genetic explanations of crime

• What is a limitation of using twin studies in crime research?

  Assumes equal environments for all twins
• What does the Genetic Explanations of Crime theory predict?

  Offenders inherit a gene for criminality
• What was the concordance rate for MZ twins in Christiansen's study?

  35%
• What genes are linked to violent crimes?

  MAOA and CDH13 genes
• What childhood risk factors are associated with APD?

  Convict parents or neglect
• Why is it significant to consider other interviewing factors in relation to APD?

  It highlights the reductionist view of APD.
• What does the Diathesis Stress Model suggest?

  Genetic predisposition moderated by environment
• What are the evaluations of Genetic Explanations of Crime?

  • Biologically reductionist, ignoring environmental factors
  • Biologically deterministic, neglecting free will
  • Support for diathesis stress model
• What is a limitation of using twin studies as evidence?

  Assumes equal environments for twins
• What is the MAOA gene associated with?

  Aggressive and impulsive behaviour
• What do twin and adoption studies suggest about criminal behaviour?

  Genetic factors contribute to criminal behaviour
• What did Christiansen (1977) find regarding monozygotic twins?

  33% concordance rate for criminal behaviour
• What brain structure is linked to regulating moral behaviour?

  Prefrontal cortex
• What is a key criticism of genetic and neural explanations?

  They are reductionist
• What do diathesis-stress models suggest?

  Biological vulnerability interacts with environmental stressors
• What ethical implications arise from biological explanations of crime?

  Undermines free will and moral responsibility