Brunner et al - Genetics As A Cause Of Crime

Question 0

What method did Brunner use?

Answer 0

A case study/correlation

Question 1

What was the aim of Brunners research?

Answer 1

To explain the behaviour of a large family in the Netherlands where the males are affected by a syndrome of borderline mental retardation and abnormal violent behaviour

Question 2

What was the sample in Brunners study?

Answer 2

Five affected males from a family in the Netherlands

Question 3

What was data collected from?

Answer 3

An analysis of urine samples over a 24hr period and IQ tests

Question 4

What were the three findings of Brunners study?

Answer 4

All affected males had mental retardation, Urine samples showed a lack of enzyme MAOA and DNA analysis showed a mutation in the X chromosome of the gene responsible for MAOA production

Question 5

What was the mean IQ of the five males?

Answer 5

85

Question 6

What is MAOA involved with?

Answer 6

Serotonin metabolism

Question 7

What is serotonin?

Answer 7

A neurotransmitter that has an important role in the regulation of anger and aggression

Question 8

What can be concluded from Brunner’s findings?

Answer 8

That gene mutations can be responsible for aggressive behaviour which could lead to criminal behaviour