Biological Explanation - Inherited Criminality Flashcards
Explain genetic factors…
Proposed that one or more genes predispose individuals to criminal behaviour
Adrian Raine (1993) reviewed delinquent behaviour in monozygotic and dizygotic twins, where there was 52% concordance in MZ twins, and 21% concordance in DZ twins
Explain searching for candidate genes…
Two genes have been linked to behaviour: monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) and Cadherin 13 (CD13)
Han Brunner et al (1993) completed a DNA analysis of 28 male members of a Dutch family with histories of impulsive criminal behaviour, where they were found to share a particular gene which led to low MAOA levels
Explain diathesis-stress…
Modern understanding in terms of epigenetics proposes an interplay where genes are ‘switched’ on and off by epigenomes affected by environmental factors
Avshalom Caspi et al (2002) looked at data from a longitudinal Dunedin study following 1,000 people in the 1970s, which assessed antisocial behaviour when the participants where 26, where 12% of men with low MAOA levels experienced maltreatment, while 44% were responsible for violent convictions
Explain differences in the brain…
Adrian Raine (2004) cited 71 brain imaging studies showing reduced functioning in the prefrontal cortex of criminals, an area where lower activity is associated with impulsiveness and loss of control
High and low levels of noradrenaline have been associated with aggression, violence, and criminality, as noradrenaline helps people react to perceived threats
