Genetic Theories Flashcards
Why is it useful to study twins?
Because identical twins share the exact same genes, therefore if one twin is criminal, the other ought to be too
What is the difference between the monozygotic twins and the dyzgotic twins?
MZ=identical twins
DZ=non-identical twins
What is the concordance rate?
MZ=52%
DZ=22%
What does the difference in concordance rates prove?
That your genes do influence whether you’re a criminal or not
What is Adoption studies for?
Seeks to prove whether just DNA influences criminality, or your childhood and parents do too
What was the test for AS
Children with criminal birth parents are adopted to a good family, to find out if criminality is based on genetics or upbringing
What were the results of AS?
The child’s behaviour seemed to link to the birth parents, 20% of the time if birth parents were criminal. Child would also be criminal. 14% of the time if adopted parents were criminal,the child would be too.
Is AS effective?
Proves that genetics play a more important role than upbringing
What is Jacobs XYY?
Having the extra Y chromosome led to criminal behaviour
Features of the extra Y
- more aggressive
- taller
- stronger
- less intelligent
How many people are undiagnosed with XYY?
88%
Was Jacobs XYY effective?
No link between XYY and crime, the study was flawed, as he only studied criminals
