Key Biological Theories Flashcards
1
Q
what is Raines study
A
he carried out PET scans on the brains of serial killers
2
Q
advantages to Raines study
A
- he found that there was damage to their pre frontal cortex which is the bit that controls impulsive behaviour
- studies show that low serotonin levels lead to aggression
3
Q
disadvantages to Raines study
A
- recent studies are inconclusive and suggest other anti social lifestyle factors impact behaviour
- the focus on aggression doesnt satisfy reasons for all crimes
4
Q
what is Jacobs XYY study about (genetic)
A
- men with extra Y chromosome
- tend to be tall, more aggresive and lower IQ
- because they were more aggressive they are more likely to commit crime
5
Q
advantages to Jabos XYY study
A
- 1 in 1000 people have it and 1 in 15 prisoners have it
- studies by adler suggest links between aggression and genetics
6
Q
disadvantages to Jacobs XYY study
A
- genetic abnormalities doesnt signal aggression
- theory ignores environmental factors e.g upbringing
7
Q
what is the sex hormones study about (biochemical)
A
studies show that the over or under production of hormones can cause criminality.
over production of testosterone can be linked to crimes like rape, sexual assault and murder
8
Q
what is Sheldon theory (physiological)
A
- different body types are linked to criminality
- mesomorph is big build (most likely to commit crime)
- they are likely to be attracted to risk taking as their body can be an advantage in committing crime
- genetically inherited crime
9
Q
advantages to Sheldons study
A
- recent studies confirm a link between body shape and crime
- backed by other studies which says 60% of prison population were mesopmorphs compared to 31% not prison sample
10
Q
disadvantages of sheldons study
A
- does not factor in changes to body type from child to adult
- ignores criminals who are endo or ecto
