biological explanation Flashcards
What is Lombroso’s ‘atavistic form’?
Criminals were ‘genetic throwbacks’
A primitive (earlier) subspecies, biologically different to non-criminals
How could criminals be identified in Lombroso’s atavistic form?
Due to physical features that resemble ancestors e.g. asymetrical face, sloping brow, strong jawline
How did Lombroso differentiate between different criminals
Thieves= Upturned nose
Murderers=Hooked beak nose
How did Lombroso back up the atavistic form?
*Issues? (2)
Examined features of 100s Italian convicts (living and dead)
Found that 40% of criminal acts supported atavistic characteristics
- Italy cant be generalised to population
- 40% is low
One limitation of Lombroso is that there’s contradictory research
PET
E: Another psychologist investigated the role of physical characteristics, using a control (Lombroso didn’t use)
Concluded that there’s no evidence that offenders are a distinct group
T: Reduces credibility
One limitation of Lombroso is that there’s racism
PET
E: The characteristics he pointed out ate common amongst the black community
This influenced racist policies e.g. biassed iQ testing
T: Limits psychology as a science, socially sensitive
One strength of Lombroso’s research is that there’s some scientific credit
PET
E: Paved the way for more scientific research
‘Father of modern criminology’
T: Credibility ^
One limitation of the atavistic form is that there’s issues with cause and effect
PET
E: Features>crime>self-fulfilling prophecy because of criminal stereotype
T: Limited explanation
What 2 theories reject the atavistic form?
Genetic and Neural explanations of crime
What does the genetic explanation argue about criminality?
Certain inherited genes makes it more likely that an individual will engage with criminal behaviour
One strength of the genetic explanation is that theres there’s research support from twin and adopted studies
AO1?
Monozygotic twins (100%) are more likely to be criminals than dizygotic (50%) -higher concordance rate
Biological kids of crimes commit crimes, even when raised in non criminal families
How do candidate (specific) genes support the genetic explanation
MAOA has been linked to high levels of criminal behaviour e.g. aggression
MAOA absorbs neurotransmitters e.g. dopamine
This gene potentially leads to poorer impulse control
If not everyone who has the MAOA variant is criminal, explain why
Diathesis [genetic vulnrebility e.g. MAOA inherited] stress [environmental trigger e.g. abuse]
Only when both interact you become criminal
One strength of the genetic explanation is that there’s research support
PETF
E: Psychologist did a meta-analysis assessing influence of genetic and environmental factors on anti-social behaviour
Found genetics accounted for 41% in anti-social behaviour, whilst envionment was 59%
T: Genetics play a role
F: Supports diathesis model
What does the neural explanation argue about criminality?
Range of biological processes and structures within the brain that leads to criminal behaviour
E.g. biochemistry, large neural structures
What do neurotransmitters show about criminality? (3)
Imbalance is linked to offending behaviour, particicularly violence
Dopamine (pleasure) is linked to drug addiction, need to satisfybiological craving>criminality e.g. theft
Serationin (mood regulation) is linked to the ability to control impulsivity, low levels>criminality
What do neurological structures show about criminality? (3)
These are biological features in the brain that regulates behaviour
Reduced limbic system activity- psychopaths have this problem>not experiencing emotions e.g. guilt, empathy>criminality
Frontal cortex- responsible for executive function, this is underdeveloped in violent criminals>cant resist impulses>criminality
One strength of the neural explanation is that there’s research support
PET
E: Psychologist measured the volume of frontal lobe of people with antisocial personality disorder, compared to people without
People with APD had 11% reduction in prefrontal grey matter
T: Supports explanation due to neurological differences
One strength of the biological explanation is that there’s real world application
PETC
E: Judges in the CJS understand that crimes could be biological>considering lower sentences and alternative treatments rather than punishment
T: ^ QoL
C: This excuse causes dilemma in court, only in extreme cases this excuse is used, CJS operates on free will- undermines biology
One limitation of the biological explanation is that its reductionist
PET
E: Criminality is complex, only looking at biology is too simplistic, instead use an interactionist approach looking at environment is better
T: Too simplistic
