AC2.1- Describe biological theories of criminality

Question 1

What is Lombroso’s study based on?

Answer 1

The data he gathered on autopsies on convicted criminals and studied Italian prisoners

Question 2

What was Lobroso’s belief on criminals?

Answer 2

Criminals are individuals who have failed to evolve at the same pace as the remainder of the human race

Question 3

According to Lobroso, how can criminals be identified?

Answer 3

Criminals can be identified through their physical characteristics which indicates their biological inferiority

Question 4

According to Lombroso’s theory, what are the characteristics of a murderer?

Answer 4

cold, glassy star
bloodshot eyes
hawk-like nose

Question 5

What are the strengths of Lombroso’s theory?

Answer 5

• First to give criminology a scientific explanation
• Butcher and Taylor (2007) suggest that less attractive individuals are more likely to be considered guilty
• Challenged the idea that criminals are evil or choose to be criminals
• Began offender profiling

Question 6

What are the limitations of Lombroso’s theory?

Answer 6

• Lack of a control group, so no comparisons can be made
• Lack of accuracy due to possible disfiguration
• Not everyone who has atavistic features is criminal, and not all criminals have atavistic features
• Deterministic, as it believes that we cannot avoid destiny

Question 7

What did Sheldon believe?

Answer 7

Different features of personality is linked to body type

Question 8

What is the description of Ectomorphs?

Answer 8

Thin, lean/low muscle and low body fat

Question 9

What is the believed personality of Ectomorphs?

Answer 9

Self-conscious, fragile, emotionally restrained

Question 10

What is the description of Mesomorphs?

Answer 10

Muscular, strong-limbed, broad shoulders

Question 11

What is the believed personality of Mesomorphs?

Answer 11

Tend to be aggressive and adventurous, and seek physical activity, and are callous and ruthless in relationships

Question 12

What is the description of Endomorphs?

Answer 12

Round, lack of muscle, and wide hips

Question 13

What is the believed personality of Endomorphs?

Answer 13

Sociable, relaxed, and outgoing

Question 14

What are the strengths of Sheldon’s somatotypes?

Answer 14

• Some studies have confirmed a small association between bodily build and criminality
• Glueck and Glueck found that 60 % of the delinquent population was mesomorph compared to 13% in a control group

Question 15

What are the limitations of Sheldon’s somatotypes?

Answer 15

• Labelling may play a part - mesomorphs may be labelled as troublemakers bc of the tough guy stereotype
• Somatotypes are not fixed and can change over time

Question 16

What is the believed link between brain abnormalities and criminality?

Answer 16

Those who commit crimes have different brains from those who are law-abiding