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Questions and Answers
What do biological factors in behavioral studies often ignore?
What do biological factors in behavioral studies often ignore?
An integrated approach to understanding crime is typically more straightforward and simplistic.
An integrated approach to understanding crime is typically more straightforward and simplistic.
False (B)
What might a genetic predisposition for aggression depend on?
What might a genetic predisposition for aggression depend on?
The individual's social environment
A biological predisposition is just one part of a ________ picture.
A biological predisposition is just one part of a ________ picture.
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Match the following explanations with their respective theories:
Match the following explanations with their respective theories:
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Which of the following describes Cesare Lombroso's view on criminals?
Which of the following describes Cesare Lombroso's view on criminals?
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Ernst Kretschmer argued that body types are not linked to personality traits.
Ernst Kretschmer argued that body types are not linked to personality traits.
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What role do neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin play in relation to criminal behavior?
What role do neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin play in relation to criminal behavior?
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One criticism of biological theories is that they tend to oversimplify _____ behaviors.
One criticism of biological theories is that they tend to oversimplify _____ behaviors.
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What type of studies have explored the genetic component of criminality?
What type of studies have explored the genetic component of criminality?
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Gene-environment interaction research suggests that genetic predispositions may increase susceptibility to environmental risk factors.
Gene-environment interaction research suggests that genetic predispositions may increase susceptibility to environmental risk factors.
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Match the biological component with its link to criminal behavior:
Match the biological component with its link to criminal behavior:
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Kretschmer associated specific _____ with criminal tendencies.
Kretschmer associated specific _____ with criminal tendencies.
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Study Notes
Introduction to Criminology: Biological Theories
- Criminology investigates the causes and consequences of crime. Biological theories suggest inherent factors, rather than environmental influences, are primary drivers of criminal behavior.
Early Biological Theories
- Cesare Lombroso's "criminal anthropology" proposed criminals possessed atavistic (primitive) characteristics, such as large jaws or sloping foreheads.
- This theory, lacking empirical support, sparked interest in biological correlations to crime.
- Ernst Kretschmer linked body types (somatotypes) to personality traits, suggesting certain physiques might predispose individuals to criminality.
Contemporary Biological Theories
- Genetics influences traits like impulsivity, aggression, and abnormal stress responses.
- Twin studies and adoption studies examine the genetic component of criminality. Twin studies compare trait similarity (concordance) in identical and fraternal twins to assess genetic influence. Adoption studies compare criminal records of adopted children with their biological and adoptive parents.
- Neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin are connected to criminal behavior. Imbalances can lead to mood disorders, impulsivity, or aggression.
- Environmental factors interact with genetic predispositions. Early childhood trauma, neglect, or abuse can cause brain abnormalities and hinder cognitive development, affecting social and emotional regulation, potentially increasing criminal behavior risk.
- Gene-environment interaction is a significant research area, indicating genetic predispositions might increase vulnerability to environmental risk factors.
- Hormones, particularly testosterone levels, are related to aggression, but the relationship is complex and not fully understood.
- Biochemical factors like malnutrition, toxin exposure, or lead poisoning can affect brain development and lead to behavioral issues.
Criticisms of Biological Theories
- Biological theories can oversimplify complex behaviors; they often neglect social and environmental influences, potentially blaming victims or reinforcing biases.
- Biological explanations of behavior can appear deterministic, ignoring free will and agency.
- Some research designs have methodological limitations.
Integration with Other Criminological Theories
- Biological factors interact with social and psychological theories, as a genetic predisposition to aggression can manifest differently based on social environments.
- Integrating multiple perspectives is crucial to understanding crime and creating effective crime prevention strategies.
- An integrated approach considers biological predisposition as one part of a complex picture.
- Sociological theories, examining social structures that contribute to crime, offer alternative explanations.
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Description
Explore the foundational concepts of biological theories in criminology. This quiz covers early insights by Lombroso and Kretschmer, as well as contemporary research on genetics and criminal behavior. Test your knowledge of how biological factors may influence crime.
