A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS
AND VERIFIED ANSWERS STUDY GUIDE 2024 UPDATE
|100% PASSED|
Name the biological explanations of offending
- An historical approach (atavistic form)
- Genetic and neural explanations
Name the Italian surgeon responsible for the historical approach of offering
Cesare Lombroso
What is Lombroso often referred to as? Why?
'The father of criminology' because he was one of the first scientists to attempt to study
criminal behaviour using scientific methods of observation and measurement.
Who did Lombroso record the physical and behavioural characteristics of?
Over 4000 criminals (living and dead)
When did Lombroso's study take place?
Late 1800s
What theory did Lombroso use his observations to propose?
The 'atavistic form' to describe the characteristics of criminals
What does atavistic refer to?
The return to the characteristics of more primitive human species.
Why did Lombroso argue that criminals are atavistic?
They share physical and behavioural characteristics with more primitive human species.
Lombroso proposed that criminality is a ...
genetically inherited characteristic meaning some people are born criminals
Name the six features of criminals identified by Lombroso
1. Facial asymmetry
2. A protruding chin
3. Dark skin
4. Tattoos
5. Insensitivity to pain
6. Being unemployed
Evaluation of the atavistic form explanation of offending
- Evidence from Goring
- Interpretation of Goring's findings
- Scientific racism
- Deterministic
- Influence
Evidence from Goring (Evaluation of the atavistic form explanation of offending)
- A British criminologist, Charles Goring (1913) measured a range of physical
characteristics of 3000 criminals and 3000 non-criminals and reported them in ‘The
English Convict: A Statistical Study’.
- He concluded that there were no consistent differences between the physical features
of criminals and non-criminals.
Interpretation of Goring's findings (Evaluation of the atavistic form explanation of
offending)
,- Goring's findings do not support Lombroso's theory of the atavistic form
- This is because Goring found no consistent evidence that physical characteristics
differed between criminals and non-criminals
- Goring's findings might be considered more credible because he studied criminals and
non-criminals, allowing him to draw conclusions of whether there were difference
between the two groups
Scientific racism (Evaluation of the atavistic form explanation of offending)
- Lomboros's concept of the atavistic form is considered to be an example of scientific
racism
- Scientific racism occurs when researchers suggest there is evidence to support the
inferiority of certain racial groups.
- Lombroso's research is considered an example of scientific racism because he
suggests that there is a link between the colour of a persons skin and criminal
behaviour, proposing that people with darker skin are more likely to be criminals
- The potential ethical implication of Lombroso's theory in Italian society at the time is
that it could have led to discrimination towards people with darker skin from people with
lighter skin
Deterministic (Evaluation of the atavistic form explanation of offending)
- The atavistic form is a deterministic explanation of criminal behaviour
- This is because it suggests that criminal behaviour is caused by genetic factors which
are outside of a persons control
- Therefore, Lombroso's theory is an example of biological determinism
- Deterministic explanations suggest that criminals are not personally responsible for
their actions
- However, deterministic explanations of crime do not fit in with the principles of the
criminal justice system in most countries
- This is because the criminal justice system holds people personally responsible for
their actions
Influence (Evaluation of the atavistic form explanation of offending)
- Lombroso's research is seen as influential in establishing criminology as an
independent scientific discipline.
- Prior to his research, criminal behaviour was often explained as a moral weakness.
- By studying criminals using what he regarded as scientific methods, Lombroso brought
criminal behaviour under the remit of science.
- For this reason, Lombroso is often referred to as 'the father of criminology'.
- Therefore, while flawed, his initial research is likely to have stimulated further scientific
research into criminal behaviour.
What do biological explanations propose?
That offending is caused by factors inside the body.
What do genetic explanations of offending suggest?
That a person's genes can make them more likely to commit crime.
Is criminality likely to be a polygenic or monogenic trait? Explain
Criminality is likely to be a polygenic trait meaning the probability that someone will
commit crime is likely to be influenced by variations in many genes, rather than a single
gene variant (allele).
, What has research investigating the link between specific genes and offending
found is a gene linked to offending?
The monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene is one gene which has been linked to
offending.
