🧠 Biochemical Explanations

Question 1

Biochemical Explanations

Answer 1

Biochemical substances and processes linked to criminality

Question 2

Biochemical explanations - Sex Hormones: Males

Answer 2

Ellis and Coontz: testosterone peaks puberty to early 20s - same as criminality.

Question 3

Biochemical explanations - Sex Hormones: Females

Answer 3

PMT, PND, Lactation all used as defence in court - affected mood/self-control.

Question 4

Biochemistry explanations: Blood sugar

Answer 4

Hypoglycaemia linked to aggression

Question 5

Biochemical explanations: Substance abuse

Answer 5

Prescription and illegal drugs and alcohol linked to crime. Can lead to increased aggression.

Question 6

Biochemical Explanations: Other substances

Answer 6

Lead, tartrazine linked to hyperactivity. Vit B deficiency linked to erratic behaviour.

Question 7

Biochemical explanations - strengths

Answer 7

• Biochemical factors recognised by the courts
• Sex hormones, alcohol, drugs all known to affect mood/behaviour

Question 8

Biochemical explanations - limitations

Answer 8

• Biochemical factors recognised by the courts
• Sex hormones, alcohol, drugs all known to affect mood/behaviour
• Biochemical processes may need an environmental trigger too
• Some studies find testosterone not linked to physical aggression
• Infanticide may be caused by isolation rather than hormones