Biological explanations

Question 1

What is Atavistic form

Answer 1

A criminal is genetically primitive

Question 2

How many criminals did Lombrosso analyse to identify the atavistic features

Answer 2

4000 dead and alive

Question 3

Name two of Lombrosso’s identified features

Answer 3

Long arms
Lantern Jaw

Question 4

Describe the Genetic explanation and name one Candidate Gene

Answer 4

violent criminals inherit genetics (genotype) that increase the likelihood of criminal behaviour (phenotype)

The MAOA gene

Question 5

What kind of MAOA gene causes criminal behaviour and how?

Answer 5

A short MAOA gene causes Criminal behaviour as it produces less MAOA and Neurotransmitter’s like noradrenaline aren’t being metabolised, leading to poor impulse control

Question 6

Which neurotransmitter is regarded as involved in criminal behaviour and how

Answer 6

Noradrenaline, high levels lead to more aggression

Question 7

Which areas of the brain are responsible for criminal behaviour

Answer 7

The Limbic system
The frontal cortex

Question 8

What does low activity in the Limbic system lead to

Answer 8

Psychopathy

Question 9

What does low activity in the Frontal cortex lead to

Answer 9

Poor impulse control

Question 10

What kind of Frontal cortex and Limbic system lead to criminal behaviour

Answer 10

Frontal cortex: Low activity, small cortex
Limbic system: Low activity