Forensics: genetic and neural explanations Flashcards

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1
Q

summarise the neural explanation of offending

A
  • dysfunctions of the brain and nervous system.
  • includes the activity of brain structures such as the hypothalamus and neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.
  • Evidence suggests there may be neural differences in the brains of criminals and non-criminals.
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2
Q

summarise the genetic explanation of offending

A
  • Offenders inherit a gene, or combinations of genes, that predispose them to commit crime.
    E.g.
  • Twin studies
  • Adoption studies
  • Candidate gene
  • Diathesis-stress model
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3
Q

Explain how adoption studies are evidence of genetic explanation of offending (Crowe)

A
  • Crowe, compared group of adopted children whose biological mother had a criminal record to control group whose mothers did not have a criminal record.
  • those with criminal mother, 50% of adopted children also had a criminal record by 18 years old.
  • control group: only 5% of adopted children had criminal record by the time they were 18.
  • suggests regardless of environment, children seem biologically predisposed to criminality.
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4
Q

Explain a family study that is evidence for the genetic explanation of offending (Brunner, Netherlands)

A
  • Brunner studied large family in the Netherlands.
  • found anti-social and criminal behaviour: rape and arson.
  • diagnosed with Brunner Syndrome.
  • found lower iq avg of 85.
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5
Q

Explain how candidate genes support the biological explanation (Tiihonen) (Finnish offenders) (MAOA) (CDH13)

A
  • Tiihonen conducted genetic analysis of 900 Finnish offenders.
  • MAOA -> controls dopamine and serotonin, links with aggression.
  • CDH13 (protein coding) -> Linked to substance abuse and attention deficit disorder.
  • Conclusion: Individuals with abnormalities on both genes were 13 times more likely to have a history of violent behaviour.
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6
Q

Explain how an extra Y chromosome is evidence for the biological explanation (Jacobs)

A
  • Jacobs e al. (1965) found a higher percentage of people from a prison population had the atypical sex chromosome pattern XYY.
  • Led to increased testosterone and increased violence.
    -> people with this chromosomal abnormality are more likely to be hyperactive, impulsive and have a lower IQ which may explain their criminality.
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7
Q

Explain how reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is evidence for the neural explanation (Raine)

A
  • Raine (2000) found an 11% reduction in the volume of grey matter in the PFC of people with APD (antisocial personality disorder) compared to control groups.
  • prefrontal deficits can lead to someone being more impulsive and emotional.
    -> Amygdala: controls urges and desires.
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8
Q

Explain how mirror neurons are evidence for the neural explanation (Keysers)

A
  • only when criminals were asked to empathise with others (person being depicted on film experiencing pain), their empathy reactions were activated.
  • This is controlled by mirror neurons.
    -> suggests APD individuals do experience empathy, although it is not an automatic response.
    -> These neurons fire in response to the actions of others.
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9
Q

List the evaluations for the neural and genetic explanation of offending

A

Positive:
- evidence for the candidate gene (Tiihonen)
- support for diathesis-stress model

Negative:
- biological reductionism
- biological determinism

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10
Q

(+) explain evidence supporting the role of the candidate gene for the genetic explanation (Tiihonen)

A
  • Tiihonen investigated violent and non violent criminals.
    -> 78 were rated as extremely violent.
  • ‘warrior gene’ -> non-violent criminals did not have this.
  • alcohol and drug abuse is shown to cause hyperactivity in dopamine levels.
  • all extremely violent criminals had consumed drugs or alcohol before committing their crimes.
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11
Q

(+) explain evidence supporting the diathesis-stress model of crime (Mednick)

A
  • Mednick did a Danish adoptees study.
    -> found genetic inheritance plays a role as do environmental influences
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12
Q

(-) explain how the biological and neural explanation is reductionist (Katz)

A
  • criminality is complex -> these explanations can be simplistic and inappropriate.
  • Katz -> crime can run in families but so does emotional instability, social deprivation and poverty -> therefore other factors must be in play.
  • no study has found 100% concordance rate between identical MZ twins for criminality and often these rates have been low.
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13
Q

(-) explain how the biological explanation is deterministic

A
  • the concept of a ‘criminal gene’ presents ethical problems for our legal system since it negates free will.
  • ethical question on how society treats people who carry ‘criminal genes’
    -> problems for society -> implications for sentencing.
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14
Q

Explain the diathesis-stress model (genetic and neural explanation) (Ripke)

A
  • Link between genetic predisposition and psychological trigger.
  • E.g. being raised in dysfunctional environment or having criminal role models.
  • Ripke: trauma such as child abuse can affect hypothalamic pituitary adrenal system.
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