genetic explanations

Question 1

twin studies -Lange

Answer 1

compared concordance rates for prison sentences among 13 identical twins and 17 non-identical twins. 10 of the 13 pairs of identical twins (77%) had both spent time in prison, whereas only 2 of the 17 non-identical twins (12%) had both spent time in prison.

Question 2

Twin and adoption studies Christiansen (1977)

Answer 2

analysed the concordance rates for criminal convictions among 3,586 pairs of twins. Among males, concordance rates were 35% for identical twins and 12% for non-identical twins. Among females, the concordance rates were 21% for identical twins and 8% for non-identical twins

Question 3

twin studies - results

Answer 3

These studies show the concordance rates for criminal behaviour are higher among identical twins (who share 100% of their genes) than non-identical twins (who only share 50% of their genes). This supports a role for genetics in explaining criminal behaviour.
HOWEVER NOT 100%

Question 4

Candidate genes - Tiihonen et all

Answer 4

suggested that the gene MAOA regulates serationin and has been liked to aggressive behaviour - genetic analysis of almost 800 Finnish offenders - 5-10% of all severe violent crimes is attributable to this gene

Question 5

Diathesis stress model

Question 6

-issues with twin evidence

Answer 6

-the assumption of equal environments - higher concordance rates for MZs in twin studies may simply because they are treated more similarly than DZ twins

Question 7

Deterministic: genetic

Answer 7

Genetic explanations are deterministic because they say that a person’s genes are what cause criminal behaviour, not free will. However, this raises legal and moral issues: It is hard to hold someone morally responsible for criminal actions if they didn’t choose them, and so it may seem unfair to punish them.

Question 8

Nature vs nurture