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AC2.1 Flashcards

1
Q

What was the main argument of Lombroso’s Born Criminal Theory?

A

Lombroso argued that criminals were physically different from non-criminals, identifiable by distinctive physical features.

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2
Q

What physical features did Lombroso associate with criminals?

A

Lombroso identified features such as large jaws, high cheekbones, handle-shaped ears, prominent eyebrow arches, long arms, large eye sockets, dark skin, and curly hair.

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3
Q

How did Lombroso categorize different types of criminals?

A

He claimed that different types of criminals have specific features, e.g., murdered have ‘aquiline’ noses, thieves have flattened noses, and sex offenders have ‘fleshy lips’.

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4
Q

What does the term ‘atavistic’ mean in the context of Lombroso’s theory?

A

‘Atavistic’ refers to criminals being genetic throwbacks to an earlier primitive stage of evolution, unable to control impulses.

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5
Q

What was one strength of Lombroso’s Born Criminal Theory?

A

One strength is that he was the first to study criminals scientifically using objective measurements.

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6
Q

Why is the use of objective measurements in Lombroso’s study important?

A

It helps to remove researcher bias or subjectivity, as measurements cannot be influenced by opinion.

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7
Q

What was a significant limitation of Lombroso’s research methodology?

A

He did not compare his criminal sample with a control group of non-criminals, questioning the uniqueness of the observed features.

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8
Q

What factors did Lombroso fail to account for that could affect facial features?

A

He did not consider facial injuries, malnourished, or infections that could cause differences in appearance.

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9
Q

What did Goring’s 1913 study conclude about criminals compared to non-criminals?

A

Goring found no evidence that offenders were a distinct group with specific facial and cranial characteristics, but noted they had lower than average intelligence.

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10
Q

How does Goring’s research challenge Lombroso’s theory?

A

It suggests that criminality may not be caused by physical features but could be associated with lower intelligence instead.

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11
Q

What is a contradiction in Lombroso’s identification of ‘atavistic’ features?

A

Many features he identified, such as curly hair and dark skin, are more common among people of African descent.

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12
Q

What criticism has been made regarding Lombroso’s view of criminals?

A

Critics argue that his portrayal of criminals as ‘uncivilized, primitive, and savage’ equates non-western societies with criminality.

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13
Q

What did Lombroso believe about criminals’ ability to cope with society?

A

He believed that criminals could not cope with the demands of civilized society, leading them to crime.

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14
Q

How did Lombroso’s theory influence the study of criminal behaviour?

A

It was significant in introducing the idea that criminals might be different from non-criminals in measurable ways.

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15
Q

What is one implication of Lombroso’s theory regarding the treatment of criminals?

A

If criminals are seen as biologically different, it may influence how society views their rehabilitation and punishment.

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16
Q

What is the significance of Lombroso being the first to study criminals scientifically?

A

It laid the groundwork for future criminological research and the use of scientific methods in studying criminal behaviour.

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17
Q

What does the term ‘subjectivity’ refer to in the context of Lombroso’s research?

A

Subjectivity refers to personal biases or opinions that can influence research outcomes.

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18
Q

What is the importance of having a control group in criminal studies?

A

A control group allows researchers to compare and determine if observed features are truly unique to criminals.

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19
Q

What does the term ‘scientific credibility’ mean in the context of Lombroso’s findings?

A

Scientific credibility refers to the trustworthiness and reliability of research findings in the scientific community.

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20
Q

What contribution did Lombroso’s research make to criminology?

A

It contributed to improving investigate techniques and the development of offender profiling.

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21
Q

What is a limitation of Lombroso’s theory?

A

It has been criticized for scientific racism, promoting the idea that certain racial groups are more likely to be criminals.

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22
Q

What is offender profiling?

A

A technique used to narrow down the field of inquiry in criminal investigations.

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23
Q

How cold offender profiling promote racist viewpoints?

A

It could suggest that certain racial groups, such as black people, are more likely to be criminals.

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24
Q

What alternative explanations for criminal behaviour should be considered beyond Lombroso’s theory?

A

Alternative explanations could include social, environmental, and psychological factors.

