal behaviour is seen as predetermined by hormonal factors, undermining personal responsibility
-reinforces negative stereotypes: there’s risk that the findings could be used to reinforce stereotypes
What are the strengths of the social learning/observational theory by Albert Bandura?
-Bobo doll experiment adds credibility as it shows modelling did have an effect of child behaviour
-Controlled study allowed for greater accuracy
What are the weaknesses of the social learning/observational theory by Albert Bandura?
-Had low ecological validity from lab experiment
-unethical
-limited social situation
-Cumberbatch (1997) criticised and said those unfamiliar with doll are 5x more likely to imitate the model
What are the strengths of the Differential Association theory by Edmund Sutherland?
-social environment as key: criminality is learnt from those around them
-Focus on peer influence: case study of Mary and Norma Bell proves
-Positive rehabilitation focus
What are the weaknesses of the Differential Association theory by Edmund Sutherland?
-ignores biological and psychological factors: doesn’t consider genetic predispositions
-limited explanation for individual differences: not everyone exposed to crime joins in
