Biological Theories Of Criminality Flashcards
1
Q
Physiological theories
A
- Lombroso’s atavism theory
- Sheldons somatotypes
2
Q
Genetic theories
A
- Twin studies
- adoption studies
- Jacob’s XYY
3
Q
Brain injuries and disorders
A
- Brain injuries
- disease
- abnormal brainwave activities
4
Q
Biochemical explanations
A
- Substance abuse
- blood sugar levels
- sex hormones
5
Q
How did Lombroso conduct his research?
A
He examined the skulls of deceased criminals, and the facial features of prisoners, lombroso proposed the ‘atavistic form’ theory of criminality atavistic form refers to traits lombroso found to be common in prisoners and deceased criminals
6
Q
Lombroso’s distinct features
A
- Enormous jaws
- large eye sockets
- prominent eyebrow arches
- handle shaped ears
- exceptionally long arms
- flat noses were found more often in theirs
- pointy noses were more common in murders
7
Q
‘Atavistic’
A
Not as evolved as other people, claiming they were at an earlier primitive stage of evolution. Pre-social, unable
