biological physiological therioes Flashcards
what is Lombroso’s theory?
Lombroso argued that criminals are physically different from non-criminals, he could tell if you were criminal based off your facial features
2 strengths to Lombroso’s theory?
Lombroso was the first person to study crime scientifically
His research showed the importance of examining clinical and historical records of criminals
2 limitations to Lombroso’s theory?
research since has failed to show a link between facial features and criminality
Lombroso’s only studied already convicted criminals, rather than comparing to non-criminals
what is Sheldon’s theory?
Sheldon argued that body type is related to criminality
what are the 3 somatypes?
mesomorphs
endomorph
ectomorph
2 strengths of sheldon’s theory?
Glueck and Glueck found that 60% of offenders were mesomorphs
the most criminal body type in sheldon’s sample were mesomorphs
what is a mesomorph?
aggressive, muscular, hard
what is a endomorph?
Fat, Soft, Sociable
What is a ectomorph?
Thin, Fragile, Anxious/scared
2 limitations to sheldon’s theory?
Glueck and Glueck found that criminality was linked to biological, physiological, and environmental factors
sheldon doesn’t account for the endomorphs and ectomorphs that commit crime
what is brain abnormality?
a brain injury, disorder or disease that may cause malfunction in ways that change and individuals personality, morals or self control. leading to criminal behaviour
2 strengths to brain abnormality
leads to changes in a persons behaviour
prisoners are more likely to have brain injury
2 limitations to brain abnormality
crimes that are cause by brain injury are rare
prisoners higher likelihood of brain injury could be a result of their criminality
what is neurochemical theory
biochemical factors may trigger criminal behavior by affecting brain chemistry and mental process
2 strengths to nurochemical
sexual hormones, blood sugar and substance abuse can affect an individual’s mood
testosterone levels and make offending peak at the same time
