biological theories

Question 1

PHYSIOLOGICAL THEORIES

Answer 1

Focusing on criminals’ physical characteristics

Question 2

Describe Lombroso’s theory

Answer 2

Stated that criminals were physically different from non-criminals, concluded that criminals can be identified by their distinctive facial features: big nose, big jaw, big ears and long arms

Question 3

Describe Atavism

Answer 3

Primitive stages of evolution, they were pre-social, unable to control impulses and had a reduced sensitivity to pain. Argues that criminals are like savages.

Question 4

Describe Sheldon’s Somatotypes Theory

Answer 4

Endomorphs, ectomorphs, mesomorphs, Endomorphs: soft, personality is sociable, Ectomorphs: Thin and fragile, personality is fragile, Mesomorphs: muscular, personality is assertive

Question 5

GENETIC THEORIES

Answer 5

See that criminality is inherited

Question 6

Twin studies - Christiansen

Answer 6

Use of twins to test criminality, the reason why is because identical or monozygotic twins share same genes, so if one twin is criminal, the other ought to be.

Question 7

What is Adoption Studies?

Answer 7

Test for genetic causes of criminality, Compare adopted children to biological and adoptive parents
Hutchings and Mednick

Question 8

Jacob’s XYY Study

Answer 8

Men with XYY syndrome tend to be tall and well-built and have low intelligence, men with this tend to be more aggressive.

Question 9

BIOCHEMICAL EXPLANATIONS

Answer 9

Biochemical substances and processes have been suggested as possible causes of criminal behaviour because of their effect on brain chemistry and mental processes.

Question 10

Sex hormones

Answer 10

Males - Over or under production of hormones may cause emotional disturbances
Females - PMT, post-natal depression and lactation have all accepted as partial defences for women

Question 11

Blood sugar levels

Answer 11

Hypoglycaemia can trigger aggressive reactions. Studies show a link between low blood sugar and alcohol abuse.