Genetic and Neural

• Which area of the brain seems to be damaged in psychopathic offenders?

  The prefrontal cortex
• Which gene is thought to be linked to crime?

  MAOA gene
• How is the MAOA gene thought to be linked to crime?

  It controls dopamine and serotonin levels
• What is the ‘recipe for disaster’ in genetic explanations?

  Combination of genetic predisposition and environment
• What do twin studies in genetics examine?

  • Genetic similarities between twins
  • Concordance rates for behaviors
  • Influence of genetics on traits
• What is concordance in twin studies?

  • Agreement between twins on traits
  • Higher rates indicate genetic influence
• What are candidate genes?

  • Genes linked to specific behaviors
  • May predispose individuals to crime
• What is the diathesis-stress model?

  • Interaction of genetic predisposition and stress
  • Environmental factors trigger genetic risks
• What did Christiansen (1977) study?

  Over 3500 twin pairs in Denmark
• What were the concordance rates for MZ and DZ males in Christiansen's study?

  35% for MZ, 13% for DZ
• What did Crowe (1972) find regarding adopted children?

  50% risk with criminal biological mother
• How do environmental factors relate to genetic predisposition in crime?

  They can trigger genetically predisposed behavior
• What abnormalities did Tiihonen (2014) find in offenders?

  Two genes linked to violent crime
• What does the MAOA gene control?

  Dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain
• What does the CDH13 gene regulate?

  Neural pathways and synapse maintenance
• What is the significance of reduced grey matter?

  Indicates potential impairment in brain function
• What are the characteristics of Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD)?

  • Reduced emotional responses
  • Lack of empathy
  • Common in convicted criminals
• What brain area is affected in individuals with APD?

  The prefrontal cortex
• What happened to Phineas Gage after his accident?

  He became a violent drunk after recovery
• What role do the prefrontal lobes play in behavior?

  They moderate impulses and control behavior
• What did Raine et al find regarding grey matter in APD individuals?

  11% reduction in grey matter in PFC
• What does Raine's research suggest about the brains of individuals with APD?

  • Reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex
  • Linked to emotional behavior regulation
• What are the candidate genes associated with offending behavior?

  • MAOA gene
  • CDH13 gene
• What findings are associated with Christiansen and Crowe's studies?

  • Genetic influence on criminal behavior
  • Higher risk in twins and adopted children
• What does Tiihonen's research indicate about genetic factors in crime?

  • Identified specific genes linked to violence
  • Suggests biological predisposition to crime