HORMONES Dabbs et al (1987) (1991) Case Study

Aim

Investigate the relationship between testosterone and criminality.

Procedure

Testosterone levels were measured by taking saliva samples from 692 male prisoners. The criminal records of these prisoners were analysed for violent and non-violent criminal acts.

Results

Prisoners with higher testosterone levels were more likely to have committed violent crimes, such as murder, rape, and assault. Conversely, prisoners with lower testosterone levels were more likely to have committed non-violent crimes, such as credit card fraud.

Evaulation

This was a correlational study, as there was no manipulation of any variables. Therefore, we cannot be sure that testosterone causes people to be more violent. Perhaps it is the other way around - regularly committing acts of violence could increase testosterone levels. Or maybe there is a hidden third factor - such as growing up in a violent, abusive family - that might be responsible for increasing both testosterone and the likelihood of committing violent crimes.

Strengths

This study involved a large sample size.

Limitations

Study was only conducted on males. We cannot be sure if the results would apply to females.