Evaluation of Biological Theories

Question 1

what were the strengths of Lombroso’s theory?

Answer 1

1. he was the first person to study crime scientifically
2. lead to further development of criminology

Question 2

what were the weaknesses of lombroso’s theory?

Answer 2

1. outdated for modern times - racist and sterotypical towards black people and ethnic minorites
2. no scientific evidence - seen as a subjective theory

Question 3

what were the strengths of sheldons theory?

Answer 3

1. large sample size used - comparasons were justified

Question 4

what were the weaknesses of sheldon’s theory?

Answer 4

1. not scientifically proved - relies only on biological factors - body shape could develop because of jobs, hobbies etc
2. subjective as it’s only sheldons judgments - questionable reliability

Question 5

what were the strengths of brain abnormalities?

Answer 5

1. scientifically proved by Raine et al
2. correlations found between EEG readings and criminality

Question 6

what were the weaknesses of brain abnormalities?

Answer 6

1. crimes caused by brain injuries and diseases are rare
2. some psychopaths have normal EEG readings

Question 7

what are the strengths of biochemical theories?

Answer 7

1. biochemical factors eg breast feeding are recognised by courts and used as defence
2. sex hormones etc can effect mood, judgment and aggression

Question 8

what are the weaknesses of biochemical theories?

Answer 8

1. testosterone levels don’t usually affect agression in most men - more verbal aggression than physical

Question 9

what are the strengths of the XYY theory?

Answer 9

1. scientific evidence - proved
2. john wayne gacy case supports theory

Question 10

what are the weaknesses of the XYY theory?

Answer 10

1. males are often undiagnosed - reduces sample size for studies
2. doesn’t include the ‘nurture’ argument (environment)

Question 11

what are the strengths of twin studies?

Answer 11

1. gives evidence to support genetic explanations - MZ twins should both be criminal if one is

Question 12

what are the weaknesses of twin studies?

Answer 12

1. concordance rate would be 100% if genetics were a cause
2. environmental factors could effect criminality

Question 13

what are the strengths of adoption studies?

Answer 13

1. large sample was used
2. easy to compare genetic and environmental factors

Question 14

what are the weaknesses of adoption studies?

Answer 14

1. ethical issues - exposing children to biologica parents
2. adoptive children are likely to be placed in families that resemble biological family - effects reliability