Lesson 4: Genetic and Neural Explanations

Question 1

Genetic explanations

Answer 1

Suggests that offenders inherit a gene, or combination of genes that makes them predisposed to commit crime.

Question 2

Lange (1930)

Answer 2

Investigated 13 pairs of MZ twins and 17 pairs of DZ twins. At least one of the twins in each pair served time in prison. 10 of the 13 pairs of MZ twins had both served time in prison, but only 2 of the 17 pairs of DZ twins.

Question 3

Tilhonen et al (2014)

Answer 3

Conducted an analysis of over 900 Finnish offenders which revealed abnormalities on two genes that may be associated with violent crime. They were 13 times more likely to have history of violent behaviour compared to a control group.

The MAOA gene, which controls dopamine and serotonin in the brain and is linked to aggressive behaviour

CDH13 gene, linked to substance abuse and attention deficit disorder.

These are called ‘candidate genes’

Question 4

The diathesis-stress model

Answer 4

Genetics still can influence criminal behaviour, but this is moderated by the effects of the environment. Psychological or biological triggers can influence whether criminal behaviour is displayed as a result of the genetics. Therefore a combination of environmental and biological factors are at play.