AC 2.1

Question 1

What are the 2 subcategories of biological theories of crime

Answer 1

Genetic and physiological

Question 2

What does genetics mean

Answer 2

DNA, Inherited characteristics

Question 3

What does physiological mean

Answer 3

Biological processes

Question 4

What are 3 genetic theories (biological)

Answer 4

Jacobs XYY, Twin studies, Adoption studies.

Question 5

What are 2 Physiological theories (biological)

Answer 5

Lombroso, Sheldon

Question 6

What is Jacobs XYY overall argument

Answer 6

XYY- a male has an extra Y chromosome (47 in total) which can lead to the idea of a supermale. These people theoretically have lower intelligence, behavioural problems, are overly aggressive and lack empathy leading to being more prone to criminality.

Question 7

What does Jacobs XYY suggest

Answer 7

Criminal behaviour is genetic, a biological factor and we can predict criminal behaviour. Nature over nurture.

Question 8

Evaluation points in support of Jacobs XYY

Answer 8

IQ scores amongst convicted offenders are marginally lower, have increased chances of learning disabilities

Question 8

Evaluations points (limitations) of Jacobs XYY

Answer 8

Ignores the behaviourist approach, Studies are carried out in prisons and mental health institutions (narrow and selective meaning the study is not representative), Testosterone levels are proven no different, women also commit crime, many with XYY will never know and never commit crime.

Question 9

What is the Twin studies over all argument

Answer 9

Uses concordance rates to determine if people will display criminal behaviour as well as their twin (nature over nurture)

Question 10

Define concordance rate

Answer 10

The likelihood that if one twin has a certain trait, the other will also have the same trait.

Question 11

Define monozygotic

Answer 11

Identical (same genetic makeup)

Question 12

Define dizygotic

Answer 12

Non-identical (similar but different genetic makeup)

Question 13

Studies on twins

Answer 13

Lange and Christiansen

Question 14

What do the studies on twins show (Lange and Christiansen)

Answer 14

Shows concordance rate between monozygotic and dizygotic siblings. Infers that MZ are more likely to commit crimes. (Christiansen’s study shows more credibility/possibility)

Question 15

Link Twin studies to crime

Answer 15

If one twin displays aggresive or criminal tendencies and so does the other, the behaviour must be innate (nature).
If one MZ twin displays these behvaiours and the other one doesnt, enviroment may be more responsible.

Question 16

Evaluation point in support of twin studies

Answer 16

Natural experiments, means results cannot be manipulated, increases the studies validity.
Twin studies have helped in prevention of other disorders.