Biological Theories Of Crime

Question 1

(Physiological)

Lombroso

Answer 1

Believed some individuals ‘born criminal’ + criminality can be inherited
E.g Rapisits = Jug ears

INHERITED
The Criminal man study 1876:
Studied 3839 alive + 383 dead criminals = Physical characteristics could explain 40% of criminal acts

EVOLUTION N ATAVISM
The Criminal man study 1876
Identified criminals shared common physical features ( heavy jaw, receding chin etc)

Question 2

(Physiological)

Sheldon

Answer 2

Criminality linked to persons stomatype

1. Endomorphs - Fat, soft - sociable,relaxed
2. Ectomorphs - thin, fragile - introverted, restrained
3. Mesomorphs - muscular, hard - aggressive, adventurous

Examined 200 photographs of male college students + 200 male delinquents = found that more delinquents had muscular body types compared to college students.

Question 3

Sheldon - Glueck Glueck Additions

Answer 3

Study of 500 delinquent boys matches case for case with 500 non delinquents living in Boston area

July delinquents can be genetically predisposed to certain behaviours but their environment can trigger those behaviours

Question 4

(Genetic)

Criminal genes - MAOA

Answer 4

If MAOA gene defective = neurotransmitters can’t be effectively regulated = associated with violence and criminal behaviour

Brunner et al (1993)

28 males (large Dutch family) repeatedly involved in impulsive & aggressive violent criminal behaviour
He found a mutation on the MAOA gene indicating low levels of MAOA in their brain

This research supports the role of MAOA in aggression as when this gene is not functioning correctly, individuals display aggressive behaviour

Question 5

(Genetic)

Genes - CDH-13

Answer 5

Lin

Question 6

(Genetic)

Chromosomal - XYY

Question 7

(Genetic)

Twins - Monozygotic n Dizygotic