Biological Criminology Overview

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What characterized the biological theories of crime causation in the first half of the 20th century?

They gained wide public acceptance.

They became less popular due to public wariness. (correct)

They focused on appearing more scientific.

They integrated social factors as major contributors.

What are the two main categories of biological theories in criminology?

Cultural practices and technological impacts.

Environmental factors and psychological factors.

Social influences and economic conditions.

Genetic factors and neurological irregularities. (correct)

What aspect of biological theories of criminal behavior has improved with technological advancements?

Their exclusivity from social influences.

The sophistication in genetic and brain feature analysis. (correct)

Their deterministic nature.

The focus on racial superiority.

Which group of individuals is commonly studied to highlight the role of genetics in criminal behavior?

Identical twins and adopted children. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key recognition of modern biological criminological theories compared to earlier theories?

Acknowledgment of the influence of social factors. Signup and view all the answers

What has been the recent trend in the focus of criminology theories?

Greater attention to sociological theories Signup and view all the answers

Who is known for heavily criticizing Lombroso's theories of biological criminology?

Charles Buckman Goring Signup and view all the answers

What did Goring's analysis suggest about the idea of a biological criminal type?

It lacked scientific support. Signup and view all the answers

What significant role has the legal system begun to recognize in the context of crime?

The influence of biological factors Signup and view all the answers

What did the Italian school of criminology contribute to the field?

The idea that crime is linked to biological defects Signup and view all the answers

What has studies shown about children with criminal parents compared to those with law-abiding parents?

They are more likely to engage in criminal behavior. Signup and view all the answers

In studies comparing identical and fraternal twins, what was found regarding criminality?

Identical twins show a stronger correlation in criminality than fraternal twins. Signup and view all the answers

What do studies of identical and fraternal twins raised apart potentially offer?

More accurate insight into the contributions of genetics and social factors. Signup and view all the answers

What was the core argument of biological theories of crime behavior in the mid-1800s?

Criminality is an inherent biological trait. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Cesare Lombroso's work primarily focused on identifying criminals?

Atavistic anomalies as indicators of criminal predisposition. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is a better predictor for a child's criminal behavior in adoptive settings?

Biological parents' criminal records. Signup and view all the answers

What is the current state of research regarding the genetic makeup and criminal predisposition?

The link between genetic makeup and criminal predisposition remains uncertain. Signup and view all the answers

What criticism is leveled against early biological theories of crime?

They lacked control groups and considered environmental factors. Signup and view all the answers

What change did Lombroso acknowledge in his later works regarding the 'born criminal' concept?

It was one of many types of criminal explanations. Signup and view all the answers

What contributed to the decline of biological criminology as a central theory?

The emergence of comprehensive environmental explanations. Signup and view all the answers

What significant shift has occurred in the definition of deviance and crime over the past two centuries?

From bad behavior to sick behavior Signup and view all the answers

According to Lombroso's theory, what physical characteristics did he believe distinguished criminals from law-abiding citizens?

Asymmetrical faces and large jaws Signup and view all the answers

What factor has modern medicine emphasized more than biological factors in explaining deviance?

Psychological processes Signup and view all the answers

What did some criminologists believe about the motivations behind criminal behavior?

Criminals are morally insane and driven by inherited urges Signup and view all the answers

In Lombroso's view, which of the following traits was NOT believed to be a marker of criminality?

Perfectly symmetrical face Signup and view all the answers

What biological factors are being researched for their potential connection to violent behavior?

Nutrition, neurology, genetics, and endocrinology Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a criticism of biological criminology?

Biological factors explain most of criminal behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about biological criminology is accurate?

It recognizes complex interactions of biology and social factors. Signup and view all the answers

What motivates the renewed focus on biological influences in criminology?

The need for a corrective perspective to previous theories Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'bio-positivism' refer to in the context of biological criminology?

A worldview that accepts official crime definitions and biases against certain classes Signup and view all the answers

What is a common flaw in many biological studies about criminology?

They tend to assume criminals and non-criminals are completely distinct. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT typically considered as a biological difference influencing criminal behavior?

Social interactions Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of modern genetics has changed the understanding of biological influences on crime?

Emphasis on selective adaptation and mutation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a positive contribution of early biological criminology?

Commitment to theoretical testing through empirical data and statistics. Signup and view all the answers

Why is neo-bio positivism important in modern criminology?

It integrates biochemical approaches despite past associations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a primary focus of biological theories in criminology?

Genetic predispositions Signup and view all the answers

What technological advancement has significantly enhanced the study of biological factors in criminal behavior?

Neuroimaging techniques Signup and view all the answers

Which method is often used to investigate the genetic components associated with criminal behavior?

Twin studies Signup and view all the answers

In modern biological theories, what aspect is highlighted as having a significant impact on criminal behavior?

Biochemical processes Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is associated with individuals studied in biological theories of crime?

Genetic anomalies Signup and view all the answers

Which element distinguishes modern biological criminological theories from earlier theories?

