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Biological Theories Flashcards

1
Q

What do biological theories suggest about criminality?

A

Biological theories suggest that physical characteristics may make some individuals more likely to commit crimes, potentially due to genetic inheritance.

This implies that some individuals could be considered ‘born bad’ due to their biological makeup.

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2
Q

When did genetic theories of criminal behavior emerge?

A

Genetic theories of criminal behavior emerged with modern criminology in the 1700s.

Recent research has focused on the genetics of behavior, including anti-social behavior.

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3
Q

What do genetic explanations for crime focus on?

A

Genetic explanations for crime focus on whether certain genes or combinations of genes cause criminality.

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4
Q

What does the XYY theory suggest about men with an extra Y chromosome?

A

The XYY theory suggests that men with an extra Y chromosome may be more predisposed to criminal behavior, linked to aggression and impulsivity.

This theory originated in the 1960s when overrepresentation of XYY individuals was noted in prisons.

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5
Q

What are some key points of the XYY criminality theory?

A
  • Chromosomal Abnormalities: XYY karyotype is relatively rare
  • Behavioral Associations: Potential for increased aggression
  • Overrepresentation in Prisons: Higher prevalence among incarcerated men
  • Criticism and Challenges: Lack of consistent links to criminality
  • Other Factors: Emphasis on environmental and psychological influences
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6
Q

What is the significance of Jacob’s study related to XYY syndrome?

A

Jacob’s study suggested that men with XYY syndrome are more aggressive than normal XY men and found a higher prevalence of XYY individuals in prisons.

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7
Q

What are some criticisms of the XYY theory?

A
  • Genetic abnormalities are common in the general population
  • Overemphasis on genetics ignores behaviorist approaches
  • Lack of consistent evidence linking XYY to aggression
  • Stereotyping of XYY males due to physical characteristics
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8
Q

What do twin studies aim to determine regarding criminal behavior?

A

Twin studies aim to determine the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to criminal behavior.

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9
Q

What is the concordance rate in twin studies?

A

The concordance rate is the rate at which both twins share a characteristic, indicating potential genetic influence.

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10
Q

What did Johannes Lange’s 1929 study reveal about twins and criminal behavior?

A

Lange’s study found that MZ twins showed a higher degree of concordance for criminal behavior than DZ twins.

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11
Q

What did Christiansen’s study find regarding twin concordance rates?

A

Christiansen found concordance rates of 35% for MZ twins and 13% for DZ twins for male twins, indicating a genetic component in criminality.

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12
Q

What are some benefits of twin studies in understanding criminality?

A
  • Provide insights into genetic influences
  • Control for genetics by comparing twin types
  • Support hereditary factors in criminal behavior
  • Help establish nature vs. nurture debates
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13
Q

What limitations do twin studies face?

A
  • Environmental similarities complicate results
  • Small sample sizes limit generalizability
  • Criminality is influenced by multiple factors beyond genetics
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14
Q

What is the main principle of adoption studies in explaining criminal behavior?

A

Adoption studies compare criminals with both biological and adoptive parents to assess the impact of genetics versus environment.

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15
Q

What findings did Hutchings and Mednick (1975) reveal in their study of adopted children?

A

They found a higher proportion of adopted boys with criminal convictions had biological parents with criminal convictions, suggesting a genetic link.

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16
Q

What do adoption studies suggest about genetic predisposition and environmental factors?

A

Adoption studies suggest that both genetic predisposition and environmental factors interact to influence criminal behavior.

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17
Q

What is one key outcome of adoption studies concerning criminal behavior?

A

Adopted individuals with criminal biological parents are at higher risk for criminal behavior, supporting the genetic component of criminality.

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18
Q

What do adoption studies explore regarding criminality?

A

The link between genetics, environment, and criminality by comparing adopted individuals with their biological and adoptive families.

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19
Q

What is the genetic influence in adoption studies?

A

Determining if criminal behavior is inherited by comparing adopted children with their biological parents who may have criminal histories.

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20
Q

How do environmental factors play a role in adoption studies of criminality?

A

Researchers assess how upbringing and social environment impact criminal tendencies.

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21
Q

What does the nature vs. nurture debate in adoption studies aim to identify?

