chapter 5 Flashcards
trait theory
the view that criminality is a product of abnormal biological or psychological traits
sociobiology
the view that human behavior is motivated by inborn biological urges to survive and preserve the species
hypoglycemia
a condition that occurs when glucose (sugar) in the blood falls below levels necessary for normal and efficient brain functioning
androgens
male sex hormones
testosterone
the principal male hormone
premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
condition postulated by some theorists, wherein several days before and during menstruation, excessive amounts of female sex hormones stimulate antisocial, aggressive behavior
neurophysiology
the study of brain activity
conduct disorder (CD)
a pattern of repetitive behavior in which the rights of others or social norms are violated.
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
a developmentally inappropriate lack of attention, along with impulsitivity and hyperactivity.
neurotransmitters
chemical compounds that influence or active brain functions
arousal theory
the view that people seek to maintain a preferred level of arousal but vary in how they process sensory input. a need for high levels of environmental stimulation may lead to aggressive, violent behavior patterns.
monozygotic (MZ) twins
identical twins
dizygotic (DZ) twins
Fraternal (nonidentical) twins
contagion effect
people become deviant when they are influenced by others with whom they are in close contact.
psychodynamic (psychoanalytic) theory
Theory, originated by Freud, that the human personality is controlled by unconscious mental processes that develop early in childhood and involve the interaction of id, ego, and superego