Lecture 3: Understanding Criminal Behaviour P1

Question 1

What Influences Criminal Behavior? [3]

Answer 1

• Crime is complex and caused by many factors (not just one).
• No single theory explains crime perfectly.
• Theories often reflect White, Eurocentric values.

Question 2

Does Biology Cause Crime? [2]

Answer 2

• Genes don’t directly cause crime, but they may make some people more likely to engage in it.
• Family studies show that kids with criminal parents are more likely to commit crimes.

Question 3

Genetics & Crime Studies [3]

Answer 3

• Twin Studies: Identical twins (100% same DNA) are more likely to have similar criminal behavior than fraternal twins (50% same DNA).
• Adoption Studies: If a child’s biological parent has a criminal record, the child is more likely to offend, even if raised by adoptive parents.
• Sibling Studies: Full siblings (50% DNA) have higher crime similarity than half-siblings (25% DNA).

Question 4

The “Warrior Gene” (MAOA Gene) [3]

Answer 4

• A gene called MAOA affects how the brain controls aggression.
• People with the low-activity version (MAOA-L) may be more aggressive if they had a traumatic childhood.
• BUT: This is only one gene, and many genes + environment shape behavior.

Question 5

Hormones & Crime [2]

Answer 5

• Testosterone (male hormone): Linked to aggression, but effects are small.
• Cortisol (stress hormone): High testosterone + high cortisol may increase aggression.

Question 6

Brain Differences in Criminals [3]

Answer 6

People with criminal behavior tend to have:

• Smaller prefrontal cortex (controls emotions & decisions).
• Overactive reward system (more sensitive to rewards, which may lead to risk-taking).
• BUT: We don’t know if brain differences cause crime or are a result of it.

Question 7

Neuropsychology & Crime [2]

Answer 7

• Poor executive functioning (problem-solving, impulse control) is linked to antisocial traits.
• ADHD + poor executive functioning increases the risk of criminal behavior.

Question 8

Biological Risk Factors for Crime [4]

Answer 8

• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): High in the criminal justice system.
• Lead exposure in pregnancy: Can harm brain development & increase arrests later.
• Lack of oxygen during birth: Can affect brain function.
• Environmental toxins: Drugs, alcohol, and pollution may affect brain development.

Question 9

[3] limitations of using brain imaging and neuropsychological studies to examine the biological underpinnings of criminal behaviour

Answer 9

1. the inability to determine causality (correlation versus causation)
2. a tendency to be reductive by not fully considering other contributions
3. limited samples (correctional samples, self-selected participants in control groups), and the lack of longitudinal studies.