[GENETIC] Biological - XYY Super Male

Question 1

XYY Theory [Chromosomal Abnormalities]

Explain the XYY ‘Super Male’ Theory

Answer 1

Jacob ET AL.
Some crime may be attributable to a chromosomal abnormality
Not inherited
extra Y chromosome

Males with the ‘Super male’ abnormality are known to be more aggressive as they have extra testosterone in the Y chromosome

Question 2

XYY Theory [Chromosomal Abnormalities]

Explain three of the XYY traits

Answer 2

Delayed Speech development
Below average intelligence
Learning and behavioural problems

Question 3

XYY Theory [Chromosomal Abnormalities]

Explain how the ‘Super Male’ syndrome may act on the brain

Answer 3

LIMBIC SYSTEM
(Controls out emotions and regulates male primitive desires)
Can lead to a male becoming more impulsive and more violent
This can trigger violent criminal acts

Question 4

XYY Theory [Chromosomal Abnormalities]

Explain the research conducted

Answer 4

XYY men are over-represented in the prison population
350 men tested for XYY chromosome abnormality (Prisoners)
Only 9 men had the extra Y chromosome

Question 5

XYY Theory [Chromosomal Abnormalities]

Explain 3 strengths

Answer 5

+ Scientific explanation/approach

+ Some cases where offenders have had an extra ‘Y’ (E.G: John Wayne Gacy)

+ Higher testosterone which is known to lead to higher violence

Question 6

XYY Theory [Chromosomal Abnormalities]

Explain 3 weaknesses

Answer 6

• Not all ‘XYY’ super males are criminals
• Cant explain criminality in women (XX)

-Social and upbringing factors are ignored and only focus on biology

Question 7

XYY Theory [Chromosomal Abnormalities]

Explain how the ‘XXY’ chromosomal abnormality causes criminality

Answer 7

Testosterone can lead to violence