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25
What is Sheldon's Somatotype theory?
A theory that links body shape (somatotype) to criminal behaviour, suggesting that criminals are physically different from non-criminals.
26
What are the three somatotypes identified by Sheldon?
Ectomorph, Mesomorph, Endomorph.
27
What are the physical features of an ectomorph?
Delicate, poor muscles, slender, small build, narrow hips and shoulders.
28
What psychological characteristics are associated with ectomorphs?
Withdrawn, introverted, quiet, reserved, non-assertive, sensitive.
29
According to Sheldon, what is the likelihood of ectomorphs committing crimes?
They shouldn't be likely to commit crimes.
30
What are the physical characteristics of a mesomorph?
Muscular, well-built, stocky, strong, athletic.
31
What psychological characteristics are associated with mesomorphs?
Active, assertive, combative, vigorous, forceful, impulsive, aggressive.
32
According to Sheldon, what is the likelihood of mesomorphs committing crimes?
They would be the most likely to commit crimes due to their aggressive and impulsive nature.
33
What are the physical characteristics of an endomorph?
Plump, round.
34
What psychological characteristics are associated with endomorphs?
Kind, caring, relaxed, sociable, comfort-loving, peaceful.
35
According to Sheldon, what is the likelihood of endomorphs committing crimes?
They are not likely to commit crimes due to their pleasant temperament.
36
What evidence supports Sheldon's somatotype theory?
Sheldon found that delinquents had a significantly higher mesomorph rating than non-criminal students.
37
What biases may affect the validity of Sheldon's research?
Researcher bias and confirmation bias may have influenced categorization of the criminal group.
38
What is a limitation of Sheldon's theory regarding endomorphs and ectomorphs?
It cannot explain why some endomorphs and ectomorphs commit crimes.
39
What issue arises from Sheldon's focus on mesomorphs and violence?
It limits the application of his theory to a wide range of crimes beyond physical strength.
40
What factors does Sheldon's theory overlook that may explain criminal behaviour?
It does not consider stereotyping, labeling, and self-fulfilling prophecy.
41
What effect can labeling mesomorphs as violent and aggressive have on their behaviour.
It may lead mesomorphic individuals to display violent and aggressive behaviour because they feel that it is what is expected from them.
42
How does labeling impact Sheldon's theory regarding mesomorphic somatotypes and criminal behaviour?
It suggests that the label placed on mesomorphs by society may cause criminal behaviour, rather than the mesomorphic somatotype itself being the cause.
43
What role does the prefrontal cortex play in criminal behaviour?
The prefrontal cortex is involved in impulse control; abnormalities in this area may lead to reduced control over actions, resulting in criminal behaviour.
44
What is the relationship between prefrontal cortex dysfunction and antisocial personality disorder (APD)?
Prefrontal cortex dysfunction is associated with APD, which is characterized by reduced emotional responses and a lack of empathy.
45
How is the amygdala related to criminal behaviour?
The amygdala is involved in fear, aggression, and social interactions; reduced functioning can lead to increased aggression and a lack of fear of consequences.
46
What extreme case illustrates the impact of neurological abnormalities on behaviour?
Charles Whitman's case, where a tumor pressing on his amygdala may have contributed to his inability to control his emotions and actions during a murder spree.
47
What research supports the neurological explanation of criminal behaviour?
Raine et al. (1994) used PET scans to study the brains of impulsive killers, finding damage to the prefrontal cortex.
48
What was discovered in the case study of Charles Whitman that supports the neural explanation of criminality?
An autopsy revealed a tumor pressing on his amygdala, which may have contributed to his actions and emotions.
49
What is a strength of the neurological explanation of criminal behaviour?
Research evidence supports the idea that specific areas of the brain may be implicated in criminal behaviour.
50
What is a major criticism of the neurological explanation of criminality?
The research is correlational and cannot establish cause and effect.
51
What are two possible interpretations of the correlation between brain abnormalities and criminal behaviour?
Brain abnormalities could cause criminal behaviour. Criminal behaviour may lead to changed in brain activity and functioning.
52
Why does the complexity of establishing the cause of criminality present a criticism of the neural explanation?
Various life experiences may influence both criminal behaviour and differences in brain activity, complicating the casual relationship.
53
What does the study of Monozygotic (MZ) and Dizygotic (DZ) twins reveal about the influence of genetics on behaviour?
