Podcast
Questions and Answers
According to Nurture, what is the primary factor influencing intelligence?
According to Nurture, what is the primary factor influencing intelligence?
- Environment (correct)
- Social upbringing
- Genetics
- Biological factors
What is the focus of forensic psychiatrists and forensic psychology?
What is the focus of forensic psychiatrists and forensic psychology?
- Practical applications (correct)
- Biological factors
- Social control theory
- Research-based studies
What is the assumption of social control theory?
What is the assumption of social control theory?
- Biological factors are the primary cause of criminal behavior
- Environment has no impact on human behavior
- Humans are naturally social and law-abiding
- Humans are impulsive and antisocial if left to their own devices (correct)
According to Gottfredson and Hirschi, what is the single psychological construct that helps individuals not to offend?
According to Gottfredson and Hirschi, what is the single psychological construct that helps individuals not to offend?
What is a weakness of Positivism?
What is a weakness of Positivism?
What is a limitation of Positivist studies?
What is a limitation of Positivist studies?
What do Positivists struggle to discern in their studies?
What do Positivists struggle to discern in their studies?
What is the term coined by Cesare Lombroso to describe individuals who exhibit particular traits that correspond to the various stages of human evolution?
What is the term coined by Cesare Lombroso to describe individuals who exhibit particular traits that correspond to the various stages of human evolution?
According to Phrenology, what is the relationship between the shape and size of the skull?
According to Phrenology, what is the relationship between the shape and size of the skull?
What is NOT a component of the self-control construct proposed by Gottfredson and Hirschi?
What is NOT a component of the self-control construct proposed by Gottfredson and Hirschi?
What was the focus of the Somatotype School in understanding criminal behavior?
What was the focus of the Somatotype School in understanding criminal behavior?
Who developed the Binet Scale, which measured intellectual ability and level?
Who developed the Binet Scale, which measured intellectual ability and level?
What term did H.H. Goddard introduce to classify individuals with intellectual capacity between that of 'normal' and 'idiot'?
What term did H.H. Goddard introduce to classify individuals with intellectual capacity between that of 'normal' and 'idiot'?
What was the name of William Sheldon's theory based on body type?
What was the name of William Sheldon's theory based on body type?
What was the characteristic of an endomorph according to William Sheldon's theory?
What was the characteristic of an endomorph according to William Sheldon's theory?
What was the main idea of Cesare Lombroso's Biological Positivism?
What was the main idea of Cesare Lombroso's Biological Positivism?
What is the main focus of the 'Just Deserts' approach?
What is the main focus of the 'Just Deserts' approach?
According to classical theory, what is the reason behind an individual's decision to break the law?
According to classical theory, what is the reason behind an individual's decision to break the law?
What is a key limitation of classical theory, according to the text?
What is a key limitation of classical theory, according to the text?
What is the main goal of Positivism, according to the text?
What is the main goal of Positivism, according to the text?
What is the key distinction made by Positivists, according to the text?
What is the key distinction made by Positivists, according to the text?
What is the focus of Biological Positivism, according to the text?
What is the focus of Biological Positivism, according to the text?
What is the primary goal of treatment in Positivism, according to the text?
What is the primary goal of treatment in Positivism, according to the text?
What is the main criticism of classical theory regarding the role of the state?
What is the main criticism of classical theory regarding the role of the state?
Study Notes
Biological Positivism
- Cesare Lombroso (1835-1909) linked criminality to biological traits, coining the term "Born Criminal" and "Atavistic Criminals" with "Atavistic Stigmata".
- Lombroso believed female criminals were more aggressive and biologically more like men.
Phrenology
- Phrenology assumes that skull shape and size correspond to brain function and ability.
- A 1912 study found that individuals who stole cattle had smaller brain capacity than those who committed fraud or embezzlement.
Intelligence and Crime
- Alfred Binet developed the Binet Scale to measure intellectual ability in children.
- H.H. Goddard brought the scale to the USA, arguing that intelligence is an inborn, fixed, solitary entity that can be measured.
- The Binet Scale classified people as 'normal', 'idiot', or 'imbecile', with an added classification of 'moron' for those with intellectual capacity between 'normal' and 'idiot'.
Somatotype School
- William Sheldon proposed a theory that body type determines criminal behavior:
- Endomorph (soft and round): relaxed, sociable, and fond of eating.
- Mesomorph (muscular and strong): energetic, courageous, and assertive.
Criticisms of Classical Theory
- Weaknesses include:
- Failing to address the "why" behind criminal behavior.
- Focusing on the offense, not the offender.
- Allowing the powerful to exploit laws for their benefit.
Biological and Psychological Positivism
- Positivists explain crime as a result of external forces, without appealing to a deity.
- The goal of sociology is to identify and alleviate social dysfunctions.
Basic Concepts
- There is a distinction between 'normal' and 'deviant' behavior.
- Behavior is determined by biological, psychological, and social forces.
- Individuals have equal rights and capacities.
- Research focuses on the offender, not the criminal act.
Divisions of Positivism
- Biology-focused positivists:
- Nurture camp: intelligence is not inherited, but a product of the environment.
- Practical application-focused positivists:
- Forensic psychiatrists and forensic psychologists.
- Research-based positivists focusing on social control theory.
Social Control Theory
- The question is not why people offend, but why most people do not offend.
- Individuals learn self-control through:
- Impulsivity or inability to defer gratification
- Lack of perseverance
- Preference for risky behavior
- Preference for physical vs mental activity
- Self-centredness
- Low threshold for frustration
Weaknesses of Positivism
- Positivism fails to explain white-collar crime.
- Studies only use incarcerated individuals, making it unclear whether impairment causes criminality or vice versa.
- Controlling for all variables is difficult in real-world studies.
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Description
This quiz explores biological positivism, a concept in psychology that links criminality to human evolution. Learn about Cesare Lombroso's theory and its implications on understanding criminal behavior.