What function does the MAOA gene serve in the body?
The MAOA gene creates an enzyme which breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters
including dopamine and serotonin.
What two abnormalities with the MAOA gene can disrupt its function?
If a person has a low-activity allele (variant) of the MAOA gene or a mutated MAOA
gene, this may lead to problems regulating the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters
in the brain.
Why might this lead to criminal behaviour?
The neurochemical imbalance caused by an abnormality with the MAOA gene may
result in poorer behavioural control leading to criminal behaviour.
Evidence from Ferguson et al relating to genetic explanations of offending
- Ferguson et al (2012) analysed the genetic and environmental influences of 400 males
in New Zealand from birth to 30 years old.
- They found that males with a low-activity allele of the MAOA gene and childhood
adversity such as abuse or neglect were significantly more likely to report criminal
offending by their early 20s.
Evidence from Brunner et al relating to genetic explanations of offending
- Brunner et al (1993) reported on a Dutch family where several of the males had
committed violent crimes including rape and assault.
- When the genes of the family were investigated, they discovered a mutation in the
MAOA gene.
What do neural explanations propose as a cause of offending?
Neural explanations of criminal behaviour propose that abnormalities in the nervous
system may cause offending.
Several areas of the brain have been linked to criminal behaviour, name one
The pre-frontal cortex
What function(s) does the pre-frontal cortex control?
This area of the frontal lobe is believed to be linked to the ability to resist impulsive
behaviour.
How might the pre-frontal cortex be connected to offending?
Abnormal activity in this region of the brain may result in poorer behavioural control
leading to criminal behaviour.
Evidence from Bufkin relating to neural explanations of offending
Bufkin et al (2005) summarised the findings from numerous brain scan studies of
criminals. They concluded that there was consistent evidence of decreased activity in
the pre-frontal cortex in criminals compared to non-criminals.
Evaluation of biological explanations of offending
- Interpretation of Ferguson's evidence
- Limitations of Bufkin's evidence
- Deterministic
- Can biological explanations explain gender differences in offending?
- Reductionist
AND VERIFIED ANSWERS STUDY GUIDE 2024 UPDATE
|100% PASSED|
Name the biological explanations of offending
- An historical approach (atavistic form)
- Genetic and neural explanations
Name the Italian surgeon responsible for the historical approach of offering
Cesare Lombroso
What is Lombroso often referred to as? Why?
'The father of criminology' because he was one of the first scientists to attempt to study
criminal behaviour using scientific methods of observation and measurement.
Who did Lombroso record the physical and behavioural characteristics of?
Over 4000 criminals (living and dead)
When did Lombroso's study take place?
Late 1800s
What theory did Lombroso use his observations to propose?
The 'atavistic form' to describe the characteristics of criminals
What does atavistic refer to?
The return to the characteristics of more primitive human species.
Why did Lombroso argue that criminals are atavistic?
They share physical and behavioural characteristics with more primitive human species.
Lombroso proposed that criminality is a ...
genetically inherited characteristic meaning some people are born criminals
Name the six features of criminals identified by Lombroso
1. Facial asymmetry
2. A protruding chin
3. Dark skin
4. Tattoos
5. Insensitivity to pain
6. Being unemployed
Evaluation of the atavistic form explanation of offending
- Evidence from Goring
- Interpretation of Goring's findings
- Scientific racism
- Deterministic
- Influence
Evidence from Goring (Evaluation of the atavistic form explanation of offending)
- A British criminologist, Charles Goring (1913) measured a range of physical
characteristics of 3000 criminals and 3000 non-criminals and reported them in ‘The
English Convict: A Statistical Study’.
- He concluded that there were no consistent differences between the physical features
of criminals and non-criminals.
Interpretation of Goring's findings (Evaluation of the atavistic form explanation of
offending)
,- Goring's findings do not support Lombroso's theory of the atavistic form
- This is because Goring found no consistent evidence that physical characteristics
differed between criminals and non-criminals
- Goring's findings might be considered more credible because he studied criminals and
non-criminals, allowing him to draw conclusions of whether there were difference
between the two groups
Scientific racism (Evaluation of the atavistic form explanation of offending)
- Lomboros's concept of the atavistic form is considered to be an example of scientific
racism
- Scientific racism occurs when researchers suggest there is evidence to support the
inferiority of certain racial groups.