Increased focus on technological advancements Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about genetic influences in criminal behavior?

Genetics are the sole determinant of criminal actions. Signup and view all the answers

What has been a notable shift in criminology theories recently?

Incorporation of interdisciplinary approaches Signup and view all the answers

How have legal systems begun to evolve in regard to crime?

By recognizing the influence of genetics on behavior Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is often overlooked in discussions of biological theories of crime?

The importance of environmental triggers Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential cause of violent criminality mentioned in the study?

Birth trauma-induced brain injury Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following variables is linked to impaired brain function and criminal behavior?

Diet Signup and view all the answers

How have studies found female crime and menstruation potentially linked?

Nearly half of female inmates committed crimes near menstruation Signup and view all the answers

What abnormal pattern is suggested by neurological studies among criminals?

Electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns Signup and view all the answers

What substance is mentioned as having a negative effect on human behavior?

Lead Signup and view all the answers

How have cerebral and neuro-allergies been linked to delinquent behavior?

They influence crime rates through food consumption Signup and view all the answers

Which biological factor is noted as needing further study for conclusive results?

Endocrine imbalance Signup and view all the answers

What unusual dietary habit is noted among delinquents in a nutritional study?

More milk consumption Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biological Criminology: An Overview

Biological criminology explores the potential link between biological factors and criminal behavior.
It was prominent in the 19th century but faced criticism due to its association with racist ideologies.
The field experienced a resurgence in the late 20th century with advancements in genetics, neuroscience, and psychology.
Modern biological criminology focuses on specific genetic or brain features rather than physical appearance, acknowledging the interaction of biological and social factors.

Genetic Factors and Criminality

Studies on identical and fraternal twins show a stronger correlation for criminality in identical twins, suggesting a possible genetic influence.
However, shared environments and treatment of identical twins pose challenges in interpreting the findings.
Research on adopted children with both biological and adoptive parents with criminal records reveals a stronger correlation with the biological parents' criminal history, further indicating the potential role of genetics.

Neurological Abnormalities and Crime

Research explores neurological factors, such as brain structure and chemistry, as potential contributors to criminal behavior.
These studies focus on understanding how neurological variations might influence self-control and impulse regulation.

Historical Context of Biological Criminology

Cesare Lombroso's theory of the "born criminal" was heavily influenced by the rise of positivism and the scientific method in the 19th century.
Lombroso proposed that criminals possess atavistic anomalies (primitive physical traits) indicating a predisposition to crime. His work was criticized for its flawed methodology and simplistic assumptions.

Modern Biological Criminology: A Renewed Focus

The focus of biological criminology has shifted from physical characteristics to genetic, neurological, and hormonal factors.
Current research examines topics such as:
- Nutrition
- Neurology
- Genetics
- Endocrinology
- Constitutional factors (body type, intelligence, and personality)

Criticisms of Biological Criminology

The idea of inheriting a predisposition to crime is argued to be socially and culturally influenced.
Biological differences are likely to explain only a small proportion of criminal behavior compared to social and cultural factors.
The perspective can exhibit a bias toward the "dangerous class," reinforcing traditional societal views of crime and deviance.

The "Medicalization" of Deviance and Crime

Deviance and crime have increasingly been framed in medical terms, shifting from "bad" behavior to "sick" behavior.
This perspective emphasizes rehabilitation and individual traits rather than social factors.

Key Contributions of Biological Criminology

Despite its flaws, early biological criminology contributed to the field through:
- The development of a scientific approach to criminology and the importance of empirical research.
- The recognition of biological factors' potential role in criminal behavior.

Areas of Continuing Research

Studies explore the connection between birth trauma and brain injury, particularly in relation to violent crime.
Research continues to investigate the role of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in delinquency and criminal behavior.

Potential Environmental and Biological Factors

Various factors, such as diet, pollution, hormonal imbalances, allergies, and low blood sugar, have been explored in connection with crime and brain function.
Research examines the potential correlation between endocrine imbalances and sexual function, although no clear relationship between male hormones and criminality has been established.
Studies have revealed a potential link between female crime and menstruation.

Neurological and Biological Studies

Neurological studies suggest that criminals may exhibit abnormal brainwave patterns, but the findings are inconclusive.
Studies on cerebral and neuro-allergies suggest that certain food intolerances might contribute to delinquency.

Environmental Pollution and Substances

Environmental pollutants, such as lead and mercury, have been linked to negative impacts on human behavior and overall health.

Summary

Biological criminology addresses a complex interplay between genetics, neuroscience, environment, and individual differences.
While the field faces criticism, it continues to contribute to our understanding of the origins of criminal behavior and the factors that contribute to it.
Continued research is crucial to further explore biological factors and their potential impact on criminal behavior, avoiding simplistic and potentially biased explanations.

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Description

This quiz provides an overview of biological criminology, exploring the connections between biological factors and criminal behavior. You'll learn about the historical context, recent advancements in genetics and neuroscience, as well as the implications of twin studies and the influence of biological parents. Test your understanding of this complex field.