Questions and Answers
Which of the following areas do Contemporary Biological Theories focus on? (Select all that apply)
What is suggested by Behavioral Genetics regarding crime?
No crime gene
What are the three types of studies in Behavioral Genetics?
There is a strong direct relationship between genetics and crime.
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What aspects are associated with Neurophysiology relating to aggression?
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What does Fishbein's Diathesis Stress Model describe?
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Which characteristics are associated with Moffit's Developmental Taxonomy?
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Match the Moffit's Dual Taxonomy factors with their descriptions:
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Which of the following are characteristics of AL offenders?
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What defines LCP characteristics?
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What are the two types of offenders identified with unique causal pathways to delinquency?
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What do new biological/genetic theories involve?
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Study Notes
Contemporary Biological Theories Overview
- Focus areas include biochemistry, behavioral genetics, neurophysiology, and biological harms.
Behavioral Genetics
- No specific "crime gene" exists; factors are predispositions that may combine with environmental disadvantages.
Three Types of Behavioral Genetics Studies
- Family studies explore genetic connections within families.
- Adoption studies compare biological and adoptive parental influences on behavior.
- Twin studies assess differences in fraternal versus identical twins.
Genetics and Crime Relationship
- A weak to modest direct relationship exists between genetics and criminal behavior.
Neurophysiology: Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
- Individuals may have deficient ANS, leading to slower and lower arousal levels, impacting aggression control.
- Associated with sensation-seeking behaviors.
Fishbein's Diathesis Stress Model
- Proposes that biological vulnerabilities are influenced by age-graded environmental stressors.
Moffit's Developmental Taxonomy
- Differentiates between life course persistent (LCP) offenders and adolescent-limited (AL) offenders.
- Neuropsychological deficits may affect temperament, language skills, and executive functions, resulting in evocative interactions.
Moffit's Dual Taxonomy Factors
- Factors include developmental dynamics and the timing and duration of offending, which differentiate offender groups.
- Highlights variations in etiology and natural history among offenders.
Adolescent-Limited (AL) Characteristics
- AL offenders are typically normative, emerge in larger percentages, have late-onset behaviors, and exhibit social mimicry.
- They experience a maturity gap and have limited versatility, often leading to desistance.
Life Course Persistent (LCP) Characteristics
- LCP offenders are pathological in nature, are in a smaller percentage, and display early onset of delinquent behavior.
- Often linked to family and individual traits, including neurological deficits in verbal and executive functioning, leading to persistent and versatile criminal behavior.
Types of Offenders
- The two primary categories are adolescent-limited (AL) and life course persisters (LCP), each with unique causal pathways to delinquency.
New Biological/Genetic Theories
- Emphasize a range of biological factors, including interactions beyond mere physical traits that predispose individuals to delinquency.
- Highlight the importance of person-environment interactions and are methodologically more rigorous compared to earlier biological studies.
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Description
Test your knowledge on contemporary biological theories with this engaging quiz. Explore key concepts such as biochemistry, behavioral genetics, and neurophysiology. Learn about the impact of genetics on behavior and the various study types in behavioral genetics.
