1.4.1 Biological Theories

• Certain genes or genetic abnormalities may increase the likelihood of criminal behavior
• Hormonal imbalances, such as high testosterone levels, may be linked to aggressive behavior.


  True
• Match the biological theory with its key idea:

  Genetic Factors ↔️ Genes or abnormalities increase likelihood of criminal behavior

  Brain Abnormalities ↔️ Reduced prefrontal cortex activity causes impulsive acts

  Hormonal Imbalances ↔️ Excess testosterone may lead to aggression

  Neurotransmitter Dysfunction ↔️ Low serotonin linked to impulsivity
• What do Biological Theories of Criminality propose influences criminal behavior?

  Biological and genetic factors
• Biological theories suggest that criminal behavior is not solely a product of environmental or social factors, but also has a strong biological component.
• Brain abnormalities, such as reduced prefrontal cortex activity, may be present from birth or develop over time.


  True
• What structural or functional differences in the brain can contribute to impulsive and criminal acts?

  Brain abnormalities
• Match the biological factor with its effect on criminality:

  Genetic Factors ↔️ Certain genes may increase aggression

  Brain Abnormalities ↔️ Reduced prefrontal cortex activity

  Hormonal Imbalances ↔️ High testosterone linked to violence

  Neurotransmitter Dysfunction ↔️ Low serotonin linked to impulsivity
• Low serotonin levels have been linked to impulsivity
• What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in criminal behavior according to biological theories?

  Impulse control, decision-making
• Match the gene variant with its associated behavior:

  MAOA ↔️ Increased aggression and violence

  5-HTT ↔️ Impulsivity and antisocial behavior
• What did studies on individuals with damaged prefrontal cortices demonstrate about neurological health and criminal behavior?

  Higher recidivism rates
• What structural or functional brain abnormality is linked to impulsive and criminal acts according to biological theories?

  Reduced prefrontal cortex activity
• Which gene variant is associated with increased aggression and violence according to studies on genetics and criminal behavior?

  MAOA
• What structural or functional differences in the brain can contribute to criminal acts?

  Brain abnormalities
• Which neurotransmitters are implicated in impulse control and decision-making according to biological theories?

  Serotonin and dopamine
• What evidence supports the role of genetic factors in criminal behavior according to biological theories?

  Specific gene variants
• Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine can affect impulse control and decision-making, potentially increasing the risk of criminal behavior.
• Higher levels of testosterone have been associated with increased aggression and risk-taking.


  True
• Certain genes or genetic abnormalities may increase the likelihood of criminal behavior
• Low serotonin levels have been linked to impulsivity and aggression.

  True
• Low levels of serotonin are linked to increased aggression and violence.
• Arrange the key biological theories of criminality in order of their primary focus:

  1️⃣ Genetic Factors

  2️⃣ Brain Abnormalities

  3️⃣ Hormonal Imbalances

  4️⃣ Neurotransmitter Dysfunction
• Biological theories suggest that criminal behavior is solely influenced by biological factors.

  False
• Match the brain area with its function and impact on criminality:

  Prefrontal Cortex ↔️ Decision-making, reduced activity leads to impulsivity

  Amygdala ↔️ Emotional processing, dysfunction increases aggression
• How does reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex impact behavior?

  Increased impulsivity and antisocial behavior
• What is a key strength of biological theories of criminality?

  Provides a biological basis
• What is a potential limitation of genetic determinism in biological theories?

  Discrimination based on biology
• What is the function of the prefrontal cortex?

  Decision-making, impulse control
• Individuals with damaged prefrontal cortices exhibit higher rates of recidivism.


  True
• Biological theories may oversimplify the causes of crime by focusing solely on biological factors.

  True
• Low serotonin levels have been linked to impulsivity
• Higher levels of testosterone have been associated with increased aggression and risk-taking.


  True
• What hormone is associated with increased aggression and risk-taking in biological theories of criminality?

  Testosterone
• What are the key biological factors that can affect criminality according to biological theories?

  Genetic, brain, hormonal, neurotransmitter
• Higher levels of testosterone have been associated with increased aggression and risk-taking.
• What do studies on gene variants and criminal behavior suggest about the role of genetics in criminality?

  Genetic predisposition
• Dysfunction in the amygdala can cause difficulty regulating emotions and increased aggression.

  True
• Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine can affect impulse control and decision-making.
• Reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex leads to increased impulsivity and antisocial behavior.