Sheldon

Question 1

Physiological Theories

Answer 1

Physiological theories suggest that the physical traits of an individual are likely to be a cause of criminal behaviour, abd certain correlations between physical traits link with criminal behaviour

Same as Lombrosos Atavistic feature theory

Question 2

Sheldons theory

Answer 2

Sheldon categorised body types into three distinct categories and found correlations between body types and criminality.
He found the three main body types to be endomorphic, ectomorphic and mesomorphic.

Question 3

Endomorphs

Body type

Answer 3

He describes these as having a round body shape, lack of muscle and wide hips.
He stated their personality was sociable and outgoing.

Question 4

Ectomorphs

Body types

Answer 4

Thin, lacking fat and muscle, thin face flat chested and high forehead
He said personality are self concious emotionally restrained (dont show emotions)

Libby

Question 5

Mesomorphs

Body type

Answer 5

Muscular, strong limbs, broad shoulders.
Their personality was sensation seeking, risk taking and domineering.

Most likely to be criminal

Question 6

Evaluation

Positives

Answer 6

Supporting EvidanceGluek and Gluek replicated Sheldons study and found that 60% of criminals had the mesomorphic body type.
Reliability- Sheldon conducted further reaserch that replicated his findings that criminals are more likely to be mesomorphs.

Positives

Question 7

Evaluation

Negative

Answer 7

Casuality- Does body shape determine criminality or does criminality determine body shape.
Influence or social class- criminals are more likely to be working class and they work in manual jobs impacting body shape

Negatives