Biological - Genetic Explanation To offending

Question 1

Biological explanation to offending
What does the genetic explanation suggest

Answer 1

Genetic explanations propose that one or more genes predispose individuals to criminal behaviour
And specific genes predispose individuals to criminal behaviour.

Question 2

What is the MAOA gene and what is the criminal variant

Answer 2

MAOA gene breaks down chemicals like serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline

If you are born with a specific variant, MAOA-L (low) gene it doesn’t break down the chemicals efficiently so causes large quantities of chemicals eg serotonin.
This related to high impulsiveness, loss of control and aggression. = more likely to he criminal.

Question 3

Burners study supporting the MAOAL gene

Answer 3

Analysed the data of 28 violent criminals and found 5 of them had a gene that led to very low levels of MAOA- linked to aggression

Question 4

What does abnormalities in the MAOA gene and CDH-13 gene cause
And study to support this

Answer 4

Abnormalities in the MAOA and CDH-13 gene (gene variants) increases the likelihood of becoming criminal
Jari - studied 900 offenders and found evidence of low MAOA and CDH-13 genes
Those with the gene variants were 13 times more likely to have a history of violent behaviour

Question 5

Twin studies support for impact of genes

Answer 5

Looked at 3586 twin pairs in Denmark.
Identical twins share 100% DNA and non-identical twins share 50% DNA
MZ twins (identical) have a 52% concordance rate for crime
DZ twins (non-identical) have a 21% concordance rate for crime.

Shows impact of genes on criminal behaviour

Question 6

Adopted study to support influence of genes

Answer 6

Mednick
Analysed the convictions of 14,427 adoptees with adoptive and biological parents
When both Biological & adoptive parents convicted = 24.5% criminal record
Innocent adoptive, biological parent convicted = 20% criminal record
Biological parent innocent, adoptive convicted = 15% criminal record
Innocent biological & adoptive parents - 13.5% criminal record

Shows when bio parent is convicted as well as adoptive parent criminality is most likely showing genes affect offending behaviour however environmental factors also play a part.

Question 7

The fact environmental factors also play a part is referred to as the diathesis model, what is this ?

Answer 7

Genes alone don’t determine behaviour it won’t predisposes you to offending.
Its an environmental trigger that causes someone to become criminal

Question 8

Evaluation of genetic explanation

Answer 8

❌ too deterministic that once you have these genes you will be criminal which isn’t true doesn’t allow free will, many people with the gene do not go on to commit crime.

✅ Diathesis model- takes into account biology and environment

✅- scientific explanations higher validity and objectivity and supporting studies.