EXPLANATION BIOLOGICAL THEORIES

Question 1

What are the 2 physiological theories

Answer 1

Lombrosso and Sheldon

Question 2

Genetic theories

Answer 2

Twin study
XXY. Study
Adoption study

Question 3

Explain lombrosso

Answer 3

Physiological theory
Criminals and atavistic meaning people who committed crimes are not fully evolved
Mainly focuses on facial features of criminals
Strong jawline/strong vision/large eyes/long arms/jug like ears

Question 4

Explain Sheldon

Answer 4

Physiological theory
3 body types
Endomorphs-fat and soft (restrained/introvert)
Ectomorphs -skinny (social/relaxed)
Mesomorphs-built and athletic (aggressive/willing to take risks)
Correlation study shows mesomorphs are more likely to become criminals and endomorphs are least likely.

Question 5

Explain twin study

Answer 5

Genetic study
Twins hold Same DNA so according to study if one becomes criminal the other should too.
Monozygotic twins are identical so have closer genetics.
Dyzgotic twins are non identical.
Concordance rate shows mono =52% of chance if one twin commits crime the other will follow
Concordance rate shows dyz= 22% of chance if one twin commits crime the other will follow
Mono is more likely to both commit crimes proving criminality to be genetics

Question 6

Explain the adoption study

Answer 6

Genetic study
Highlights the nature/nurture debate(environment v gentics)
Individuals can’t have learnt criminal behaviour from environment because they have been removed from criminal environment .
Therefore if child becomes criminal it must be through genetics
Study shows sons were 20% more likely to offend if dad was criminal-supports view of criminality being genetic .

Question 7

Explain Jacob’s xxy study

Answer 7

Genetic study
An extra Y chromosome = more testosterone meaning individual is more aggressive and violent therefore more likely to commit crimes .
Not everyone that has extra Y chromosome finds out + study only tested people on those in prison so not a reliable study