biological explanations

assumption of criminals

Criminals were genetically inferior beings were biologically different

They would therefore have criminal = inherited someone own criminal could be identified by physical congenital defects

what are some characteristics associated with the atavistic form?

• Narrow sloping brow

• Strong prominent jaw

• High cheekbones

• Asymmetric face

• Darker skin

• Extra nipples and all fingers and toes

• Murderer is likely to have bloodshot eyes, curly hair, and long ears

• sexual deviance: lending eyes swollen lips and projecting ears

what does this mean for people who look like this?

People with this form would be unable to adapt to modern society and inevitably resort to crime

atavus = Ancestor

atavistic Means the tendency to revert to an ancestral type

lombroso Said the offenders possess similar characteristics to lower primates and this could explain that criminal

what was lombros research

Conducted extensive research on criminals both dead and alive to draw his conclusions

The facial and cranial features of hundreds of convicts was examined and also the skulls of thousands of living convicts

Found 40% of all criminal acts could be attributed to atavistic form

what is the main assumption of genetic and neural explanations?

Offending behaviour is caused by inherited genes. This has been shown through the use of twin studies.

describe christiansens research

Examined over 3500 twins pairs in Denmark and identified concordance rates of criminal behaviour as follows

male mz 35% dz 13%

female mz 21% dz 8%

The difference in concordant rate between MZ and D twins suggest there was a genetic influence as MZ isn’t 100% CR it isn’t purely genetic

what is the MAOA gene?

Produces an enzyme that helps breakdown chemicals in the brain serotonin end dopamine which would affect mood and behaviour activity version activity gene produced less

What is the CDH13 gene

Linked to substance abuse and ADHD therefore reduced impulse control

what happens if you have abnormalities in both gene?

Those with high risk (had both gene variant)were 13 times more like likely to have a history of violent behaviour

what is the diathesis stress model?

Offers an explanation that incorporates the role of the environment. Model assumes that people can be born with a genetic predisposition to offending behaviour however this will remain dormant until it is triggered by an environmental stressor such as child abuse

describe how Dopamine and serotonin are important

Serotonin – linked to mood and impulsiveness there is a link between low levels and aggression which is linked to criminal behaviour

Dopamine – linked to the dopamine Jack pathway which results in pleasure which is a rewarding feeling and his desire to repeat certain behaviours why dopamine has been linked to addiction and substance abuse therefore has an indirect link to criminal behaviour

amygdala - Structure with the links to emotion regulation and aggression part of limbic system which has some sort of survival benefit

Frontal lobes – part of neocortex linked to higher function such as social behaviours and planning

what’s a mirror neurons

Allow for the imitation of observed behaviours

Used to learn violent behaviours and used by psychopaths to imitate empathetic behaviours. Recent research has argued that psychopaths can experience empathy however they experience it in frequently.

keysers et al found that only outwardly asked to empathise with a person casually a character on film experiencing pain while they’re able to experience empathy

what is the role of mirror neurons?

This mechanism is controlled by mirror neurons in the brain. Suggest that psychopaths are not completely without empathy however they haven’t on/off switch unlike a normal room that experience empathy all the time.

Who did rain et all research?

The aim of the experiment was to discover if murderers who have pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity show evidence of brain abnormalities

what was the procedure?

Used PET scans to examine the brains of 39 mils and two female females who will charge with murder and pleading not guilty for reasons of insanity and compare them with 41 controls all the NGR eyes were referred to the imaging Centre for legal reasons such as such as to obtain evidence for the defence. Three reasons for the referrals included SZ, head injury and personality disorders.

what were the findings?

There was reduced activity in their prefrontal cortex. They also found an 11% deduction in the grey matter in the prefrontal cortex. This area of the brain is related to regulating emotional behaviour and inhibitions.

What was the procedure?

Used PET scans to examine the brains of 39 mils and two female females who will charge with murder and pleading not guilty for reasons of insanity and compare them with 41 controls all the NGR eyes were referred to the imaging Centre for legal reasons such as such as to obtain evidence for the defence. Three reasons for the referrals included SZ, head injury and personality disorders.