Criminal psychology- what makes a criminal? Flashcards
Topic 1 (19 cards)
Lombroso theory
- he aggueed that criminals are separate species that are between modern humans and primitive humans.(A primitive throwback)
- he also said that criminal had physical shape of the head and face would determine the “born criminal”
-society would treat people with these features differently and this would turn into to Criminal behaviour
-atavistic features: low sloping fore head, twisted nose and high excessive cheek bones
Sheldons theory of criminality
- There was a link between body shape and criminality which this could be linked to the biology of causing behaviour.
1. Endomorphic (fat and soft) sociable and fat
2. Ectomophic (thin and fragile) introverted and - restrained
3. Mesorphic (muscular and hard) aggressive and adventurous - Appearance could lead to a self-fulling proficiency
Jacob’s theory of criminality
- In the 1960’s it was proposed that males could be born with an extra Y chromosome which they would be predisposed to violent acts.
- this genetic abnormality was known as “super male syndrome” which only men were effect by this genetic disorder
These traits include: below average IQ, delayed speech development, behaviour or learning problems
Hormones
- The hormone cortisol and testosterone tracer been research onto linking to criminal behaviour.
- high levels of testosterone have been link to violence
- mood swings and delinquency
- Glenn and Raine reported tat a disrupted functioning of the hypothalamus Sanford the realises of cortisol is often see in antisocial individuals
Low resting heart rate
- A low resting heart rate would link in with thrill seeking behaviour. (They are biologically born with this condition)
- resting heart rate accounted for 17% of gender difference in crimes such as violence and drug offences
Adoption studies
- Christianson (1977) found a 52% concordance rate of criminality in monozygotic twins and 22% in dizygotic twins.
- twins share a simplistic environment which is why concordance rates in monozygotic twins is important because it highlights the influence of shared genes
- the results from medick study showed that 20% of sons with a criminal record and biological parents with a criminal record and adoptive not, this shows how genes have an impact towards criminality
MAOA genetic theory of criminality
- Brunner in 1993 published an association between genes and aggressiveness behaviour, this is know as the warrior gene.
- the MAOA gene is responsible for the production of the enzyme (monoamine oxidise- A), the role is to break down excess serotonin in the brain which would help control the levels in the brain.
- the MAO dysfunction could be reasonable for many different neurological disorders like depression, schizophrenia and substance abuse.
- co0nclutions from the study suggested that MAOA is involved in serotonin (anger & aggression regulator) metabolism, MAOA deficiency accounted for their inability to regulate their aggression.
Background- brain abnormalities in murderers indicated by positron emission tomography
Damage or dysfunction of the pre-frontal cortex may result in impulsivity, immaturity, altered emotionality, loss of self control.
- All these may increases the likely hood of aggression
Aim- brain abnormalities in murderers indicated by positron emission tomography
- this was to investigate using PET scans wether there are brain abnormalities on a group of murderers who have pleaded not guilty by reasons of insanity.
- the expectation of the test is that mudrers would sow more evidence for brain dysfunction in their pre-cortex as well as other aras such as lambic system ad corpus callosum.
Method/design-brain abnormalities in murderers indicated by positron emission tomography
The method is a laboratory experiment using an independent mesures design
IV- is whether teh participant had committed a murderer or not.
DV- this was the result of the PET scan
- this could also be referred to a quasi experiment from the experimenter do not have total control over the IV
Sample- brain abnormalities in murderers indicated by positron emission tomography
They used 41 people ( 39 males and 2 females) who were charger with murder or manslaughter and were not guilty for reason of insanity
- the mean ages was 34.3
- they were matched pairs design
- schizophrenia 6 cases
- head injury or organic damage 23 cases
- drug abuse 3 cases
- affective disorder 3
- epilepsy, hyperactivity and learning difficulties 3 cases
- personalities disorder 2 cases
Controls-
-They were kept medication free for 2 week before the brain scan
- the test were undertaken to make sure that left or right handed had no effect on the behaviour
- 14 of the murders were not white which they compared to the PET scan ti see any difference in scans
Materials-
- a PET machine was used ti scan the participants, which this would generate a 2D coloured map on the brain activity
- FDG this is a tracer injected to trace the metabolic activity
- CPT- this was a continuous performance task which would engage the pre-frontal cortex so that it could be measured
Procedure-
- 10 mins before the FDG was injected the participants were allowed to practice the test
- all the participants were required to work at a continuous performance task that was based around target recognition for 32 minutes then a PET scan is given.
The brain was scanned 10 times with 10 minutes intervals
Results-
- the results showed that the right side of the amygdala and hippocampus in murderers.
- less activity in the corpus callosum
Conclusion-
It is unlik that a single brain activity mechanism and the study connot provide a complete analysis as certain part of the brain could not be imaged
That mujeres have different brain functions to normal individuales
Evaluation-
Social sensitivity- ethical - brain functions is the cause of murderers which soul mean that people with similar brain functions are murderers
-Freewill vs determinism- the study is mostly deterministic from the brain scan showing the results that brain structure is predisposed and the brain is determining a result.
Psychology as a science- PET scans bing objective with people not being able to deny a brain scan
Social explanations for crime
Farmington- a longitudinal study on 411 boys
Most of these boys had a common childhood characteristic with they were like to have a convicted parents, delinquency sibling, a yang mother, a disrupted family or a large family.
Banduras social learning theory- observation and limitations of behaviour from models, if someone’s pays attention they are motivated to reproduce the behaviour that can have a positive or negative effects.
Biological pre-disposition + social factors + faulty thinking = serious violent offending/ psychopathy
Example of question
Assess how the research into what makes a criminal supports psychology as a science?
