Physiological Theories Flashcards
What does Lombroso argue ?
The criminal is separate species.
He also argued that a born criminal could be determined by the physical shape of the head and face.
EG: large ears and large ears
Besides physical traits what else does lombroso suggest?
That other aspects to born criminal included insensitivity to pain, use of criminal slang, tattoos and unemployment.
What does sheldon argue?
Sheldon put forward that there were three fundamental body types:
Endomorphic
Ectomorphic
Mesomorphic
How did sheldon correlate body type to criminal activity?
He found that many criminals prone to committing violent and aggressive acts were mesomorphic he used a sample of photographs of college students.
What does brain abnormality suggest?
That damage to the pre-frontal cortex of the brain may cause individuals to have an altered behaviour pattern.
What did Raine et al used to study the living brains of impulsive killers?
PET SCANS
Damage was found in the pre-frontal correct in the brains of criminals, the part of the brain that controls impulsive behaviour.
Give an example of a case where brain abnormality is shown
Phineas gage- a railroad worker who survived a brain accident. His personality was greatly affected. He became anti social and had become a liar. His doctor believed that the incident destroyed his behaviour
How does neurochemicals link to criminal behaviour?
The brains chemistry can be influenced by diet.
Some studies show that low levels of serotonin are linked with higher aggression.
What happens to people who take large amounts of steroids?
They can become extremely violent.
Horace Williams, an American body builder, beat a man to death after taking 2,000 times the recommended dosage of steroids.
