Why Biosocial Criminology? Key Concepts from Chapter 1

A set of Question-and-Answer flashcards covering core concepts from the notes on SSSMs, correlations, confounding, genetic factors, the nature of nurture, and implications for biosocial criminology.

What is the primary purpose of Standard Social Science Models (SSSMs) in criminology?

To test hypotheses about family socialization by collecting data (e.g., abuse, neglect, parental involvement) and examining how these relate to delinquent or antisocial behaviors, often using one child per household.

What does the correlation coefficient 'r' measure in social science research?

The direction and strength of the relationship between two variables; it ranges from -1 to +1.

What does a strong negative correlation (r close to -1) indicate?

As one variable increases, the other tends to decrease; a strong inverse relationship.

What does a strong positive correlation (r close to +1) indicate?

As one variable increases, the other also increases; a strong direct relationship.

What does an 'r' value near 0 signify?

Little or no linear relationship between the two variables.

Define a confounding variable in correlational research.

A variable that is related to both the independent and dependent variables and can bias the observed relationship.

In the ice-cream sales and crime example, what confounding variable explains their spurious link?

Temperature (seasonal effects).

What is a spurious relationship in the context of correlational studies?

A relationship that disappears or weakens after accounting for a confounding variable, suggesting no true causal link.

Identify the independent and dependent variables in the ice-cream sales versus violent crime example.

Independent: ice-cream sales; Dependent: violent crime rate.

What major methodological shortcoming do SSSMs have according to the notes?

They cannot adequately control for genetic factors, risking spurious associations due to genetic confounding.

What did Wright and Beaver’s research reveal about parenting, self-control, and genetics?

Genetic factors can account for associations between parental socialization and self-control or delinquency; once genetics are accounted for, the link often weakens or disappears.

What does the 'nature of nurture' concept assert in biosocial criminology?

Environments are biosocial in origin; most environments are influenced by genetics, and biology and environment interact to shape outcomes.

Why do criminologists need to study both environmental and genetic factors?

To keep pace with hard sciences, improve the validity of findings, understand gene–environment interactions, and inform public policy.

What is the common misconception that genetics deterministically causes crime?

Genetic factors increase the probability of certain outcomes but do not deterministically cause crime; outcomes depend on gene–environment interactions.

How is the 'nature versus nurture' debate portrayed in criminology?

It is viewed as settled in favor of biosocial perspectives: both biology and environment matter and interact, not a simple dichotomy.

How do biosocial explanations view the concept of criminal behavior versus criminality?

Criminal behavior refers to acts defined by law; criminality refers to underlying traits or predispositions that increase the likelihood of crime, often influenced by genetics indirectly.

What is the role of nonshared environmental influences in biosocial criminology?

Individual-specific environmental factors that are not shared by family members, helping explain differences beyond shared family effects.

What stance does the American Society of Criminology (ASC) take on the death penalty, and why is it relevant to biosocial criminology?

ASC condemns the death penalty as racist in application and lacking consistent evidence of deterrence; it advocates abolition, illustrating how policy debates intersect with scientific findings.