Chap 4 SG Flashcards
Genome
refers to a
complete copy of the entire set of
your gene instructions
Gene
are made-up of DNA, and they carry
the blueprints for making
everything your body needs
Chromosomes
are bundles of genes
Genomics
a field of biology focused on studying all the DNA of an organism (DNA evidence, ABO blood typing, Nonhuman genetic material, Genetic theories of criminality, & Environmental factors)
Neurotransmitters
are the chemicals that let electrical
impulses flow from one neuron to the next across nerve
synapses
Allele
The variation of a gene
Heritability
the proportion of a variation in traits within a group of people that can be attributed to variations in their genes rather than environmental factors
Gene expression
the process by which the information encoded in a gene is turned into a function
Genetic memory
refers to the idea that certain memories, knowledge, or traits can be inherited or passed down from one generation to the next (ancestral memory)
Neurocriminology
seeks to apply techniques and principles from neuroscience to improve our understanding of crime, to predict crime and ultimately to prevent crime
Neuroplasty
a surgical procedure that involves repairing or reconstructing damaged nerves in the body
Hypoglycemia
the official term for low blood sugar
Prenatal substance exposure
things like marijuana, tobacco smoke, and alcohol also seem to be
significant related to increased hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention, increased delinquency, and
externalizing problems
Psychobiotics
the link between gut bacteria and
your brain
GSR - Galvinic Skin Response
We can use these readings to measure stress and other environmental stimuli (It is also known as skin conductivity)
Testosterone
The primary male sex hormone in men - linked to aggression and seems to be linked to the propensity towards violence among men
Serotonin
a hormone that’s linked to the
regulation of learning, mood,
and sleep (buffers the negative
tendencies of testosterone)
Biosocial criminology
The interaction between your genetics and your environment (These things do not occur in a vacuum)
Gender ratio problem
There is a serious gender gap in offending rates (about 94% of murders are committed by men)
Sexual selection
is a form of natural selection that says we get to choose a partner based on our
desirability as a potential mate and potential parent to our offspring
Evolutionary perspective
Evolutionary neuroandrogenic theory (ENA):
1) The propensity to offend is part of the male reproductive strategy.
2) Male’s neurochemistry increases the probability of offending.
What does the prefrontal cortex do?
decision-making, impulse control, and moral reasoning
How is low resting heart rate possibly linked to crime?
you may seek to raise your heartrate by committing crimes/arousal/excitement
How does the length of your fingers influence crime?
Men have index fingers that are closer in length to their ring finger than women do. 2D is your index finger and 4D is your ring finger (because more men are more likely to commit crime)
What hormones are linked to crime?
Men’s testosterone levels are linked to criminal behavior, while serotonin and oxytocin regulate mood, creating trust and generosity in relationships
What are the main critiques of biological theories?
focusing on biological factors, ignoring environmental influences, addressing potential biases, lack of causal evidence, and measuring biological markers reliably (unethical and racist)
Correlation
we are more likely to see one thing when we see another—those things are linked
Cause
an action or event that brings about or contributes to a specific outcome (we are saying we will always see one thing when we see the other) (makes it happen)
