Crim unit 2

• What is the focus of biological theories of criminality?


  They explore why some people become criminals.
• What are two types of biological explanations for criminality?

  Physiological and genetic explanations
• What does it mean to say someone is 'born criminal'?

  It suggests genetic predisposition to crime.
• Why might crime run in families?

  Genetic factors may influence criminal behavior.
• How can alcohol lead to crime?

  It may impair judgment and increase aggression.
• What are the key components of genetic explanations for criminality?


  • Certain genes may cause criminality.
  • Jacob's XYY study.
  • Twin and adoption studies.
• What are the main ideas of physiological explanations for criminality?

  • Physical differences may predispose to crime.
  • Lombroso's and Sheldon's theories.
  • Brain abnormalities and biological variations.
• Who was Lombroso?

  Italian doctor who studied criminals' physical features.
• What did Lombroso believe about criminals?

  They are physically different and 'atavistic.'
• What physical features did Lombroso identify in criminals?

  Large jaw, low sloping forehead, long arms.
• What types of criminals did Lombroso associate with specific physical features?

  Murderers: beak-like noses; thieves: flattened noses.
• What was a significant finding of Lombroso's research?

  Criminals could be identified by physical features.
• What support exists for Lombroso's theory?

  AI can identify criminals using facial recognition.
• What are Sheldon's three main physical types?

  Endomorphic, ectomorphic, mesomorphic.
• What did Sheldon argue about mesomorphs?

  They are most likely to commit crimes.
• How did Sheldon conduct his study on somatotypes?

  He had people rate photos of individuals.
• What was a key finding from Sheldon's study?

  Delinquents rated higher as mesomorphs than students.
• What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in criminal behavior?

  It is linked to rationality and self-control.
• What did Raine et al. (1994) find in their study?

  Killers had damage to the prefrontal cortex.
• What is encephalitis lethargica?

  A disease linked to impulsiveness and aggression.
• How is testosterone linked to criminal behavior?

  It may cause emotional disturbances leading to crime.
• What is hypoglycemia and its relation to crime?

  Low blood sugar linked to aggressive behavior.
• What did Schoenthaler claim about sugar intake and behavior?

  Lowering sugar intake reduced anti-social behavior.
• How does substance abuse relate to crime?

  It can lead to aggressive and criminal behavior.
• What role do female hormones play in criminal behavior?

  They may influence behavior during certain conditions.
• What did Mednick's study on adopted sons find?

  Higher concordance with biological parents' criminal records.
• What is Jacob's XYY syndrome?

  An extra Y chromosome linked to criminality.
• What characteristics are typical of XYY males?

  Very tall, well-built, low intelligence.
• What did Price and Whitmore find about XYY males?

  They are less mature and more unstable.
• Who was Phineas Gage?

  A man who suffered a brain injury affecting behavior.
• What is the significance of Phineas Gage's case?

  It illustrates the impact of brain injury on behavior.
• What is the relationship between crime and genetic factors?

  Crime may be inherited from parents.
• What do twin studies suggest about criminality?

  Identical twins show higher concordance in crime.
• What did Christensen's study find about identical twins?

  52% chance of conviction if one twin is convicted.
• What is the implication of adoption studies on criminality?

  Biological relatives influence criminal tendencies more.
• What is the concordance rate for biological parents in Mednick's study?

  20% concordance rate for biological parents.
• What is the significance of the XYY chromosome in criminality?

  XYY males show higher rates of criminal behavior.
• What did John Wayne Gacy reportedly have?

  XYY chromosomes linked to his criminal behavior.
• What are the four biological explanations of criminality?

  1. Physiological theories (Lombroso, Sheldon)
  2. Genetic theories (twin studies, adoption studies)
  3. Brain abnormalities (prefrontal cortex damage)
  4. Biochemical explanations (hormones, substance abuse)
• What should be included in a description of physiological theory of criminality?

  Choose either Lombroso or Sheldon for details.