A

Whether criminality is primarily genetic (nature) or shaped by environment (nurture).

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22
Q

What is the risk of criminal behavior for adopted children with criminal biological parents?

A

They may have a higher risk of criminal behavior even if raised in a non-criminal adoptive home.

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23
Q

What is intergenerational transmission in the context of adoption studies?

A

Exploring how criminal behavior is passed through generations, examining both biological and adoptive family histories.

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24
Q

What are the policy implications of findings from adoption studies?

A

They may guide interventions, suggesting early environmental factors or genetic predispositions might influence crime prevention strategies.

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25
What is a positive aspect of adoption studies?
Easier to separate genetic and environmental factors due to different environments of adopted children compared to their biological families.
26
What is a negative aspect of adoption studies?
The age of adoption may mean children have already been influenced by their natural or adoptive parents.
27
What is Lombroso's contribution to physiological theories of criminality?
He developed theories suggesting that criminals are physically different from non-criminals.
28
What are atavistic features according to Lombroso?
Physical characteristics that are throwbacks to primitive stages of human development, such as large jaw or high cheekbones.
29
What did Lombroso argue about the heritability of criminality?
He claimed that criminality was inheritable and could be determined by physical features.
30
What is the significance of Lombroso's book 'L’uomo Delinquente'?
It published his theories on physical characteristics and criminality.
31
What percentage of criminal acts did Lombroso attribute to atavistic characteristics?
40% of criminal acts.
32
What are some examples of atavistic features identified by Lombroso?
* Large or forward projection of the jaw * High cheekbones * Flattened or upturned nose * Low sloping forehead * Long arms relative to limbs * Large ears
33
What is a strength of Lombroso's approach to criminology?
He was the first to apply scientific methods to the study of crime.
34
What is a weakness of Lombroso's theory?
He failed to compare his research with a control group of non-criminals.
35
What did Lombroso believe about criminals and free will?
He suggested that criminals may not freely choose their behavior.
36
What did Sheldon contribute to the understanding of criminality?
He linked criminal behavior to a person's physical form through his somatotype theory.
37
What are the three somatotypes identified by Sheldon?
* Endomorphic (fat and soft) * Ectomorphic (thin and fragile) * Mesomorphic (muscular and hard)
38
Which somatotype did Sheldon find to be most associated with criminal behavior?
Mesomorphic.
39
What was the method used by Sheldon in his research?
A correlation study based on photographs of men.
40
What criticism is often leveled against Sheldon's theory?
It is overly deterministic and lacks scientific evidence linking body type to criminality.
41
What is one of the strengths of Sheldon's theory?
Some studies have confirmed a small association between bodily build and criminality.
42
What is Sheldon's theory about criminality?
Sheldon's theory connects physical appearance with behavioral tendencies, suggesting that body types influence behavior, including criminality.
43
What are the three body types identified by Sheldon?
* Ectomorphs (thin) * Endomorphs (fat) * Mesomorphs (muscular)
44
Which body type did Sheldon argue was more likely to engage in criminal behavior?
Mesomorphs due to their physical aggression and assertiveness.
45
What is a criticism of Sheldon's theory?
The theory is criticized for being overly deterministic and lacking scientific evidence to firmly link body type to criminality.
46
What did Glueck and Glueck (1956) find regarding body types in delinquents?
In their sample, 60% of delinquents were mesomorphs, while only 31% in the non-delinquent sample were mesomorphs.
47
What limitation does Sheldon's theory have regarding body types?
It does not explain how ectomorphs and endomorphs can also be criminals.
48
True or False: Sheldon’s theory implies that an individual’s somatotype is fixed.
False. It does not take into account that people's somatotype can change throughout their lives.
49
What neurological area is linked to impulsive behavior according to Raine et al. (1994)?
The prefrontal cortex.
50
Who was Phineas Gage and what relevance does he have to brain abnormalities?
Phineas Gage was a railroad worker who survived an accident that destroyed much of his left frontal lobe, leading to significant personality changes.
51
What was found in the modern study by McIsaac et al. (2016) regarding head injuries?
People with serious head injuries are more likely to end up in prison.
52
What do studies suggest about individuals with prefrontal cortex dysfunction?
They are more likely to exhibit impulsive and aggressive behavior.
53