If MZ twins behave similarly, it suggests that nature does not play a large role; if they behave differently, it suggests genetic differences may influence behaviour.
54
What were the findings of Christiansen's 1977 study on twins and criminal behaviour?
The study found a 52% concordance rate for MZ twins and a 22% concordance rate for DZ, supporting the genetic explanation of criminal behaviour.
55
What limitation is associated with twin studies in explaining criminality?
If genes were the only cause of criminality, we would expect a 100% concordance rate for MZ twins.
56
What is the significance of reduced emotional responses in individuals with antisocial personality disorder?
These individuals often lack empathy for others, which is a common trait among many convicted criminals.
57
How might societal expectations influence the behaviour of individuals labeled as mesomorphs?
Societal expectations can pressure individuals to conform to aggressive and violent behaviours associated with their label.
58
What is the potential impact of brain injury on an individual's behaviour?
In extreme cases, brain injury can lead to significant changed in personality and behaviour, including criminality.
59
What are the implications of the findings regarding MZ and DZ twins for the nature vs. nurture debate?
The differing concordance rates suggests that genetics (nature) plays a role in behaviour, but environmental factors (nurture) also significantly influence outcomes.
60
What might be a reason for the lower concordance rate of criminal behaviour in DZ twins compared to MZ twins?
DZ twins share only 50% of their genes, which may account for the lower similarity in criminal behaviour compared to MZ twins who share 100%.
61
What is a potential consequence of abnormal functioning in the amygdala?
Increased aggression and lack of fear regarding the consequences of aggressive actions.
62
What does the case of Charles Whitman suggest about the relationship between brain abnormalities and criminal behaviour?
It suggests that neurological issues, such as a tumor, can significantly impact emotional control and lead to violent actions.
63
How does the study of twins contribute to understanding the hereditary aspects of criminal behaviour?
Twin studies help to isolate genetic factors by comparing behaviours in genetically identical twins versus non-identical twins.
64
What is the role of impulse control in the context of criminal behaviour?
Poor impulse control can lead to aggressive and criminal actions, particularly when linked to abnormalities in the prefrontal cortex.
65
What might be a societal response to the labeling of individuals based on their somatotype?
Society may perpetuate stereotypes that influence the behaviour of labeled individuals, potentially leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy.
66
What is the significance of the 52% concordance rate found in Christiansen's study?
It indicates a strong genetic component in the likelihood of criminal behaviour among identical twins.
67
What is the importance of evaluating neurological theories of behaviour?
Evaluating these theories helps to understand the complexities of criminal behaviour beyond just biological factors.
68
What limitation exists in comparing twins' DNA in studies of criminal behaviour?
Researchers could not compare the twins' DNA to determine genetic similarity; they relied on physical appearances instead.
69
What was the concordance rate for criminal behaviour found in twin studies?
52% concordance in criminal behaviour.
70
Why is the concordance rate of less than 100% in twin studies significant?
It suggests that factors other than genetics influence observed similar behaviours.
71
What is a potential consequence of labeling identical twins in studies of criminal behaviour?
It could lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy where one twin's delinquent behaviour influences the other's behaviour.
72
What do adoption studies compare to investigate the genetic cause of crime?
Adopted children are compared to both their biological birth parents and their adoptive parents.
73
What did Mednick's 1984 study on adopted men in Denmark find regarding criminal records?
Adopted men were more likely to have a criminal record if their birth parents had one compared to if their adoptive parent had one.
74
What did Crowe's 1972 study reveal about adopted children and biological mothers with criminal records?
50% of adopted children with a biological mother who had a criminal record also had one by age 18, compared to only 5% in the control group.
75
What is a strength of using adoption studies in researching criminal behaviour?
They allow researchers to separate the effects of nature and nurture on behaviour.
76
What is a weakness of adoption studies regarding their generalisability?
Findings may not apply to the general population since adopted individuals represent a small, potentially biased group.
