Topic 1: What Makes a Criminal: Additional Studies

Question 1

(Palmer & Hollin) What was this study about?

Answer 1

Moral development.

Question 2

(Palmer & Hollin) Describe the sample, and control group.

Answer 2

• 126 convicted male offenders, aged 13-31 (offences mainly car theft/burglary).
• Compared to 332 non-offenders, male and female, ages 13-22.

Question 3

(Palmer & Hollin) Describe the procedure.

Answer 3

Completed self-report questionnaires about moral reasoning and delinquency.

Question 4

(Palmer & Hollin) Describe the results regarding Kohlberg’s theory of moral development.

Answer 4

• Male offenders were mainly in Kohlberg’s pre-conventional level.
• The control group was mainly at a conventional level.
• Less mature moral development in offenders.

Question 5

(Jahoda) What was this study about?

Answer 5

Self fulfilling prophecy.

Question 6

(Jahoda) Describe the background of the study.

Answer 6

Ashanti people (from Ghana) believe that the day you’re born affects your personality; children are given a soul name accordingly.

Question 7

(Jahoda) Describe the characteristics for Monday and Wednesday boys.

Answer 7

• Wednesday (Kwaku) are thought to be more violent and aggressive.
• Monday (Kwadwo) are thought to be placid and relaxed.

Question 8

(Jahoda) Describe the results.

Answer 8

Names of violent criminals recorded in court were examined:
- Kwadwo: 6.9% of offences.
- Kwaku: 22% of offences.

Question 9

(Raine) Part 1: Describe the sample and procedure.

Answer 9

100 children with low resting heart rate (selected from 1795 people) were given a 3-part intervention (nutrition, exercise, and cognitive stimulation).

Question 10

(Raine) Part 1: Describe the results in comparison to the control group.

Answer 10

Those who were initially poorly nourished showed a significant 52.6% reduction in conduct disorder by age 17.

Question 11

(Raine) Part 2: Describe the sample and procedure.

Answer 11

100 children conducted a trial with omega-3 (shown to reduce aggression) for 6 months.

Question 12

(Raine) Part 2: Describe the results in comparison to the control group.

Answer 12

Parents reported a significant decrease in aggression and delinquency.

Question 13

Describe the correlation between maternal smoking and testosterone exposure.

Answer 13

• Higher fetal testosterone is linked to longer ring fingers and masculine traits.
• Genetics and fetal hormones are primary influences.
• Maternal smoking (nicotine) may increase fetal testosterone.
• Elevated fetal testosterone from smoking could affect finger length and aggression.
• Animal studies show that nicotine raises fetal testosterone.