What is the relationship between the amygdala and aggression?
Reduced volume and abnormal activity in the amygdala are linked to increased aggression and reduced capacity for empathy.
54
What is the theory of brain abnormality in relation to criminality?
It suggests that neurological dysfunctions or structural issues in the brain can contribute to criminal behavior.
55
List three key points about the theory of brain abnormality.
* Neurological basis for behavior * Frontal lobe dysfunction linked to crime * Amygdala's role in aggression
56
What are some strengths of brain abnormality theories?
* Correlation between brain injury and personality changes * Higher prevalence of brain injuries in prisoners * Studies showing different brain makeup in murderers versus non-murderers
57
What is a limitation of brain abnormality theories?
Crimes caused by brain injury or disease are rare, and the individual's original personality is more important.
58
What do biochemical theories of criminality suggest?
They suggest that imbalances or abnormalities in certain chemicals in the brain may contribute to aggressive or impulsive behavior.
59
What is the link between serotonin and aggression?
Low serotonin levels are associated with increased aggression and impulsivity.
60
How can diet influence neurotransmitter levels?
Certain foods can help raise serotonin levels, affecting mood and behavior.
61
What is the relationship between testosterone and aggression?
High testosterone levels are consistently correlated with aggressive behavior.
62
What do biochemical explanations for criminality include?
* Genetic factors * Neurotransmitter imbalance * Hormonal influences * Neurodevelopmental factors
63
True or False: All criminals have identifiable brain abnormalities.
False. Many criminals do not exhibit any neurological disorders.
64
What is one benefit of biochemical theories of criminality?
They provide a scientific framework linking biochemical factors to criminal behavior.
65
What is one limitation of biochemical theories of criminality?
They often ignore the significant role of environmental and social factors in criminal behavior.
66
What do biochemical theories propose about criminality?
They suggest that biochemical factors like neurotransmitter imbalances can influence behavior and potentially lead to criminal tendencies. ## Footnote Key neurotransmitters involved include serotonin and dopamine.
67
What evidence supports biochemical theories of criminal behavior?
Research showing links between serotonin or dopamine imbalances and aggression. ## Footnote This evidence suggests that biochemical factors can play a role in influencing behavior.
68
What is a holistic view of criminality according to biochemical theories?
It considers how physical health impacts behavior alongside social or psychological factors. ## Footnote This approach promotes a more comprehensive understanding of criminal behavior.
69
What is a limitation of biochemical theories regarding criminal behavior?
They often overemphasize biological factors, ignoring environmental, social, and psychological influences. ## Footnote This limitation can lead to an incomplete understanding of criminality.
70
How do biochemical theories simplify complex behavior?
They suggest that biochemical imbalances alone can explain criminal behavior, which is an oversimplification. ## Footnote Criminality is influenced by a range of factors beyond just biochemistry.
71
What ethical concerns arise from linking crime to biochemical imbalances?
It could lead to stigmatization or the overmedicalization of criminal behavior. ## Footnote Such implications can affect public perception and treatment of individuals with these imbalances.
72
Why are biochemical factors considered not universal in explaining crime?
Many individuals with biochemical imbalances do not engage in criminal behavior, indicating insufficiency in these factors alone. ## Footnote This highlights the complexity of criminal behavior beyond biochemical explanations.
73
What is a criticism of biological theories related to environmental factors?
They ignore the significant role of environmental triggers that may lead individuals with potential criminal characteristics to commit crimes. ## Footnote An individual's biology might predispose them to aggression but they need environmental stimuli to act on it.
74
What is sample bias in the context of biological research on criminality?
Researchers often study convicted criminals, which may not represent the broader population of criminals, leading to generalization issues. ## Footnote This bias can skew the understanding of criminal behavior.
75
What gender bias exists in biological research on criminality?
Most biological research focuses on males, failing to adequately explain female criminality. ## Footnote This creates a gap in understanding the full scope of criminal behavior across genders.
76
How is crime viewed as a social construct?
What constitutes a crime varies between cultures and over time, making universal biological explanations problematic. ## Footnote This perspective emphasizes the influence of societal norms and values on the definition of crime.

Criminology Unit 2 (10 decks)

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