77
What is XYY syndrome and its relevance to criminal behaviour?
XYY syndrome is an abnormality of sex chromosomes that may be a genetic cause of criminality.
78
How many chromosomes do humans normally have?
46 chromosomes in 23 pairs.
79
What determines an individual's biological sex among the chromosomes?
The 23rd pair of chromosomes.
80
What does a higher concordance rate for MZ twins compared to DZ twins indicate?
It suggests a stronger genetic influence on criminal behaviour.
81
What is a potential explanation for similar criminal behaviour in identical twins?
It may not solely be due to genetics but also influenced by environmental factors and social labels.
82
What does the term 'self-fulfilling prophecy' refer to in the context of twin studies?
The phenomenon where expectations about one twin's behaviour influence the behaviour of the other twin.
83
Why might researchers consider early traumatic experiences in adopted individuals?
Such experiences could account for any observed criminal behaviour rather than genetic predisposition.
84
What is the implication of finding that adopted children behave similarly to their biological parents?
It supports the idea of a genetic influence on criminal behaviour.
85
What is the significance of the 50% concordance rate of criminal records in adopted children with criminal biological mothers?
It suggests a biological predisposition to criminality regardless of the adoptive environment.
86
What does it mean if an adoptive child behaves more similarly to their adoptive parents.
It suggests that environmental factors may have a significant influence on their behaviour.
87
What is a limitation of relying solely on twin studies for understanding criminal behaviour?
They may overlook the impact of environmental factors due to the assumption that identical twins are the same in all aspects.
88
What can be inferred if a child behaves similarly to their genetic parents in adoption studies?
It indicates a potential genetic influence on their behaviour.
89
How does the lack of DNA analysis in earlier studies affect the conclusions drawn?
It limits the ability to definitively attribute behaviour to genetics versus environmental factors.
90
What does the term 'concordance' refer to in the context of twin studies?
The degree to which both twins exhibit the same trait or behaviour.
91
What effect does the Y chromosome have on a foetus?
It triggers a burst of testosterone which causes masculinisation.
92
What is super male syndrome?
A condition where males have an extra Y chromosome, often associated with tall stature and learning difficulties.
93
What are some characteristics of XYY males?
They tend to very tall, have low IQ, learning difficulties, and may exhibit impulsive and aggressive behaviour.
94
What is the over-representation of XYY males in prison populations?
About 15 per 1000 XYY males are imprisoned compared to 1 per 1000 in the general population.
95
What did Jacob et al. find regarding XYY syndrome and crime?
They found an association between XYY syndrome and offenders imprisoned for violent behaviour.
96
What is a limitation of XYY syndrome as an explanation for criminal behaviour?
XYY males may be over-represented in prisons due to low intelligence, leading to higher detection rates.
97
What stereotypes might affect XYY males in terms of criminal behaviour?
They may fit the stereotype of 'violent offenders', influencing perceptions rather than being the cause of violence.
98
How common is XYY syndrome?
It affects approximately 1 in 1000 men.
99
What type of crime can XYY syndrome primarily explain?
Violent crime.
100
What is the warrior gene?
A defective variant of the MAOA gene associated with extreme aggressiveness and anti-social behaviour.
101
What does the MAOA gene do?
It is responsible for producing an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters in the brain.
102
How does the warrior gene affect MAO-A levels?
It causes a deficiency in the MAO-A, leading to an excess of chemicals like dopamine and serotonin.
103
Why are men more likely to be affected by the warrior gene?
Men have only one X chromosome, so they need to inherit only one mutated version of the gene.
104
What did Brunner et al. (1993) study reveal about the warrior gene?
They found that males in a family with anti-social behaviour had a genetic condition linked to a deficiency in MAOA.
105
What is Brunner syndrome?
A condition resulting from a deficiency in monoamine oxidase A, associated with lower intelligence and anti-social behaviour.
106
What is a limitation of the warrior gene theory in explaining crime?
It cannot explain why individuals without the gene commit crimes or account for non-violent crimes.
107
What environmental factors might influence criminal behaviour beyond genetic explanations?
The theory does not consider environmental influences that could provide a fuller explanation.

Criminology (8 decks)

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