criminology unit 2

Question 1

(genetic theory) twin studies

Answer 1

• MZ twins share exactly the same genes,if one twin is criminal then the other one will be as well
• christiansens study(3586 twins study) - 52% concordance rate between MZ twins,only 22% rate for DZ twins

Question 2

strengths of twin studies

Answer 2

logical to examine

Question 3

limitations of twin studies

Answer 3

if genes were the only cause of criminality,then there would be a 100% concordance rate,but there is only half or less

Question 4

(genetic) adoption studies

Answer 4

-adopted children share the same environment as their adoptive parents but same genes as bio parents
- if the adoptees criminal behaviour is more similar to the birth parents,this would support a genetic explanation
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Question 5

strengths of adoption studies

Answer 5

logical - allows us to see the relative importance of ‘nature’

Question 6

limitations of adoption studies

Answer 6

Gott Fredson and Hirschi argue that adoption studies show genes have little effect on criminality

Question 7

Jacob’s XYY study (genetic)

Answer 7

XX- female/XY-male
-there can be abnormalities - men can have an extra y chromosome which makes it XYY
- men w XYY syndrome r very tall and well built and have low intelligence
-jacob et al thinks men w XYY chromosomes r more aggressive and violent than other men
-based on studies of imprisoned criminals - lots of inmates had XYY and were violent

Question 8

strengths of XYY study

Answer 8

jacob found association between XYY syndrome and offenders imprisoned for violent behaviour

Question 9

limitations of XYY study

Answer 9

the syndrome is very rare (1 in 1000 men) so it cant explain much crime