Unit 2 2.1 - Biological Explanantions Of Crime

Question 1

Lombroso’s theory

Answer 1

Sample were prisoners in Italy (4000 people)
Examined skulls of deceased criminals and the facial features of prisoners
Atavistic form - not evolved as people primitive

Question 2

Lombroso examples of criminals features

Answer 2

Large eye sockets
Enormous jaws
Arched eyebrows
High cheekbones
Long arms

Question 3

Lombrosos features of theif

Answer 3

Flat nose long arms
Flexible, long hands and fingers
Narrow beady eyes

Question 4

Sheldon theory

Answer 4

Certain body types or somatotypes are linked to criminal behaviour.
Mesomorph are more likely to commit crimes proposing that their physically stature is beneficial in crime.

Question 5

Endomorph

Answer 5

Round body shape, lack of muscle and wide hips
Sociable and outgoing

Question 6

Ectomorph

Answer 6

Thin, lacking fat and muscle. Thin face, flat-chested and high forehead.
Self-conscious and emotionally retained

Question 7

Mesomorph

Answer 7

Muscular, strong limbs and broad shoulders
Sensation-seeking, risk taking and domineering

Question 8

Lombroso strengths

Answer 8

Research was scientific and objective for that time (1870) considered empirical.

His research influenced real life in his research into facial features. Butcher and Taylor (2007) suggested that less attractive individuals are more likely to be considered criminal

Large sample size makes it more reliable

Question 9

Sheldon strengths

Answer 9

Control group used against the criminal sample which made it more valid and reduced bias.

Research is still relevant in explaining crime. Putwain and summons 2002 confirmed that there is a small association between bodily build and criminality.

Question 10

Lombroso weaknesses

Answer 10

Failed to compare findings on prisoners with a control group of non-criminals so his explanation is invalid.

Not everyone with atavistic features is a criminal and not all criminal have them.

Scientific racism- Delisi (2012) indicated that many of atavistic features define are specific to people of African descent.

Recent research failed to show a link between facial features and criminality.

Question 11

Sheldon weaknesses

Answer 11

Didn’t explain how ectomorph and endomorph could also be criminal.

Didn’t consider people’s somatypes are not fixed and can change through there life

Done on guys so can’t be generalised.