Criminology Unit 1 & 2: Individualistic Theories
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a criticism of individualistic theories in criminology?

  • They focus too heavily on environmental factors.
  • They are too focused on complex interactions between biological and psychological factors.
  • They do not consider the role of social influences. (correct)
  • They underestimate the influence of individual traits.

    • Which of these factors fall under the focus of physiological theories of crime?

  • Economic inequality and poverty.
  • Social learning and cultural norms.
  • Hormonal imbalances and neurotransmitter activity. (correct)
  • Personality traits and psychological disorders.

    • What is a potential ethical concern associated with physiological theories of crime?

  • They may lead to oversimplification of complex social issues.
  • They might be used to justify discriminatory practices. (correct)
  • They could undermine individual responsibility and accountability. (correct)
  • They are often used to explain criminal behavior in terms of genetic determinism.

    • What does the text suggest as a more appropriate approach to understanding criminal behavior?

    <p>Analyzing the interplay between individualistic and societal factors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it difficult to establish a direct link between testosterone levels and criminal behavior?

    <p>The influence of other variables makes it difficult to isolate the effect of testosterone. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of individualistic theories in criminology?

    <p>The characteristics and traits of individuals that lead to criminal behavior. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a key component of biological theories of crime?

    <p>The role of social learning and peer influence in shaping criminal behavior. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which psychological theory emphasizes the role of early childhood experiences in shaping criminal tendencies?

    <p>Psychodynamic Theory (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a core concept within cognitive theories of crime?

    <p>The influence of classical conditioning on learned behaviors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which psychological theory suggests that criminal behavior is learned through observation and imitation?

    <p>Social Learning Theory (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following personality traits has been associated with an increased likelihood of criminal behavior?

    <p>Impulsivity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is considered a potential psychological component that could influence criminal behavior?

    <p>Psychopathy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Individualistic Theories

    Focus on individual traits as causes of criminal behavior.

    Biological Theory

    Suggests physical or genetic factors influence crime propensity.

    Body Type (Somatotypes)

    Certain body types may be prone to criminality; e.g., mesomorphs.

    Neurological Factors

    Brain structure and neurochemicals linked to aggression and impulsivity.

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    Hormonal Factors

    Hormones like testosterone may contribute to criminal behavior.

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    Psychodynamic Theories

    Focus on childhood experiences shaping personality and crime risk.

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    Behavioral Theories

    Criminal behavior is learned through conditioning and observation.

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    Personality Traits

    Impulsivity, low self-control, and lack of empathy linked to crime.

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    Physiological Theory

    Studies the link between physiological functioning and criminal behavior, focusing on nervous system and hormones.

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    Nervous System's Role

    Differences in arousal levels and neurological functions may impact criminal behavior.

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    Hormonal Influences

    Hormones, especially testosterone, are studied for their potential connection to criminal behavior, but causation is debated.

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    Individualistic Theory Limitations

    Overlooks social and environmental influences, suggesting a potentially genetic determinism.

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    Holistic Approach to Crime

    Integrates individual factors with social and environmental influences to understand behavior better.

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    Study Notes

    Criminology Unit 1 and Unit 2: Individualistic Theories

    • Individualistic theories focus on individual characteristics as the primary cause of criminal behavior. They suggest certain traits, psychological makeup, or biological predispositions make some individuals more prone to crime than others.

    Biological Theory

    • Biological theories suggest physical attributes or genetic predispositions influence criminal behavior.
    • Some theories propose a link between specific genetic markers and aggression or antisocial behavior.
    • Body type (somatotypes): Sheldon's theory suggests certain body types (e.g., mesomorphs) might be predisposed to crime.
    • Neurological factors: Brain structure, function, and neurochemical imbalances are linked to aggression and impulsivity.
    • Hormonal factors: High testosterone and other hormones are explored as potential contributors, but the relationship is complex.
    • These factors are often complex contributing elements, not sole causes of criminal behavior. Environmental and social factors are crucial components of a complete causation model.

    Psychological Theory

    • Psychological theories emphasize mental processes and personality as factors in crime.
    • Psychodynamic theories: Early childhood experiences shape personality and potential criminal tendencies, potentially resulting from issues like unresolved conflicts or poor attachments.
    • Behavioral theories: Criminal behavior is learned through conditioning or observational learning.
    • Cognitive theories: Criminal actions might stem from deficient cognitive skills, moral reasoning, or thought patterns.
    • Personality traits: Impulsivity, low self-control, and lack of empathy are linked to increased risk of criminal behavior. Psychopathy, characterized by a lack of remorse, empathy, and manipulation, is a relevant example.

    Physiological Theory

    • Physiological theories explore links between an individual's physiology and crime. The focus primarily is on the nervous system, hormones, and other physiological factors.
    • Nervous system: Variability in arousal, reactivity to stimuli and other neurological functions might contribute to criminal action. Direct causal links remain complex.
    • Hormonal influences: Some hormones, like testosterone, are studied in relation to crime, though causal links are disputed due to the influence of other variables.

    Individualistic Theory - General Considerations

    • Limitations: Individualistic theories often disregard environmental and social influences, which are critical in shaping behavior.
    • Criticisms: These theories can be criticized for suggesting genetic determinism and overlooking individual variation.
    • Integration: Integrating individualistic factors with societal and environmental aspects offers a more holistic approach. This acknowledges individual traits while examining societal factors that enable or constrain criminal behavior.
    • Complexity and ethical concerns: The intricate interaction of biological, psychological, and physiological factors in criminal behavior highlights the complexity of causation and potential ethical concerns in such research.

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    Description

    Explore the individualistic theories in criminology, focusing on characteristics that contribute to criminal behavior. Delve into biological theories that link physical attributes, genetic predispositions, and neurological factors to criminal tendencies. Test your understanding of how these elements shape criminal psychology.

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