Biological explanation of offending behaviour

• Atavistic form to explaining offending behaviour (Lombroso)


  Lombroso suggested that offenders were "genetic throwbacks" that lacked evolutionary development. Their savage and untamed nature meant these genetic throwbacks would find it difficult to adjust to the demand of civilised society. Inevitably they turn to crime. Lombroso saw criminal beh. as being determined by genetics.
• Atavistic (ancestral) characteristics 


  • A narrow, sloping brow

  • A strong prominent jaw

  • High cheekbones

  • Facial asymmetry

  • Dark skin
• What role did Lombroso's atavistic form play in criminology?

  It shifted theories towards scientific explanations
• How did Lombroso's theory influence research on offending behavior?

  It led to studies on genetics and crime
• What significant development in criminology did Lombroso's theory contribute to?

  It initiated the concept of offender profiling
• What is a limitation of Lombroso's atavistic form regarding supporting evidence?

  There is little evidence for atavistic features
• What was the conclusion of the research comparing criminals and non-criminals?

  No distinct physical abnormalities were found
• Why is the lack of evidence for atavistic features a limitation for Lombroso's theory?

  It questions the validity of his key claims
• What racial undertones are associated with Lombroso's atavistic features?

  Features linked to people of African descent
• How can Lombroso's theory be considered scientific racism?

  It may lead to wrongful targeting of minorities
• What social implications arise from Lombroso's historical approach?

  It could lead to wrongful convictions
• What is a challenge in establishing cause and effect in Lombroso's theory?

  Atavistic features may lead to social issues
• How might drug use relate to atavistic features in Lombroso's theory?

  Drug use may cause certain physical traits
• What confounding variables challenge Lombroso's theory of offending behavior?

  Social interactions and drug use influence behavior
• What are the strengths and limitations of Lombroso's atavistic form explanation for offending behavior?

  Strengths:

  • Shifted theories towards scientific explanations
  • Influenced research on genetics and crime
  • Initiated offender profiling

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Little supporting evidence for atavistic features
  • Racial undertones leading to scientific racism
  • Difficulty establishing cause and effect relationships
• What do genetic explanations of offending behaviour suggest?

  Offenders inherit genes predisposing them to crime
• What did a genetic analysis of almost 900 offenders reveal?

  Many offenders have a low-activity MAOA gene
• What does the MAOA gene provide instructions for?

  Making the enzyme MAOA
• What is the role of the MAOA enzyme?

  It breaks down neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin
• What happens with a low-activity version of the MAOA gene?

  Less MAOA enzyme is produced
• How does a low-activity MAOA gene affect neurotransmitter levels?

  It leads to high levels of dopamine and serotonin
• What can high levels of serotonin cause in neurons?

  Neurons can become desensitized to serotonin's effects
• What are the consequences of neurons not responding to serotonin?

  They continue to fire, causing agitation and impulsivity
• What can high levels of dopamine lead to?

  Paranoia and reward-seeking behaviour
• How can agitation and impulsivity lead to offending behaviour?

  They can result in impulsive acts of aggression
• How can reward-seeking behaviour lead to crimes?

  It can lead to crimes like theft
• What is the biological explanation for OCD involving SERT and COMT genes?

  • SERT gene: regulates serotonin levels
  • COMT gene: affects dopamine levels
  • Imbalance leads to obsessions and compulsions
• What neurotransmitters are affected by the MAOA enzyme?

  Dopamine and serotonin
• What is the effect of high serotonin on the nervous system?

  It can lead to agitation and restlessness
• How do high levels of dopamine and serotonin contribute to offending behaviour?

  They lead to impulsivity and reward-seeking actions
• What type of studies support the genetic explanation for offending behaviour?

  Twin and adoption studies
• What was found regarding MZ and DZ twins in prison studies?

  MZ twins had higher concordance rates
• Why do MZ twins have a higher concordance rate for offending behaviour than DZ twins?

  They share 100% of their genes
• What risk do adopted children face if their biological parent has a criminal record?

  50% risk of having a criminal record
• What is the risk of adopted children having a criminal record if their biological parent does not?

  5% risk of having a criminal record
• How does the genetic explanation for offending behaviour add credibility?

  It is supported by twin and adoption studies
• What is a limitation of the genetic explanation regarding the nature-nurture debate?

  It focuses primarily on the nature perspective
• Why might MZ twins have similar environmental experiences?

  They are often of the same gender
• What complicates the findings of adoption studies?

  Many children experience late adoption
• What is a potential issue with adoptees maintaining contact with biological parents?

  It complicates assessing biological impact