Biological Explanations for Offending Behaviour Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is the atavistic form?
Developed by Lombroso, suggested criminals were a sub-species who were biologically different from non-criminals.
Criminals lacked evolutionary development, could not adjust to demands of society. Caused them to turn to a life of crime.
Examined 383 dead and 3839 living criminals.
What were characteristics of the atavistic form?
wide nose, pronounced brow, asymmetrical faces, dominant jaw.
What was the genetic explanation of offending behaviour?
Suggests individuals inherit a gene or combination of genes that predisposed them to a commit crime.
What were the results of Lange’s twin study?
MZ 77%
DZ 12%
One of the twins in each pair had served time in prison, which twin were both.
What were the results of Mednick’s adoption study?
Despite not sharing the same environment 20% of adoptees with criminal biological parent, 13.5% without a criminal parent.
What was the candidate gene associated with criminal behaviour?
‘warrior gene’ MAOA.
responsible for controlling serotonin and dopamine.
What was the evidence for the MAOA gene?
Bunner - Dutch family, all of the male members had convictions for rape and arson. All had a mutation of the MAOA gene.
What was the neural explanation for offending behaviour?
Abnormalities and role of neurotransmitters.
How were abnormalities associated with criminal behaviour?
Research found murderers, psychopaths and violent individuals have reduced functioning in the prefrontal cortex.
Lead to impulsive behaviour and a lack of control, 11% reduction of grey matter in prefrontal cortex compared to control group of non-offenders.
What was the role of neurotransmitters in criminal behaviour?
Aggressive offenders have often been found to have a low level of serotonin, serotonin regulates mood and inhibits the prefrontal cortex.
High levels of dopamine have been associated with aggression and offending behaviour. Dopamine provides the individual with rewarding sensation thus more likely to offend.
Describe research opposition for the atavistic form.
Goring - compared 3000 criminals to 3000 non-criminals, concluded there was no evidence that offenders are a distinct group with unusual facial and cranial characteristics.
Discuss the limitation of the atavistic form, scientific racism.
Lombroso labelled characteristics from African descent as uncivilised and savage all linked to criminality.
Groups certain ethnic cultures as criminals possibly leading to tougher sentencing in court and longer prison time.
Limitation of genetic explanations it is biologically deterministic.
Implications for our legal system, MAOA is linked to criminality when on trial an individual claim that they are not acting under their free will, provides an alibi.
