StudySmarter - The all-in-one study app.
4.8 • +11k Ratings
More than 3 Million Downloads
Free
Do genes make a person a criminal? There are genetic explanations for crime in psychology that state that criminals have a gene that predisposes them to commit crimes.
Johannes Lange (1930) studied 13 identical (monozygotic, MZ) and 17 non-identical (dizygotic, DZ) twins, one of whom had served time in prison. He found that 10 of the MZ twins but only 2 of the DZ twins had a twin who served time in prison.
More recently, Karl Christiansen (1977 twin study) studied 87 MZ and 147 DZ twins and found a concordance rate of the criminality of 33% for MZ twins but only 12% for DZ twins. This finding supports the view that criminality may have a genetic basis.First, let us clarify some essential terms before we get to the topic at hand.
Genes consist of DNA strands. DNA provides ‘instructions’ for general physical characteristics of an organism (e.g., height) and specific physical features (e.g. neurotransmitter levels). These can affect psychological traits. Genes are inherited.
Diagram showing how genes affect the physical features of an organism, YB - StudySmarter Originals
Neural explanation is any explanation of behaviour (and its disorders) in terms of (mal)functions of the brain and nervous system.
Candidate genes are genes that scientists believe influence a particular behaviour or trait. The Tihonen et al. (2014) genetic analysis of nearly 900 offenders revealed abnormalities in two genes associated with a violent crime:
The MAOA gene controls dopamine and serotonin and links to aggressive behaviour.
CDH13 gene linked to substance abuse and attention deficit disorder.
People with a combination of both genes were 13 times more likely to have a history of violent behaviour.
Diagram showing the effects of the MAOA gene and CDH13, StudySmarter Originals
Criminality is likely related to environmental factors (we have already seen how the diathesis-stress model is related to schizophrenia). A combination of genetics and a dysfunctional environment may cause criminality.
There is evidence of neural differences between the brains of criminals and non-criminals. Much of this research has looked at individuals with antisocial personality disorder (APD), a condition characteristic of many convicted criminals.
Adrian Raine reported several dozen brain imaging studies showing that individuals with APD have decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex (this regulates emotional behaviour). He also found an 11% reduction in grey matter volume in the prefrontal cortex of people with APD compared to controls.
Research shows that offenders with APD can show empathy less easily than other people. Keysers et al. (2011) found that criminals showed compassion only when prompted (by an image of someone feeling pain in a film). Such reaction is due to the activation of mirror neurons.APD criminals have a neural empathy ‘switch’ in the brain that can be turned on or off, whereas this switch is permanently on in other people.
Are there any problems with the genetic explanation of offending behaviour? Does the notion of a ‘criminal gene’ pose a dilemma? The following overview of the pros and cons might help us answer these questions.
DNA provides ‘instructions’ for general physical characteristics of an organism (e.g., height) and specific physical features (e.g., neurotransmitter levels). These can affect psychological traits.
Genetic explanations for crime suggest that offenders have a gene that predisposes them to commit crimes.
Candidate genes are genes that scientists believe influence a particular behaviour or trait. For aggression, these are the MAOA gene and the CDH13 gene.
Genes alone do not cause aggression; environmental factors also play a role.
Neural factors such as the prefrontal cortex and mirror neurons have also been linked to aggression.
The idea behind biological explanations of offending behaviour is that crime is an innate tendency that is genetically determined or due to brain structure.
Genes determine specific physical features (e.g. neurotransmitter levels), which can affect psychological traits.
Candidate genes are genes that scientists believe influence a particular behaviour or trait. The Tihonen et al. (2014) genetic analysis of nearly 900 offenders revealed abnormalities in two genes associated with a violent crime:
The MAOA gene controls dopamine and serotonin and links to aggressive behaviour.
CDH13 gene linked to substance abuse and attention deficit disorder.
People with a combination of both genes were 13 times more likely to have a history of violent behaviour.
Genes alone do not lead to criminality. Criminality is likely related to environmental factors as well. A combination of genetics and a dysfunctional environment may cause criminality.
There is evidence of neural differences between the brains of criminals and non-criminals. Much of this research has looked at individuals with antisocial personality disorder (APD), a condition characteristic of many convicted criminals.
The four theories of crime are classical, biological, interactionist, sociologist
of the users don't pass the Genetic Explanations of Offending Behaviour quiz! Will you pass the quiz?
Start QuizBe perfectly prepared on time with an individual plan.
Test your knowledge with gamified quizzes.
Create and find flashcards in record time.
Create beautiful notes faster than ever before.
Have all your study materials in one place.
Upload unlimited documents and save them online.
Identify your study strength and weaknesses.
Set individual study goals and earn points reaching them.
Stop procrastinating with our study reminders.
Earn points, unlock badges and level up while studying.
Create flashcards in notes completely automatically.
Create the most beautiful study materials using our templates.
Sign up to highlight and take notes. It’s 100% free.