biological - Physiological Theories

Question 1

What did lombroso born criminal theory suggest and what did he claim

Answer 1

Suggested criminals were separate species to humans and claimed criminality was heritable

Question 2

How did lombroso conduct his research

Answer 2

He measured and recorded details of the heads and faces of thousands of criminals arguing that the physical shape of their face and head determined a born criminal

Question 3

What are the 9 key features lombroso identified criminals to have

Answer 3

1) low sloping forehead
2) large or forward protection jaw
3) receding chin
4) twisted nose
5) long arms
6) excessive cheekbones
7) large ears
8) excessive wrinkles

Question 4

What did lombroso say about criminals having atavistic features

Answer 4

Theyre throwbacks or characteristics from an earlier stage of human development

Question 5

What did lombroso argue

Answer 5

Criminals were pre social, unable to control impulses and had reduced sensitivity

Question 6

What did Sheldon’s somatotypes theory suggest

Answer 6

He believed certain somatotypes (body types) were more likely to commit crimes than others

Question 7

What features did an ectomorph have

Answer 7

Thin and fragile, personality introverted and emotionally restrained

Question 8

What features did an endomorph have

Answer 8

Fat and soft with a lack of muscle tone, personality was relaxed and socially outgoing

Question 9

What features did a mesomorph have

Answer 9

Muscular and hard bodied, very little fat and very strong, personality is adventurous and aggressive

Question 10

What correlation did Sheldon note

Answer 10

Studied 4000 inmates and found that many of them were mesomorphs and were least likely to be ectomorphic - therefore arguing that mesomorphs are most likely to commit crimes

Question 11

What did Sheldon claim about mesomorphs committing crimes

Answer 11

Theyd be attracted to the risky nature and their physical appearance would be an asset