Physiological Theories

Question 1

What categories can genetic theories be split into?

Answer 1

physiological and genetic

Question 2

what is a physiological theory?

Answer 2

a theory that focuses on a persons physical form and suggests certain features can be a sign of criminality

Question 3

What did Lombroso do?

Answer 3

conducted post-mortems on the bodies of dead criminals and discovered distinct physical differences between the two

argued the shape of the head and face determined ‘the born criminal’

Question 4

What did Lombroso argue about criminals?

Answer 4

argued that they were a separate species and a throwback to an earlier stage of human development and evolution

argued that criminals have atavistic (primitive) features

Question 5

What are the atavistic features that Lombroso argued criminals may have?

Answer 5

low sloping forehead
large jaws
receeding chins
twisted nose
long arms
exessive cheekbones
large chin and lips
large ‘monkey-like’ ears
excessive wrinkles

Question 6

What was Lombroso known as?

Answer 6

the ‘Father of Modern Criminology’

Question 7

What are the strengths of Lombroso’s research?

Answer 7

used scientific methods

real life application ( foundation to criminal profiling)

Question 8

What are the weaknesses of Lombroso’s research?

Answer 8

modern research found there is no evidence for his claims

theory is extremely deterministic

Only studied criminals, didnt look at facial features of a control group of non-criminals

theory encourages stereotyping

Question 9

What did Sheldon believe?

Answer 9

That criminal behaviour can be linked to a persons physical form

Question 10

What was Sheldon’s study?

Answer 10

He used body measurements to link body type with personality traits

He examined photographs for 4000 men

Question 11

What are the three somatotypes Sheldon identified?

Answer 11

Endomorphic
Ectomorphic
Mesomorphic

Question 12

What does an endomorphic body look like and what are the personality traits linked to it?

Answer 12

Rounded, soft, wide hips, lacks muscle and tone

Sociable, relaxed, comfortable, outgoing

Question 13

What does an ectomorphic body look like and what are the personality traits linked to it?

Answer 13

Thin, fragile, lack fat and muscle, flat chested with narrow hips and shoulders

Self-conscious, fragile, inward looking, emotionally restrained, thoughtful

Question 14

What does a mesomorphic body look like and what are the personality traits linked to it?

Answer 14

Muscular, hard bodied, strong limbs, little fat, broad shoulders, narrow waist

Adventurous, sensation seeking, assertive, enjoy physical activity, domineering

Question 15

What body type did Sheldon say is most likely to be criminal and why?

Answer 15

Mesomorphs

They are more likely to be attracted to the risk taking that crime involves. Also because their physique and assertiveness can be important assets in crime

Question 16

What are the strengths of Sheldon’s study?

Answer 16

Can be seen as reliable — Uses a good sized sample and a control group to compare to

Backed up by other research— other studies have confirmed that there’s a small association between body and criminality

Question 17

What are the weaknesses of Sheldon’s study?

Answer 17

Extremely deterministic — disregards environmental factors and assumes that your personality is influenced by body type

Only focuses on one type of criminal — just because many criminals are mesomorphs, not all mesomorphs are criminal. Doesn’t explain how others can be criminal

Doesn’t take into account that body types are not fixed, people’s body changes throughout their lives