Crime Theories Flashcards

Study Notes

Causal Model of Biosocial Theories

Interaction between biology/genetics and social factors influences crime.
Biological predisposition towards crime may be triggered by social characteristics.

Definition of Biosocial Theory

Criminal behavior arises from the interplay of biological, behavioral, and environmental elements.
Emerged in the 1970s and incorporates genetics, brain functions, neurology, nutrition, and biochemistry.
Concept of "nature via nurture" highlights the interaction between biological and social environments.

Testosterone and Crime Theory

Higher testosterone levels are correlated with increased criminality.
Environmental factors such as social integration and prior delinquency are essential for this relationship.
Found a weak correlation with actual criminality.

IQ and Criminality Theory

Cognitive disadvantages contribute to criminal behavior.
Influencing factors include nutrition, education, socioeconomic status (SES), and family environment.
Challenges include issues with testability and tautological reasoning.

Moffitt, Lynam, and Silva's Life Course Theory

Peak crime rates occur in late teens to early twenties.
Changes in education, family structure, and SES over time affect criminal behavior.
Relationship with crime identified as weak.

ANS Functioning and Neurophysiology Theory

Slow arousal and reaction times in the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) are linked to aggressive and antisocial behavior.
Lower levels of prosocial behavior increase tendency to commit crimes.
Criminal or deviant behaviors are often learned through environment.

Behavioral and Molecular Genetics Theory

Research indicates genes do not directly cause behavior but influence behaviors and emotions.
Adoption studies confirm genetic predispositions can be inherited.
Twin studies measure behavior concordance to assess genetic influence on behavior.

Policy Implications

Focus on rehabilitating offenders.
Emphasis on deterrence strategies to prevent crime.

Variables in Biosocial Theories

Dependent variable: Crime.
Independent variable: Biology/genetics.
Third variable: Social factors influencing behaviors.

Order of Theorists in Crime Theories

Deterrence: Beccaria and Bentham.
Biological theories developed by Lombroso, discredited by Goring, Hooten (discredited Goring), and Sheldon (discredited Hooten).
No notable figure for biosocial theories.

Level of Biosocial Theories

Considered a micro-level analysis, focusing on individual behaviors and characteristics.

Description

Explore essential concepts from Chapter 3 on biosocial theories of crime. This quiz focuses on the interplay between biological factors and social environment in shaping criminal behavior. Test your understanding of key definitions and models related to these theories.