Evaluation: Biological Theories

Question 1

Give 2 overall strengths of biological theories

Answer 1

• Evidence from multiple researchers (Jacob et al, Sheldon etc…)
• Evidence is collected in large samples which generalises data and makes it more reliable

Question 2

Give 2 overall weaknesses of biological theories

Answer 2

• Creates misjudgements about who is actually criminal
• Some theories are outdated

Question 3

Give strengths of Lombroso’s theory

Answer 3

• Could be used to predict who will become criminal
• Some evidence from Lombroso’s research to support the idea of ‘atavistic physical features’

Question 4

Give weaknesses of Lombroso’s theory

Answer 4

• Suggests a person can’t change
• Simplistic explanation - reduces behaviour to physical looks when it’s very likely there are more influences

Question 5

Give strength of Sheldon’s theory

Answer 5

• Other studies have concluded similar results to Sheldon (Glueck and Glueck), supporting the theory
• Evidence to show that the most serious offenders in Sheldon’s experiment were mesomorph

Question 6

Give weaknesses of Sheldon’s theory

Answer 6

• Doesn’t explain why mesomorphs commit crime
• Doesn’t explain all crime, only violent an physical

Question 7

Give strengths of XYY syndrome theory

Answer 7

• Jacob et al found an association between XYY syndrome and violent prisoners
• Good at distinguishing why males are said to offend more than females
• Good at explaining violent crime

Question 8

Give weaknesses of XYY syndrome theory

Answer 8

• Not all men with XYY are criminals
• Doesn’t account for other factors involved with crime.
• Doesn’t explain why women commit crime, only men