Chapter 2: Biological Theories of Criminal Behaviour

Question 1

Biological perspective focuses on?

Answer 1

genetics, chemical and neuropsychological causes

Question 2

Challenges in the study of crime? (4)

Answer 2

1. free will vs determinism
   you choose to commit the crime!
   positivists theory: not much free will, predetermined causes for our behaviour (indirect/direct)
2. All encompassing root cause of crime vs multiple cause of crime….
   (mult causes and all interactive with each other in the individual…they merge…)
3. Study of crime (offences) vs study of criminality (perpetration ) legal def leads us to call more behaviours criminal than they actually are.culture specific for crime def
   4.should crime be strictly legal definition? violation of social norm? ..study of deviant behaviour?

Question 3

Biological Risk factors for crime are? (4)

Answer 3

1.hormones- testosterone……increased secretion of this is associated with mood and behaviour changes towards antisocial and aggressive behaviours in male!…more present prenatally causing changes of the chem of brain..
2. low serotonin and abnormal norephinephrine and dopamine levels….
serotonin ~ aggressive
increased norephinephrine.. and dopamine = aggressive
serotonin is inhibitory…so low will increase impulsivity and big reactions to small things
dopamine: motivation
norephinephrine: sensitivity to environment ..react more…..sensation seeking
3. diet- acetlycholine and serotonin (trytophan) , minerals…Mg Cu and Zn = aggressive
omega 3 decrease….crim behaviour
4. Hypoglycemia: body cannot efficiently make use of sugar…causing mental confusion, stress, anxiety, depression and neurotic psychotic behaviour (low blood sugar)

Question 4

Binge Drinking?

Answer 4

deprives nutrients 
impairs judgement 
suicide? 
men: 5 in an hour
women: 4 in an hour

Question 5

underarousal theory

Answer 5

basically since they are under aroused they need to overcompensate to increase stimulation level
The research by Raine found that those that were under aroused had : low heart rate, low skin conductivity, low EEG activity.
followed adolescence at the age of 15 until they were 24.
explanation: need for stimulation ( due to dysfunctional behavioural activation system) and/or the need to reduce fear ( dysfunctional behavioural inhibition system).

Question 6

Prefrontal Dysfunction

Answer 6

damage to the prefrontal lobe may lead to chaotic, disorganized , asocial and criminal behaviour. Can cause changes in personality, social functioning and cognitive processes.

Question 7

Minimal Brain Dysfunction

Answer 7

learning disabilities …effects antisocial because you cannot really deal with negative behaviour properly

Question 8

Birth complications?

Answer 8

can lead to neuropsychological difficulties

when combined with maternal rejection there is an increased risk of violence as an adult

Question 9

Genetic Theory??

Answer 9

inherited genetic influences but also genetic mutations which are not inherited predisposes us to a certain range that external factors can place us upon. Basically how nature and nurture work together!

Question 10

Biological Determinism???? (Cesare Lombroso -1889)

Answer 10

behaviour is innate….cannot be changed or altered they are determined by genes…and mutation’s cause vast affects..

Question 11

Biological Trait Theories are ?

Answer 11

inherited biological characteristics that discriminate the criminal from the non criminal

Question 12

Criminal Atavism

Answer 12

physical characteristics that are specific to those that commit crimes…ex long arms for stealing ….basically the reversion to nonhuman and subhuman characteristics similar to lower primates and apes..

Question 13

Lomboroso’s Skull is an example of ?

Answer 13

Atavism

two large depressions common in primates…..