Biosocial Criminology — Chapter 1 Overview (Introduction to Why Biology & Genetics Matter)

Flashcards covering key concepts from the notes on biosocial criminology, the scientific method, publication biases, and related topics.

Why is biosocial criminology described as an emerging perspective in the introduction?

Because it combines environmental explanations with biological and genetic factors to explain human behavior, bridging biology with traditional criminology.

Which disciplines have mainly contributed to brain and genetic studies of behavior, according to the notes?

Molecular and behavioral geneticists, neuroscientists, psychologists, and psychiatrists; not criminologists or sociologists.

What is meant by the 'Dominance of Sociological Criminology' as discussed in the notes?

Criminologists trained in sociology focus on social factors and often ignore or misrepresent biology/genetics, hindering a complete understanding of crime.

What educational gap do most criminologists exhibit according to the notes?

They complete many sociology courses but little to no biology/genetics coursework.

What is the stated position on the role of biology and genetics in human behavior within criminology?

Biology/genetics matter, but many criminologists are antagonistic to or ignorant about these explanations.

How does the text define science?

The state of knowledge accumulation based on the scientific method.

What are the three interlocking steps of the scientific method as presented in Figure 1.1?

1) Form predictions/hypotheses; 2) Test hypotheses with data and quantitative analysis; 3) Decide which hypotheses are supported, compare with prior work, and consider replication.

In the example of delinquent peers and marijuana use, what is the null hypothesis?

There is no relationship between exposure to delinquent peers and marijuana use.

Why is replication important in scientific research?

To ensure findings are robust and not due to chance, by testing the same hypotheses across studies.

What purpose does the blue jeans example serve in this discussion of the scientific method?

It demonstrates testing a claim against data rather than relying on intuitive beliefs.

What does the Lombroso example illustrate?

Early skull/cranial theories of crime are unsupported by evidence; biology-behavior connections are not determined by skull measurements.

What concerns are raised about the publication process (editors and reviewers) in biosocial criminology?

Many editors/reviewers lack biology knowledge and may censor or bias against biosocial research.

What happened in the Criminology journal in 2014 regarding biosocial research?

A published attack called to ban studies on genetic influences; not based on mathematical critique, but ideological concerns.

Why is replication particularly emphasized for biosocial and genetic criminology findings?

To show robustness and convergence of results across studies, strengthening conclusions.

How is science defined in relation to criminology in this text?

Science is the accumulation of knowledge through the scientific method.

What two groups did Joseph Carroll and colleagues identify regarding genetics and science, and what was the association with the scientific method?

One group recognized genetic influences and trusted the scientific method; the other denied genetic influences and doubted the method.

What is the stated goal of the book with respect to students and biosocial concepts?

To expose undergraduate and graduate students to biological and genetic concepts and show their use in biosocial theory and criminological research.

What is the main reason given for integrating biology and genetics into criminology?

To align criminology with established disciplines that have advanced understanding of behavior and to avoid becoming an inconsequential field.

What does the notes say about the status of biology-behavior research in criminology journals?

The biology-behavior connection is controversial and often censored or rejected by editors/reviewers with ideological biases.

What is the overall takeaway regarding biology/genetics in criminology from the introduction?

Biopsychosocial or biosocial criminology is an emerging perspective that integrates biology/genetics with social/environmental factors to better understand crime.