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Unit 16: Forensic Psychology
16.3 Biological Explanations of Offending Behaviour
16.3.2 Genetic Explanations
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What do genetic explanations of offending behavior argue about the likelihood of committing crimes?
Specific genetic factors
Genes are segments of
DNA
What is the process by which genetic traits are passed down from parents to offspring called?
Inheritance
Genetic predisposition refers to the increased likelihood of developing certain behaviors due to
genetic
factors.
Steps in a twin study comparing identical and fraternal twins
1️⃣ Recruit identical and fraternal twins
2️⃣ Compare crime rates between twin types
3️⃣ Analyze data to assess genetic influence
What does shared criminal behavior between adopted individuals and their biological parents suggest?
Genetic influence
Match the gene with its description:
MAOA ↔️ Regulates serotonin and dopamine
CDH13 ↔️ Controls cell adhesion
What is a key weakness of twin studies in exploring genetic influences on offending behavior?
Limited sample sizes
Genetic explanations can oversimplify complex human
behavior
Genetic explanations often overlook the role of environmental factors and
gene-environment
interactions.
Which gene is sometimes referred to as the "warrior gene" and linked to increased aggression?
MAOA
What neurotransmitters does the MAOA gene regulate?
Serotonin and dopamine
Variations in the CDH13 gene are associated with ADHD and substance
abuse
Environmental factors can influence the effects of genes on
offending
behavior.
Steps in conducting an adoption study to explore genetic influences on offending behavior
1️⃣ Recruit adopted individuals
2️⃣ Compare criminal behavior to biological and adoptive parents
3️⃣ Analyze data to assess genetic links
Match the study type with its genetic insight:
Twin Studies ↔️ Higher concordance in identical twins
Adoption Studies ↔️ Similar behavior with biological parents
What do twin studies compare to assess genetic influence on behavior?
Identical and fraternal twins
Higher concordance in identical twins suggests genetic
influence
What does similar behavior between adoptees and biological parents indicate?
Genetic link
Family studies help distinguish between genetic and environmental factors in
offending
behavior
Order the three types of genetic theories mentioned in the study material
1️⃣ Twin Studies
2️⃣ Adoption Studies
3️⃣ Candidate Gene Research
What are two specific genes identified in candidate gene research as associated with criminal behavior?
MAOA and CDH13
Genetic explanations provide insights into the biological basis of
offending
What is a major weakness of genetic explanations for offending behavior?
May overlook environmental factors
The MAOA gene, also known as the "
warrior gene
," is linked to increased aggression and violence
What neurotransmitters does MAOA regulate?
Serotonin and dopamine
Variations in CDH13 are associated with ADHD, substance abuse, and conduct
disorder
Do genes act in isolation or in combination with environmental factors?
Combination with environmental factors
Adoption studies compare adoptees' behavior with their biological and adoptive
parents
Which type of parent's behavior has higher similarity with adoptees to indicate genetic influence?
Biological
Selective placement of adoptees is a weakness of
adoption studies
Match the study type with its focus:
Twin Studies ↔️ Gene sharing within twins
Adoption Studies ↔️ Distinguishing genetic and environmental effects
The MAOA gene, when combined with childhood stress, increases the likelihood of violent
behavior
Several genes are implicated in offending behavior, with MAOA and CDH13 being prominent
examples
What neurotransmitters does the MAOA gene regulate?
Serotonin and dopamine
The low-activity form of MAOA is linked to increased aggression, especially in individuals with a history of
childhood maltreatment
.
Variations in the CDH13 gene are associated with ADHD, substance abuse, and conduct
disorder
What type of behavior is linked to CDH13 variations?
Impulsivity and risk-taking
Match the gene with its function:
MAOA ↔️ Regulates serotonin and dopamine
CDH13 ↔️ Controls cell adhesion
The effects of the low-activity MAOA gene are more pronounced in individuals who have experienced childhood
trauma
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