Biological theories

• What does the XYY theory suggest about genetic makeup?

  It contributes to criminal behavior.
• Who suggested that men with an extra Y chromosome are more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior?

  Jacob et al.
• What is the overrepresentation of XXX men in prisons according to the study?

  15 out of 1000.
• What did Jacob et al. find regarding XYY prisoners?

  There are more XYY prisoners than XY.
• What did Maret et al. conclude about violent behavior?

  It could be determined by genetics.
• What are the limitations of the XYY theory?

  • Focuses only on men
  • Ignores social factors
  • Considered simplistic
• What does the adoption study explore regarding criminal behavior?

  It compares adopted children with biological parents.
• What is suggested if a child's criminal behavior aligns with their biological parents?

  It indicates a genetic basis.
• What did Mendick et al. find regarding genetic influence on criminal behavior?

  Genetics can affect behavior in children.
• What are the limitations of the adoption studies mentioned?

  • Small sample size
  • Selective placement issues
  • Biological parents may influence outcomes
• What do twin studies support regarding criminal traits?

  They suggest a genetic basis for criminal traits.
• How do identical twins differ from dizygotic twins in terms of shared characteristics?

  Identical twins share 100% of their genes.
• What is a limitation of the twin studies mentioned?

  Small sample size affects reliability.
• What are the implications of the findings from twin studies on criminal behavior?

  • Suggests genetic predisposition
  • Highlights importance of prevention
  • Indicates need for further research
• What is the main focus of eugenics?

  Improving future generations' characteristics
• How does eugenics relate to human suffering?

  It aims to reduce diseases and disabilities
• In what historical context was eugenics notably used?

  Nazi Germany
• What was one method used in eugenics to control reproduction?

  Sterilization of less desirable individuals
• What types of disabilities were targeted by eugenics?

  Mental and physical disabilities
• What are some criticisms of eugenics regarding environmental factors?

  It doesn't consider environmental influences
• What is a potential consequence of eugenics on social problems?

  It reinforces biological determinism
• What percentage of boys with criminal records had fathers with similar records according to research?

  40%
• What is the definition of the death penalty?

  Execution of an offender sentenced to death
• What types of offenses can lead to the death penalty?

  Capital offenses like murder or treason
• What is one argument in favor of the death penalty?

  It provides a deterrent to crime
• What is a criticism of the death penalty related to its effectiveness?

  It may not always deter crime
• What is a potential ethical issue surrounding the death penalty?

  It raises moral justification concerns
• What is one biological theory related to criminality?

  Physical characteristics may influence crime likelihood
• What do adoption studies compare in relation to criminal behavior?

  Crime rates among biological and adopted children
• What did Hutchings and Mednick's study suggest about aggression?

  There is a link between aggression and genetics
• What did Mednick et al. find regarding adoptive parents?

  No relationship between adoptive parents and children
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of adoption studies in criminality research?

  Strengths:

  • Different environments for adopted and biological children
  • Correlation found between adopted children and biological parents

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Age at adoption may influence behavior
  • Information about biological parents may be unavailable
  • Adoption process may not be random