XYY Theory Flashcards
What is meant by concordance rate?
The percentage that if one twin has a characteristic the other twin will have it.
What are genes?
Units of DNA that code for physical and behavioural characteristics.
What are chromosomes?
Strands I’d condescend DNA found in the nucleus of cells. Humans have 46 chromosomes.
What is the XYY theory?
This theory suggests that crime might be attributed to a chromosomal abnormality. Two chromosomes determine the sex of an individual so male is XY. But there Is also a rare abnormality where and extra X or Y appears.
What was Patricia Jacob’s XYY theory?
She described a chromosomal abnormality in humans, the additional Y chromosome. And also discovered it only affects males. It is sometimes called the super male disease.
What were the behaviours displayed of those who had the XYY syndrome?
Explosive temper
Lack of empathy
Impulsivity.
What is a living evidence of the XYY syndrome?
Wayne Gacy in Chicago who sexually assaulted and murdered at least 33 men in the USA. He had the XYY syndrome.
What did Jacob’s find about the XYY syndrome in prison?
XYY syndrome in prison is over represented as 15/1000 men have the condition in prison and 1/1000 in the general population have the syndrome.
What are some evaluations of the XYY theory?
Strength- Jacob’s work is tangible scientific evidence of the genetic theory proposed, with case studies and research supporting the theory.
Limitation- males with this condition are often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, reducing the sample size accessible for the study.
