F5. Biological Explanations: Genetic And Neural

Question 1

Genetic Explanations Focus

Answer 1

Focus on heritability and role of candidate genes in the development of criminal behaviour.

Question 2

Concordance Rates

Answer 2

MZ Twins - 33%
DZ Twins - 12%

• moderate genetic/heritable basis
• MZ Twins share 100% of their DNA
• DZ share 50%.
• MZ concordance rates not 100%, suggests an INTERACTIONIST interaction
• Diathesis-stress model can be used.

Question 3

Candidate Genes Functions and Examples

Answer 3

• genetic abnormalities which increase risk of developing criminal behaviour.
• MAOA and CDH-13 genes, both code for neurotransmitters (serotonin and dopamine)
• implicated in development of ADHD, and likelihood of becoming a criminal by 13-fold.
• Diathesis-stress model.

Question 4

Neural Explanations

Answer 4

• APD (very common among criminals)
• pre-frontal cortex (logical thinking and decision making) 11% less active
• difficulty regulating emotions, make irrational decisions.
• ‘neural switch’ - empathy capacity off

Question 5

• Eval: Twin Studies

Answer 5

• assume that the only difference is the genetic information they share (e.g. MZ twins more likely to share environment than DZ twins, explain higher concordance rates).
• causal conclusions about genetic basis for criminality are incorrect.
• Interactionist approach better.

Question 6

+ Eval: Adoption Studies

Answer 6

• 14,427 adoptees
• siblings adopted separately into different homes concordant for convictions, especially if biological father has criminal history.
• Supports diathesis stress model

Question 7

• Eval: Biological Reductionism

Answer 7

• other risk factors apart from the fact that criminality ‘runs in families [genetically].’
• e.g. regular exposure to pro-criminal attitudes (Differential Association Theory), lack of opportunity, economic deprivation, etc.
• DON’T stereotype children from ‘criminal families’ = Self Fulfilling Prophecy.