Biological explanation - Atavistic form

Question 1

who devised the theory?

Answer 1

Lombroso 1876

Question 2

what is the theory?

Answer 2

criminals are a genetic throwback to primitive/ savage sub-species

(discredited a lot but Brought science into criminal profiling)

Question 3

what are cranial atavistic features?

Answer 3

sloping brow
prominent jaw
facial asymmetry

Question 4

what are the atavistic murderer features?

Answer 4

blood shot eyes
curly hair
long ears

Question 5

what are general atavistic features a a criminal?

Answer 5

insensitive to pain
swearing
tattoos
unemployment

Question 6

what was Lombroso’s research?

Answer 6

• 383 dead criminals and 3839 living ones
• test is psychical anomalies correlate to crime
• found 40% of criminal acts due to atavist features

Question 7

+ scientific credibility

Answer 7

• Hollin (89)

- said Lombroso’s was the father of modern criminology by brining scientific credibility to the field

Question 8

+ theory has racist implications

Answer 8

• Delisi (12) fun d typically black features like dark skin, curly hair were described as atavistic features
• biased/ racist attitude decreases credibility/ validity

Question 9

• counter evidence to Lombroso’s research

Answer 9

• Goring (1913) studied 3,000 criminals and 3000 non criminals
• found no evidence of atavistic features (although they did generally have lower intelligence)