- Lombroso's research is considered an example of scientific racism because he
suggests that there is a link between the colour of a persons skin and criminal
behaviour, proposing that people with darker skin are more likely to be criminals
- The potential ethical implication of Lombroso's theory in Italian society at the time is
that it could have led to discrimination towards people with darker skin from people with
lighter skin
Deterministic (Evaluation of the atavistic form explanation of offending)
- The atavistic form is a deterministic explanation of criminal behaviour
- This is because it suggests that criminal behaviour is caused by genetic factors which
are outside of a persons control
- Therefore, Lombroso's theory is an example of biological determinism
- Deterministic explanations suggest that criminals are not personally responsible for
their actions
- However, deterministic explanations of crime do not fit in with the principles of the
criminal justice system in most countries
- This is because the criminal justice system holds people personally responsible for
their actions
Influence (Evaluation of the atavistic form explanation of offending)
- Lombroso's research is seen as influential in establishing criminology as an
independent scientific discipline.
- Prior to his research, criminal behaviour was often explained as a moral weakness.
- By studying criminals using what he regarded as scientific methods, Lombroso brought
criminal behaviour under the remit of science.
- For this reason, Lombroso is often referred to as 'the father of criminology'.
- Therefore, while flawed, his initial research is likely to have stimulated further scientific
research into criminal behaviour.
What do biological explanations propose?
That offending is caused by factors inside the body.
What do genetic explanations of offending suggest?
That a person's genes can make them more likely to commit crime.
Is criminality likely to be a polygenic or monogenic trait? Explain
Criminality is likely to be a polygenic trait meaning the probability that someone will
commit crime is likely to be influenced by variations in many genes, rather than a single
gene variant (allele).
, What has research investigating the link between specific genes and offending
found is a gene linked to offending?
The monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene is one gene which has been linked to
offending.
What function does the MAOA gene serve in the body?
The MAOA gene creates an enzyme which breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters
including dopamine and serotonin.
What two abnormalities with the MAOA gene can disrupt its function?
If a person has a low-activity allele (variant) of the MAOA gene or a mutated MAOA
gene, this may lead to problems regulating the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters
in the brain.
Why might this lead to criminal behaviour?
The neurochemical imbalance caused by an abnormality with the MAOA gene may
result in poorer behavioural control leading to criminal behaviour.
Evidence from Ferguson et al relating to genetic explanations of offending
- Ferguson et al (2012) analysed the genetic and environmental influences of 400 males
in New Zealand from birth to 30 years old.
- They found that males with a low-activity allele of the MAOA gene and childhood
adversity such as abuse or neglect were significantly more likely to report criminal
offending by their early 20s.
Evidence from Brunner et al relating to genetic explanations of offending
- Brunner et al (1993) reported on a Dutch family where several of the males had
committed violent crimes including rape and assault.
- When the genes of the family were investigated, they discovered a mutation in the
MAOA gene.
What do neural explanations propose as a cause of offending?
Neural explanations of criminal behaviour propose that abnormalities in the nervous
system may cause offending.
Several areas of the brain have been linked to criminal behaviour, name one
The pre-frontal cortex
What function(s) does the pre-frontal cortex control?
This area of the frontal lobe is believed to be linked to the ability to resist impulsive
behaviour.
How might the pre-frontal cortex be connected to offending?
Abnormal activity in this region of the brain may result in poorer behavioural control
leading to criminal behaviour.
Evidence from Bufkin relating to neural explanations of offending
Bufkin et al (2005) summarised the findings from numerous brain scan studies of
criminals. They concluded that there was consistent evidence of decreased activity in
the pre-frontal cortex in criminals compared to non-criminals.
Evaluation of biological explanations of offending
- Interpretation of Ferguson's evidence
- Limitations of Bufkin's evidence
- Deterministic
- Can biological explanations explain gender differences in offending?
- Reductionist
