Sheldon

Question 1

Strengths

Answer 1

Scientific approach with
supporting data
➤ Found mesomorphic body
types more common in
delinquents.

Question 2

Weaknesses

Answer 2

People take substances,
change body type.
➤ Ignores non-mesomorph
offenders.

Question 3

Policy

Answer 3

The death penalty is when the government
kills someone as a punishment for a very
serious crime, like murder.

Question 4

Is the policy effective?

Answer 4

Some argue it’s effective because once
someone is executed, they can’t reoffend. But
studies from the USA show that states without
the death penalty often have lower murder
rates, suggesting it doesn’t really stop people
from committing crimes.

Question 5

What theory is this influenced by

Answer 5

It links to Sheldon’s Somatotypes theory,
which said mesomorphic (muscular) people
are more likely to be aggressive and commit
crimes. If someone with this body type
commits a serious crime, people might
believe they’re naturally dangerous, and the
death penalty is used to protect society by
removing them

Question 6

Core

Answer 6

Somatotypes -
mesomorphic builds would be criminals, based on
biological and social reasons - higher levels of
testosterone = aggression, physical build makes
them more likely to engage with criminality.

Question 7

Expanded

Answer 7

Mesomorphs have
large bone structure, well-defined muscles, broad
shoulders, narrow waists, and attractive, strong
bodies, Adventurous, assertive, competitive, and
fearless

Question 8

Study

Answer 8

Examined photographs of 400 males, 200 college, 200
delinquents. Delinquents split into delinquent and criminal
delinquent and were rated on a scale of 1-7 based on
their body build. Results = delinquents and criminal
delinquents had a higher average mesomorphy rating
(4.6, 5.4) compared to the college students (3.8)