Biological Explanation To Offending (genes And Neural)

Question 1

Genetic explanation

Answer 1

• This proposes that an offending gene is inherited, or a combination of genes, that predisposes them to commit a crime

Question 2

Christiansen (1977)- support for genetic explanation

Answer 2

• He studied 87 MZ and 147 DZ twins and found a concordance rate of 33% for MZs and 12% for DZs, which supports the view that offending may have a genetic component

Question 3

Types of genes that increase criminality

Answer 3

• Abnormalities in the MAOA and CDH-13 gene increases the likelihood of becoming a criminal

Question 4

Tiihonen (2015)- support for genetic explanation

Answer 4

• He studied 900 offenders and found evidence of low MAOA and CDH-13 genes
• Those with gene variants were 13 times more likely to have a history of repeated violent behaviour
• 5-10% of all violent behaviour in Finland can be attributed to individuals with these genotypes

Question 5

Diathesis stress model

Answer 5

• A tendency towards criminal behaviour may come about through the combination of a genetic predisposition and biological or psychological trigger e.g being raised in a dysfunctional environment

Question 6

Neural explanation

Answer 6

• Evidence suggests there may be neural differences in the brains of criminals and non-criminals
• Differences in neurotransmitters have been linked to violence and greater aggression, as well as greater impulsivity
• It mainly focuses on individuals with antisocial personality disorder (common amongst criminals)

Question 7

Raine (2004)- prefrontal cortex

Answer 7

• He cited 71 brain imaging studies showing that murderers, psychopaths and violent individuals have reduced functioning in the prefrontal cortex
• This is the area involved in regulating emotions, decision making and controlling moral behaviour
• Low activity in this area is associated with impulsiveness and loss of control