Biology and Crime: Explore the Biological Factors of Criminal Behavior

Question 1

Identify a significant criticism of biological explanations of crime.

Accepted Answer

Biological theories focus excessively on genetic influences, neglecting the impact of social factors.

Answer

Biological theories offer a comprehensive understanding of criminal behavior, encompassing all its causes.

Answer

There is substantial empirical evidence consistently supporting biological theories of crime.

Question 2

A major criticism of biological theories of crime is that they:

Accepted Answer

Ignore the role of social factors.

Answer

Are based on outdated scientific research.

Answer

Are inherently racist and sexist.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a biological factor that has been suggested to contribute to criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Gender

Answer

Genetics

Answer

Brain chemistry

Answer

Physical characteristics

Question 4

What term describes the phenomenon where individuals with certain genetic traits are more likely to engage in criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Genetic susceptibility

Answer

Environmental determinism

Answer

Biological determinism

Answer

Social learning theory

Question 5

Which physical characteristic has been linked to increased risk of violent behavior?

Accepted Answer

High testosterone levels

Answer

Low body weight

Answer

Poor eyesight

Answer

Left-handedness

Question 6

What is a limitation of biological explanations of crime?

Accepted Answer

They can oversimplify the causes of crime and neglect social and environmental factors.

Answer

They rely solely on outdated research.

Answer

They are biased against certain groups of people.

Question 7

Which is an example of a policy implication based on biological research on crime?

Accepted Answer

Targeted early intervention programs for individuals at high genetic risk.

Answer

Increased funding for police and law enforcement.

Answer

Mandatory prison sentences for all violent offenders.

Question 8

What is a main ethical concern surrounding the use of genetic information in predicting criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Potential for discrimination and stigmatization of individuals with certain genetic traits.

Answer

Lack of scientific consensus on the relationship between genes and crime.

Answer

High cost of genetic testing.

Question 9

What is a challenge associated with twin studies in criminology?

Accepted Answer

They can struggle to separate the influence of genetics from shared environmental factors.

Answer

They only involve a small sample size.

Answer

They are too expensive and difficult to conduct.

Question 10

How does epigenetics potentially relate to criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Environmental factors can influence gene expression, potentially impacting behavior.

Answer

Epigenetics only influences physical characteristics and not behavior.

Answer

Epigenetic changes are irreversible and cannot be modified.

Question 11

Which debate is central to the field of biological explanations of crime?

Accepted Answer

Nature versus nurture

Answer

Quantitative versus qualitative research methods

Answer

Positivism versus interpretivism

Answer

Biological determinism versus social constructivism

Question 12

Which of the following biological factors has been linked to increased aggression?

Accepted Answer

High levels of testosterone

Answer

Low levels of cortisol

Answer

Weak immune system

Answer

Poor eyesight

Question 13

The ________ theory suggests that criminal behavior is a result of an imbalance between the excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain.

Accepted Answer

Neurochemical

Answer

Physiological

Answer

Genetic

Answer

Environmental

Question 14

Which of the following is a strength of biological explanations of crime?

Accepted Answer

They can identify potential risk factors for criminal behavior early in life.

Answer

They are universally accepted by the scientific community.

Answer

They provide a complete explanation for all criminal behavior.

Question 15

The ________ theory argues that individuals with low levels of serotonin are more likely to engage in impulsive and aggressive behavior.

Accepted Answer

Serotonin deficiency

Answer

Glutamate excitation

Answer

Dopamine imbalance

Answer

Norepinephrine dysfunction

Question 16

The concept of ________ suggests that individuals can inherit both genetic and environmental risk factors for criminal behavior.

Accepted Answer

Gene-environment interaction

Answer

Sociological positivism

Answer

Biological determinism

Answer

Environmental determinism

Question 17

Which of the following policy implications arises from biological research on crime?

Accepted Answer

Early intervention programs to address biological risk factors for crime.

Answer

Increased punishment for individuals with biological markers for aggression.

Answer

Mandatory genetic testing for all criminal offenders.

Question 18

The ________ theory suggests that criminal behavior is a result of a deficiency in the frontal lobe, which is responsible for decision-making and impulse control.

Accepted Answer

Prefrontal cortex deficit

Answer

Genetic mutation

Answer

Limbic system dysfunction

Answer

Neurotransmitter imbalance

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a biological factor that has been linked to criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Social environment

Answer

Physical characteristics

Answer

Brain chemistry

Answer

Genetics

Question 20

Research on identical (monozygotic) and fraternal (dizygotic) twins indicates that criminal behavior is:

Accepted Answer

More likely to occur in identical twins than fraternal twins

Answer

Equally likely to occur in identical and fraternal twins

Answer

Less likely to occur in identical twins than fraternal twins

Question 21

Phrenology is a theory that proposes:

Accepted Answer

Criminal behavior can be predicted based on specific physical characteristics

Answer

Criminal behavior is caused by environmental factors

Answer

Criminal behavior is a result of psychological disorders

Question 22

A criticism of biological explanations of crime is that they often:

