6.1.1 Biological Explanations

• What is the reward-processing function of dopamine?

  Reward processing
• Low levels of serotonin are associated with aggression and impulsivity
• Neurochemical imbalances have been linked to criminal behavior.
• Dopamine imbalances can lead to risk-taking and antisocial behavior
• Match the neurochemical with its association with criminality:

  Serotonin ↔️ Low levels linked to impulsivity

  Dopamine ↔️ Imbalances lead to antisocial behavior

  Testosterone ↔️ High levels linked to violence
• What did studies show about individuals with lower serotonin levels?

  More likely to engage in impulsive and aggressive behavior
• High levels of testosterone contribute to violent behavior
• Lower serotonin levels increase the risk of criminal activity due to impulsive and aggressive behavior.
• What are the strengths of biological explanations of criminality?

  Empirical evidence and understanding of neurobiology
• Empirical evidence from twin and adoption studies supports a genetic component to criminality
• Neurobiology and biochemistry provide insights into the physiological basis of criminal behavior.
• What is biological determinism in the context of biological explanations of criminality?

  Overlooks free will and environment
• The complexity of interactions between biology and environment makes isolating the effects of biology alone challenging
• Match the aspect of biological explanations with its strengths and weaknesses:

  Empirical evidence ↔️ Supports genetic component

  Biological determinism ↔️ Overlooks free will

  Neurobiology ↔️ Provides physiological insights
• Order the following aspects of biological explanations based on their relevance to understanding criminality:

  1️⃣ Neurobiology

  2️⃣ Empirical evidence

  3️⃣ Biological determinism
• Why is biological determinism considered a weakness of biological explanations?

  Overlooks free will and environment
• What type of studies provide empirical evidence supporting a genetic component to criminality?

  Twin and adoption studies
• What are the three main biological factors suggested to influence criminal behavior in biological explanations?

  Genetics, brain structure, neurochemistry
• Biological explanations propose that criminal tendencies can be inherited or result from physiological abnormalities
• Twin studies are used to investigate the role of genetics in criminal behavior.
• Neurobiology focuses on brain structure and function abnormalities to explain criminal behavior
• Biochemical imbalances, such as hormone and neurotransmitter imbalances, are studied in biological explanations of criminality.
• What type of studies are used to investigate genetic factors in criminality?

  Twin and adoption studies
• Identical twins show higher concordance rates for criminal behavior compared to fraternal twins.
• Twin and adoption studies suggest that environmental factors also play a crucial role
• What research methods are used to investigate the role of genetics in criminal behavior?

  Twin and adoption studies
• Identical twins show higher concordance rates for criminal behavior compared to fraternal twins.
• Adopted children with biological parents who have criminal records are more likely to engage in criminal activities
• Match the twin type with its genetic similarity and concordance rate:

  Identical twins ↔️ 100% genetic similarity, 50-60% concordance rate

  Fraternal twins ↔️ 50% genetic similarity, 20-30% concordance rate
• Which area of the brain is involved in decision-making, impulse control, and moral judgment?

  Prefrontal cortex
• Reduced activity in the amygdala may lead to callous behavior and lack of empathy.
• Violent offenders often have smaller prefrontal cortices and lower activity in the amygdala
• What are the three main biological factors that biological explanations of criminality focus on?

  Genetics, brain structure, neurochemistry
• Twin and adoption studies are used to investigate the role of genetics in criminal behavior.
• What is the primary focus of biological explanations of criminality?

  Biological factors
• Biological explanations of criminality suggest that criminal behavior is influenced by biological factors such as genetics, brain structure, and neurochemistry
• Twin and adoption studies are used to investigate the influence of genetics on criminal behavior.
• What are the three main biological factors influencing criminal behavior according to biological explanations?

  Genetics, brain structure, neurochemistry
• Neurobiology examines brain structure and function abnormalities, which can contribute to criminal behavior
• Biochemical imbalances, such as hormone and neurotransmitter imbalances, are linked to criminal behavior.