30 Questions
Which type of theories of crime search for genetic vulnerabilities, neuropsychological abnormalities, or biochemical irregularities that predispose people to criminal behavior?
Biological theories
What do biological theorists believe translates genetic dispositions into specific criminal behavior?
Environmental factors
What type of studies are commonly used in research on biological theories of crime to distinguish genetic from environmental factors?
Twin and adoption studies
What is the concordance rate in twin studies used to measure?
The percentage of pairs of twins sharing the behavior of interest
What type of twins are genetically identical?
Monozygotic twins
What is the conclusion drawn if the concordance rate is significantly higher in monozygotic twins compared to dizygotic twins?
The behavior is genetically influenced
What is the heritability rate found in the study of 274 adult twin pairs for violent behaviors?
50%
According to Lange (1929), what role do inherited tendencies play in causing crime?
Preponderant part
What types of crimes have higher influence from heredity according to studies?
Violent crimes against persons
What do biological theories of crime commonly focus on in order to distinguish genetic from environmental factors?
Twin studies
Which region of the brain is associated with decreased reasoning abilities and impulsive decision making in risky situations?
Prefrontal cortex
What is one way individuals with prefrontal impairment may compensate for decreased levels of arousal?
Engaging in stimulation seeking and antisocial behaviors
What is the main difference in IQ between offenders and nonoffenders?
Offenders have a lower IQ than nonoffenders
What is the relationship between low IQ and criminality in a longitudinal study of London boys?
Low IQ is linked to criminality up to age 32
What is one possible cause of chronically low levels of autonomic arousal in some offenders?
Impaired functioning in the prefrontal cortex
Which physiological factor has received considerable support as a factor underlying impulsive aggression?
Lower levels of serotonin
In a study using animal models, what were the findings regarding testosterone and serotonin levels in relation to aggressive behaviors?
Higher testosterone and lower serotonin levels were associated with more aggressive behaviors
What are some possible ways low levels of serotonin might be linked to aggressiveness and criminal conduct?
Through greater impulsivity and irritability
Which dimensions of personality are related to antisocial behavior?
Under control, unfriendliness, irritability, low empathy
What is the heritability degree of personality dimensions related to antisocial behavior?
Highly heritable
Which type of crime is more strongly associated with genetic factors according to the text?
Assaults
According to adoption studies, what is the prevalence rate of criminality among men whose biological parents had a criminal record?
12.1%
What enzyme is completely absent in individuals with impaired control of impulsive aggression, according to the text?
Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA)
What is the name of the study that replicated and extended the findings regarding low MAOA and maltreatment in relation to antisocial behavior?
Caspi et al., 2002
Which subcortical structures in the brain have been linked to the experience of negative emotions and have shown excessive activity in homicide offenders?
Amygdala and hippocampus
What region of the brain responsible for planning, monitoring, and controlling behavior is associated with deficits in individuals with antisocial behavior?
Prefrontal cortex
Which of the following is NOT emphasized as a likely candidate for genetic influence on crime, according to the text?
Frontal lobe dysfunction
What do studies of violent offenders show in terms of electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns?
High rates of abnormal EEG patterns
What percentage of individuals with both low MAOA and maltreatment later show some form of antisocial behavior?
85%
What is the name of the study that first raised the possibility of a biological contributor to offending through the absence of a certain enzyme?
Brunner et al., 1993
Test your knowledge of Biological Theories of Crime and discover how genetics, neuropsychology, and biochemistry can influence criminal behavior. Explore the relationship between biological dispositions and environmental factors in shaping criminal behavior.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
