SOCI 3032 biological trait theory

"According to somatotype theory

what physical and behavioral traits characterize mesomorphs?"

How are endomorphs described in terms of body structure and criminal involvement?

"Endomorphs have heavy builds and move slowly

"Which somatotype is described as tall

thin

"What specific types of criminal activity are ectomorphs typically linked to

and why?"

What trend occurred regarding biological explanations of criminal behavior during the 20th century?

Biological explanations lost traction in mainstream criminology.

What is biophobia?

The belief that no serious consideration should be given to biological factors when attempting to understand criminal behavior.

How do sociobiologists view the gene in relation to human behavior?

They view the gene as the ultimate unit of life that controls all human destiny.

The belief that people act altruistically because they believe their actions will be reciprocated and ensure gene survival is called _____.

Reciprocal Altruism

"According to sociobiology

what primary drive controls human behavior?"

What fundamental premise regarding offenders forms the core of modern trait theories?

Each offender is physically and mentally unique.

How does the Social Interaction Perspective within trait theories view crime and deviance?

"It views crime not merely as inherent human traits or results of poverty

What is the core belief of biosocial trait theory?

"That physical

"In biosocial trait theory

when does learning take place physically within an organism?"

How are instincts defined in biological criminology?

Inherited (natural) and unlearned dispositions that activate specific behavior patterns to achieve certain goals.

How can malnutrition or vitamin deficiencies predispose individuals to behavioral issues?

They can predispose individuals to learning disabilities and behavioral disorders.

Which dietary components have been linked to increased violence and aggression?

Diets high in sugar and carbohydrates.

What antisocial behavior is linked to persistent abnormalities in sugar metabolism?

Antisocial behavior such as substance abuse.

What is hypoglycemia?

A condition in which blood sugar levels fall below the necessary threshold required for normal and efficient brain functioning.

Which theorist proposed that hormones may be key to understanding human behavior?

James Q. Wilson

How do abnormal levels of androgens influence behavior?

Abnormal levels of male sex hormones (androgens) can produce aggressive behavior.

How do hormones affect the brain's response to environmental stimuli?

They cause areas of the brain that control sympathetic responses to become less sensitive to environmental stimuli.

How is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) hypothesized to influence antisocial aggression?

"The onset of the menstrual cycle triggers excessive amounts of female sex hormones

What is the distinction between neuroallergies and cerebral allergies?

"Neuroallergies affect the nervous system as a whole

Which heavy metals and inorganic gases are cited as environmental contaminants influencing behavior?

"Copper

High environmental exposure to which specific heavy metal is strongly correlated with violent behavior?

Lead

What is the focus of neurophysiology in criminological studies?

The study of brain activity and how neurological functioning influences behavior.

What long-term consequences are associated with measurable neurological deficits present from birth?

"Individuals are more likely to suffer from lifelong antisocial traits

What diagnostic tool is primary used in neurophysiology to measure electrical brain activity?

Electroencephalograph (EEG)

"What do the neuroimaging acronyms PET

BEAM

BEAM: Brain Electrical Activity Map

SQUID: Superconducting Quantum Interference"

Minimal Brain Dysfunction (MBD)

An abnormality in cerebral structure that is linked to serious antisocial acts and behavioral disruptions.

Which cognitive and physical symptoms are characteristic of Minimal Brain Dysfunction (MBD)?

"Dyslexia

Which behavioral symptoms are associated with Minimal Brain Dysfunction (MBD)?

"Poor attention span

What are the core behavioral indicators of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

"Developmentally inappropriate lack of attention

How does Conduct Disorder relate to childhood ADHD?

It occurs when the disruptive behaviors of childhood ADHD persist into adulthood rather than flushing out.

What psychological and behavioral symptoms can brain tumors produce?

Personality changes and psychotic episodes.

How can severe head injuries alter individual behavior?

They can lead to personality reversals marked by sudden outbursts of antisocial and violent behavior.

Which specific organic brain diseases are linked to behavioral and personality changes?

"Epilepsy

How do abnormal levels of neurotransmitters affect behavior?

Neurotransmitters activate or influence brain functions; abnormal chemical levels can trigger increased aggression.

A low supply of brain enzymes is linked to which categories of crime?

Violence and property crime.

What is the function of chemical restraints (or 'chemical straitjackets') in treating violent-prone individuals?

They control neurotransmitter levels to suppress violent and aggressive tendencies.

Which specific antipsychotic medications are used as chemical restraints for violent-prone individuals?

"Haldol

What is the central premise of Arousal Theory?

"People's brains function differently in response to environmental stimuli

How do sensation seekers fulfill their need for brain stimulation?

"By seeking out highly stimulating activities

Psychopathy

"A spectrum personality disorder characterized by conditions linked to aggression

Psychopathology

"The study of mental and physical behavioral disorders

What is the premise of the Parental Deviance hypothesis?

"If criminal tendencies are inherited

What do behavioral geneticists conclude when identical twins reared apart show strong behavioral similarities?

That similarities are driven by genetics rather than environmental influences.

What is the contagion effect in genetic criminological research?

"The mechanism where genetic predisposition and early experiences make individuals susceptible to deviant behavior

"In adoption studies

what outcome provides evidence for a biological basis for crime?"

"In adoption studies

what outcome provides evidence for an environmental basis for crime?"

"The Somatotype characterized by muscular build

aggressive temperament

The clinical term for abnormally low blood sugar affecting brain function is _____.

Hypoglycemia

Male sex hormones linked to aggressive behaviors are broadly categorized as _____.

Androgens

"An abnormality in cerebral structure linked to severe antisocial behavior

dyslexia

Individuals who seek out high-stimulation activities that may involve aggressive or violent behaviors are termed __sensation___ seekers.

Sensation

How does Psychopathy differ from Psychopathology?

"Psychopathy is a specific spectrum personality disorder defined by traits like aggression and impulsivity