Unit 2: Biological theories

• What is the main focus of the nature vs nurture debate in crime?

  Influence of genetics and environment on behavior
• What does 'nurture' refer to in the context of crime?

  Environmental variables and childhood experiences
• What are the key components of biological theories of crime?

  • Emphasis on genetic factors
  • Differences between criminals and non-criminals
  • Physiological characteristics influencing behavior
• Who is considered the father of criminology?

  Lombroso
• What did Lombroso conclude about criminals?

  They are physiologically distinct from non-criminals
• What is meant by 'stigmata' in Lombroso's theory?

  Physical blemishes indicating biological inferiority
• What is phrenology?

  The study of skull shape and size
• What are some physical traits Lombroso associated with criminals?

  Large jaw and high cheekbones
• What did Lombroso believe about the nature of criminals?

  Criminals are born, not made
• What are some criticisms of Lombroso's theories?

  Ignored social context and lacked control groups
• What does the term 'determinism' imply in Lombroso's theory?

  Crime is beyond an individual's control
• What is eugenics?

  Improving human species through selective breeding
• How do biological theories relate to eugenics and crime?

  • Criminal tendencies may be inherited
  • Eugenics aims to eliminate crime through selective breeding
  • Emphasizes social Darwinism and genetic predictions
• What is the goal of eugenics in relation to crime?

  To reduce undesirable characteristics in humans
• What does 'social Darwinism' refer to in the context of eugenics?

  The application of Darwin's theories to social issues
• What are 'defective delinquents' in the context of eugenics?

  Individuals deemed genetically inferior
• What is the aim of eugenics regarding human suffering?

  To breed out diseases and disabilities
• Who proposed the physiological theories on crime?

  Sheldon
• How do physiological theories suggest criminals differ from non-criminals?

  Criminals are physically different from non-criminals
• What does Sheldon's theory suggest about body shape and criminal behavior?

  Body shape is linked to criminal behavior
• What are the three body types identified by Sheldon?

  Endomorph, mesomorph, ectomorph
• What characterizes an endomorph body type?

  Overweight, sociable, relaxed, extroverted
• What characterizes a mesomorph body type?

  Athletic, dynamically built, active
• What characterizes an ectomorph body type?

  Underweight, sensitive, introverted
• What was the sample size in Sheldon's study?

  400 boys
• What was the setting of Sheldon's study?

  Residential rehabilitation home
• What percentage of endomorphs were found to be delinquent?

  10%
• What percentage of mesomorphs were found to be delinquent?

  60%
• What percentage of ectomorphs were found to be delinquent?

  10%
• What are the positives of physiological theories on crime?

  • 60% of offenders studied were mesomorphic
  • Serious offenders often had mesomorphic traits
• What are the negatives of physiological theories on crime?

  • Biological and psychological factors are overlooked
  • Criminals may develop mesomorphic traits as adaptation
  • Theories do not account for environmental influences
• How might physiological theories propose to reduce crime?

  Through stop and search based on physique
• What medical interventions might physiological theories suggest for crime reduction?

  Surgical removal of blemishes
• What specific measures might be taken to reduce theft according to physiological theories?

  Implementing strict anti-theft laws
• What specific measures might be taken to reduce sexual assault according to physiological theories?

  Convicting offenders with harsher penalties
• What specific measures might be taken to reduce forgery according to physiological theories?

  Implementing stricter identification checks
• What specific measures might be taken to reduce computer misuse according to physiological theories?

  Using medications like Subutex
• What are the potential effects of physiological theories on crime reduction?

  • Targeted interventions based on body types
  • Medical and surgical approaches to behavior
  • Focus on physical characteristics to identify criminals
• What is Klinefelter syndrome's chromosomal pattern?

  XXY
• What is the chromosomal pattern for Triploidy syndrome?

  XXX