Biological Theories

Question 1

What is the primary focus of biological theories in criminology?

Answer 1

The primary focus is on the influence of biological factors, such as genetics and physiology, on criminal behavior.

Question 2

True or False: Biological theories suggest that criminal behavior is solely determined by environmental factors.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

Which biological theory suggests that criminals have physical characteristics that distinguish them from non-criminals?

Answer 3

Lombroso’s theory of atavism

Question 4

Fill in the blank: According to biological theories, ________ can play a significant role in predisposing individuals to criminal behavior.

Answer 4

genetics

Question 5

What did Cesare Lombroso believe about the nature of criminals?

Answer 5

He believed that criminals are ‘born criminals’ and can be identified by physical features.

Question 6

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a biological factor considered in criminology? A) Genetics B) Hormones C) Socioeconomic status D) Neurotransmitters

Answer 6

C) Socioeconomic status

Question 7

What role do neurotransmitters play in biological theories of criminology?

Answer 7

They influence mood and behavior, potentially affecting aggression and impulsivity.

Question 8

True or False: Biological theories have been widely accepted as the only explanation for criminal behavior.

Answer 8

False

Question 9

What is the significance of the MAOA gene in relation to criminal behavior?

Answer 9

The MAOA gene has been linked to aggressive behavior and is sometimes referred to as the ‘warrior gene.’

Question 10

Fill in the blank: According to biological theories, certain ________ may predispose individuals to criminal acts.

Answer 10

brain structures

Question 11

Multiple Choice: Which of the following theories emphasizes the role of brain injury in criminal behavior? A) Atavism B) Neuropsychological theories C) Social learning theory D) Strain theory

Answer 11

B) Neuropsychological theories

Question 12

What is the basic premise of the XYY chromosome theory?

Answer 12

It posits that males with an extra Y chromosome may exhibit increased aggression and a higher likelihood of criminal behavior.

Question 13

True or False: Biological theories completely disregard the impact of social and environmental factors on crime.

Answer 13

False

Question 14

What is one criticism of biological theories of criminology?

Answer 14

They may oversimplify the complex nature of human behavior by attributing it solely to biological factors.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: ________ theories in criminology focus on the interaction between biological predispositions and environmental influences.

Answer 15

Biosocial

Question 16

Which researcher is known for studying the relationship between genetics and criminal behavior?

Answer 16

Adrian Raine

Question 17

Multiple Choice: According to biological theories, which of the following is a potential influence on behavior? A) Peer pressure B) Genetic predisposition C) Economic status D) Cultural norms

Answer 17

B) Genetic predisposition

Question 18

What does the term ‘atavism’ refer to in the context of criminology?

Answer 18

It refers to the idea that criminals are evolutionary throwbacks with primitive physical traits.

Question 19

True or False: Biological theories are often supported by empirical research.

Answer 19

True

Question 20

Fill in the blank: The ________ theory suggests that biological factors can increase the likelihood of developing antisocial behavior.

Answer 20

neurobiological

Question 21

What is the relationship between low serotonin levels and criminal behavior according to biological theories?

Answer 21

Low serotonin levels have been associated with impulsivity and aggression, which can lead to criminal behavior.

Question 22

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a potential biological marker for aggression? A) High IQ B) Low testosterone C) Elevated cortisol D) Abnormal brain activity

Answer 22

D) Abnormal brain activity

Question 23

What do biological theories suggest about the heritability of criminal behavior?

Answer 23

They suggest that criminal behavior can be inherited and has a genetic component.

Question 24

True or False: Biological theories imply that criminality is fixed and unchangeable.

Answer 24

False

Question 25

Fill in the blank: The study of ________ focuses on how brain abnormalities may contribute to criminal behavior.

Answer 25

neurocriminology

Question 26

What role does the environment play in biological theories of crime?

Answer 26

The environment interacts with biological factors to influence the likelihood of criminal behavior.

Question 27

Multiple Choice: Which theory suggests that certain criminals may have a genetic predisposition towards violence? A) Social learning theory B) Genetic theory C) Routine activity theory D) Labeling theory

Answer 27

B) Genetic theory

Question 28

What does the term 'biosocial criminology' refer to?

Answer 28

It refers to the integration of biological and social factors in understanding criminal behavior.

Question 29

True or False: All individuals with biological predispositions will engage in criminal behavior.

Answer 29

False

Question 30

Fill in the blank: ________ is a neurotransmitter that has been linked to aggression and violence.

Answer 30

Dopamine

Question 31

What is the significance of the amygdala in relation to criminal behavior?

Answer 31

The amygdala is involved in emotion regulation and aggression, and its dysfunction may lead to increased violence.

Question 32

Multiple Choice: Which biological theory emphasizes the role of evolutionary processes in shaping behavior? A) Social control theory B) Evolutionary psychology C) Routine activity theory D) Differential association theory

Answer 32

B) Evolutionary psychology

Question 33

What is the primary critique of biological determinism in criminology?

Answer 33

It overlooks the importance of social context and individual choice in behavior.

Question 34

True or False: Biological theories are generally accepted as the most comprehensive explanation for all types of crime.

Answer 34

False

Question 35

Fill in the blank: The study of ________ helps to understand how genetic factors may influence criminal behavior.

Answer 35

behavioral genetics

Question 36

What is the relationship between aggression and testosterone according to biological theories?

Answer 36

Higher levels of testosterone are often correlated with increased aggression and risk of violent behavior.

Question 37

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a biological factor that may influence criminal behavior? A) Family structure B) Peer influence C) Brain chemistry D) Socioeconomic status

Answer 37

C) Brain chemistry

Question 38

What does research on twins suggest about the role of genetics in criminal behavior?

Answer 38

Research indicates that identical twins are more likely to both engage in criminal behavior than fraternal twins, suggesting a genetic component.

Question 39

True or False: Biological theories advocate for strict genetic determinism in explaining criminal behavior.

Answer 39

False

Question 40

Fill in the blank: ________ refers to the study of the biological basis of behavior, including criminality.

Answer 40

Neuroscience

Question 41

What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in criminal behavior according to biological theories?

Answer 41

The prefrontal cortex is involved in decision-making and impulse control, and its dysfunction may lead to increased criminality.