Biological explanations Flashcards
(43 cards)
What is criminal behaviour caused by according to the biological explanations?
A dysfunction in the biological system as the central assumption of bio explanations is that all behaviour has a biological cause.
What are the two explanations?
Neuroanatomy and Genetic Inheritance Theory
Define Neuroanatomy
The study of the brain and how different parts of the brain can shape our behaviour
Define lateralisation of function
Many parts of the brain will work in conjunction with one another
Define localisation of function
Parts of the brain operate in isolation
Outline the role of the left hemisphere
Processes the meaning of emotions, the meaning given to the sensations within the body
Outline the role of the right hemisphere
Processes how we feel about them and provides subjective mental thoughts
Outline the role of the corpus callosum
A band of fibres running through the centre of the brain that enables the right and left hemisphere to communicate
What is the result of abnormalities in the hemispheres and CC?
Incomplete emotional processing and violent criminal behaviour
How can the amygdala be linked to violent criminal behaviour?
It is a structure that identifies stimuli as threatening and directs an emotional and behavioural response to the threat, it has also been associated been associated with the ability to empathise.
What is the limbic system?
A collection of brain structures within the temporal lobes of both hemispheres believed to be involved with emotion. Consists of the amygdala, cingulate gyrus, fornix, hippocampus, hypothalamus and thalamus. All responsible for processing and regulating emotions.
What is the cerebral cortex?
The folded surface of the brain and a specific region (the frontal lobes) has been identified as being likely to be involved in violent criminality.
Outline the role of the frontal lobes.
A variety of higher cognitive functions including making sense of our feelings and planning how we should. react to them after they have been processed by our limbic system.
What did Gunn and Taylor argue?
Individuals with a dysfunction ig in both the limbic system and the frontal lobes will be more likely to exhibit criminal behaviour as their emotions go unchecked.
Supporting Evidence for neuroanatomy: What did Heide and Solomon find in 2006
-key neuroanatomical differences between the brains of serial killers and normal population
-found 15-18% decrease in size of corpus callosum
-evidence confirms that abnormalities in the corpus callosum can lead to violent criminal behaviour through incomplete emotional processing
Supporting Evidence for Neuroanatomy : What did Raine find in 19993?
-key neurological differences in the brains of murderers and control p’s
-e.g lower activity in frontal lobe and left limbic structures and higher activity in right lambic structures in murderers compared to controls
-evidence confirms that feelings expressed by right lambic system are operating without being fully controlled by frontal lobe.
Alternative Evidence for Neuroanatomy : What did Bandura find in 1961?
-children are more aggressive when exposed to an aggressive adult role model therefore social learning plays a role in criminality
-suggests neuroanatomical explanation is oversimplified
Alternative Evidence for Neuroanatomy : What did Kubrin et al find in 2009?
-offenders frequently cited cognitive factors relating to costs and benefits of crime
1. Expected payoff
2. Perceived ability to avoid detection
3. Capacity to obtain what they want illegally vs illegally
Why is neuroanatomy viewed as a useful explanation?
Help understand that criminality might have a physiological cause and lead to treatment programs such as psychosurgery.
Usefulness Neuroanatomy: What did Jimenez Ponce in 2011 find?
Studied 25 patients with a primary diagnosis of aggressiveness resistant to conventional treatment. 12 underwent bilateral cingulotomy and anterior caspulotomy. In a 6 month follow up assessment, showed significant reductions of aggressiveness. Only five showed mild or short-term post surgical complications
-shows effectiveness of psychosurgery to change neuroanatomy of criminals and modify their behaviour
Usefulness Neuroanatomy: What did Stattin and Magnussson find in 1989
-adolescent aggression to be correlated with violent crimes in adulthood and there can be a danger to using psychosurgery preventatively
-should only be used as a last resort due to dangerous side effects
Determinism Neuroanatomy:
-views criminal behaviour as a result of biological dysfunctioning
-overlooks the role of free will and how a criminal can make rational conscious choices about their criminality
-supporting neurological explanation implies that criminals should be treated rather than punished
-contradicts UK’s view
What percentage of offenders are either given a fine or a prison sentence as a form of punishment in the UK?
90%
How does the genetic inheritance theory explain criminality?
Criminality can be transmitted and across generations through genes; thus criminal behaviour is genetically inherited from our parents or grandparents in the same way other biological characteristics are such as height and eye colour.
