Crim unit 2 (Biological) Flashcards
What are the genetic studies?
Jacobs XYY study, Twin studies, Adoption studies.
Brief summary of Jacobs XYY study.
If a man has an extra Y chromosome, they’re more likely to become a violent criminal.
How many babies are born with an extra Y chromosome?
1/1000 new-born babies.
How many times was an XYY male more likely to commit a crime compared to a man with XY chromosomes?
10 times more likely.
What are the limitations for Jacobs XYY study?
XYY men usually commit non-violent crimes.
We therefore can’t categorise all crime into one factor.
Brief summary of adoption studies.
If the adopted child’s biological parents are criminal, they are more likely to commit property crime.
Is property crime more likely to occur with adopted girls or boys?
Boys.
What study was carried out in Lowa (adoption studies)?
If adopted child’s parents were born to imprisoned female offenders, the child had a higher rate of criminal convictions when an adult.
What are the limitations for adoption studies?
Age of adoption makes a difference.
Information about the biological parents isn’t always available.
Adopted children usually go into families similar to biological family.
Brief summary of twin studies.
1 out of each twin committed a crime, If they are monozygotic twins(identical), they are more likely to be criminal.
What are the key stats for twin studies ?
10/13 MZ twins=both criminal.
2/17 DZ twins= both criminal.
50% of MZ twins=criminal.
20% of DZ twins=criminal.
What does MZ and DZ stand for? Give a definition of each.
MZ= Monozygotic, identical/share all genetic material/1 egg. DZ= Dizygotic, share half genetic material/2 eggs.
What are the limitations of twin studies?
Small sample size(30 twins only).
Inadequately controlled.
What are the physiological studies? (including the extra’s)
Lombroso and Sheldon.
Extras (Phineas Gage, Neurochemical and Serotonin).
Brief summary of Lombroso’s theory.
Criminals are a separate species.
They have atavistic characteristics.
He believes we should remove all abnormal people.
Give 5 characteristics that distinguish if a person is criminal.
Monobrows, extra fingers, large jaws, long arms, larger hands.
How many of abnormal characteristics did a male/female need to be a criminal?
Men =5 or more
Women =3 or more.
What did Lombroso mean by the term ‘stigmata’?
Abnormalities.
What did Lombroso find about the Italian soldiers/prisoners?
They were physically different.
Italian prisoners= ‘monkey-like ears’.
What are some other characteristics Lombroso thought linked to specific crimes?
Tattoo’s=shows insensitivity to pain/ immorality.
Murders’=Blood shot eyes.
Sex offenders=Big lips/big hands.
What is the main limitation to Lombroso’s theory?
Scientific racism.
DELISI- most atavistic features are specific to people with an African decent.
Other limitations of Lombroso’s theory.
Too simplistic.
Other factors like wealth, health and other social factors.
Brief summary of Sheldon’s theory.
If you are in the mesomorphic body shape then you are most likely to commit a crime.
What are the 3 body types Sheldon came up with?
Give a definition of each.
Endomorphic (fat and soft). Relaxed and sociable.
Ectomorphic (thin and fragile). Withdrawn and private.
Mesomorphic (muscular and hard). Dominant and aggressive.
Who was least likely to commit a crime in Sheldon’s theory?
Ectomorphic.
Why are mesomorphs most likely to commit a crime?
They are strong men, with higher testosterone levels leading to higher levels of aggressiveness.
What are the limitations for Sheldon’s theory?
You can change body types throughout your life.
Not all mesomorphs are criminal/not all ectomorphs are non-criminal.
