2.1 Flashcards
(18 cards)
Atavism
the idea that criminals are throwbacks to a more primitive stage of evolution
Endomorph
rounded
soft bodied
lacking muscle
sociable
outgoing
relaxed
ectomorph
thin
fragile
lacking fat and muscle
flat chested
narrow hips and shoulders
thin face
self conscious
emotionally retained
thoughtful
mesomorph
muscular
hard bodied
little fat
strong limbs
broad shoulder
narrow waist
adventurous
sensation seeking
assertive
domineering
physiological theories
these biological theories claim that the physical features of criminals differ from non criminals
biological theories
criminals are biologically different from non criminals and this difference causes them to commit crime
Genetic explanation
criminality is the result of genes inherited from biological parents
monozygotic
identical twins that share 100% of the same genes
dizygotic
non-identical twins that share only 50% of the same genes (like ordinary siblings)
environmental explanation
criminality is the result of the surroundings a child grows up in
chromosome
made from DNA and protein. carry genetic information we inherit from our parents. most people have 23 pairs
super male
another term for XYY syndrome. those affected carry an extra Y (male) chromosome on one of their 23 pairs.
EEG
Electroencephalogram - measure brain activity
Testosterone
Male sex hormone linked to aggression, murder and rape
PMT
Pre-menstrual tension - fluctuation in female sex hormones
PND
Post-natal depression - used as defence in infanticide
Lactation
breastfeeding used as defence in female crimes
Hypoglycemia
low blood sugar linked to aggression and alcohol abuse