Accepted Answer

Overlook the influence of social and environmental factors

Answer

Are based on weak scientific evidence

Answer

Have no implications for criminal justice policy

Question 23

A potential ethical concern associated with biological explanations of crime is that they may lead to:

Accepted Answer

Discrimination against individuals with certain biological traits

Answer

Increased public fear of criminals

Answer

Reduced investment in social programs

Question 24

According to evolutionary psychology, criminal behavior may be seen as:

Accepted Answer

An adaptation that enhances survival and reproductive success in certain contexts

Answer

A sign of psychological malfunction

Answer

A direct result of environmental deprivation

Question 25

The concept of 'biosocial criminology' emphasizes that:

Accepted Answer

Both biological and social factors interact to influence criminal behavior

Answer

Biological factors are more influential than social factors in shaping criminal behavior

Answer

Social factors are more influential than biological factors in shaping criminal behavior

Question 26

According to twin studies conducted by Christiansen (1977), what is the estimated heritability for criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

0.52

Answer

0.75

Answer

0.90

Answer

0.25

Question 27

Critically **evaluate** the statement: 'Biological factors are the **primary** cause of criminal behavior.'

Accepted Answer

The statement is an oversimplification. Biological factors interact with environmental and social factors to influence criminal behavior.

Answer

The statement is true. Biological factors are the sole cause of criminal behavior.

Question 28

What is the concept of 'neuroplasticity' in relation to biological factors and crime?

Accepted Answer

The brain's ability to adapt and change in response to experiences, including exposure to crime-related stimuli.

Answer

The presence of structural abnormalities in the brains of criminals

Question 29

What are the implications of biological explanations of crime for criminal justice policy?

Accepted Answer

They could lead to a focus on rehabilitation and individualized treatment rather than punishment.

Answer

They have no implications for criminal justice policy

Answer

They justify harsher punishments for offenders with biological predispositions

Question 30

Discuss the role of epigenetics in understanding the relationship between biological factors and criminal behavior.

Accepted Answer

Epigenetics involves changes in gene expression that are not caused by changes in the DNA sequence itself and can be influenced by environmental factors.

Answer

Epigenetics is not relevant to the study of criminal behavior

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT a biological factor that has been linked to criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Social environment

Answer

Brain chemistry

Answer

Genetics

Answer

Physical characteristics

Question 32

Individuals with low levels of which neurotransmitter are more prone to impulsive and aggressive behavior?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Glutamate

Question 33

Which physical characteristic is often associated with increased aggression and violence?

Accepted Answer

High testosterone levels

Answer

Large body size

Answer

Strong immune system

Answer

Low body weight

Question 34

A limitation of biological explanations of crime is that they:

Accepted Answer

Fail to explain why individuals with similar biological traits do not all commit crimes.

Answer

Are supported by strong scientific evidence.

Question 35

According to the theory of differential association, what is crucial in learning criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Social interaction with individuals who engage in criminal behavior.

Answer

Physical disability

Answer

Low intelligence

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Question 36

Which implication of biological explanations of crime for criminal justice policy is incorrect?

Accepted Answer

Reduced emphasis on rehabilitation programs.

Answer

Increased use of genetic testing in sentencing decisions.

Answer

Development of interventions to reduce criminal behavior.

Answer

Targeted prevention programs for individuals with identified biological risk factors.

Question 37

An ethical concern raised about biological explanations of crime is:

Accepted Answer

Potential discrimination based on biological characteristics.

Answer

Lack of scientific evidence to support the theories.

Answer

Focus on individual responsibility rather than societal factors.

Question 38

The concept of heritability refers to:

Accepted Answer

The proportion of trait variation attributed to genetic factors.

Answer

The likelihood of inheriting a particular gene from parents.

Answer

The number of genes linked to a specific trait.

Question 39

A criticism of twin studies used to investigate the heritability of criminal behavior is:

Accepted Answer

They presume identical twins have the same environment as fraternal twins.

Answer

They are simple and inexpensive to conduct.

Answer

They provide strong evidence for the genetic basis of criminal behavior.

Question 40

Genetic research has found that criminal behavior:

Accepted Answer

Has a small to moderate genetic contribution.

Answer

Is entirely genetic in origin.

Answer

Has no genetic links whatsoever.

Question 41

MRI studies have shown that individuals with psychopathic traits have reduced activity in which brain region?

Accepted Answer

Prefrontal cortex

Answer

Amygdala

Answer

Hippocampus

Answer

Thalamus

Question 42

Which physical characteristic has been associated with increased risk for criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Mesomorphic body type

Answer

Gynecomastia

Answer

Endomorphic body type

Answer

Ectomorphic body type

Question 43

Biological theories of crime commonly rely on which research method?

Accepted Answer

Correlation studies

Answer

Longitudinal studies

Answer

Case studies

Answer

Experimental studies

Question 44

Which environmental factor can influence the expression of criminal-related genes?

Accepted Answer

Prenatal stress

Answer

Height of parents

Answer

Age of puberty

Answer

Birth order

Question 45

Concerns have been raised about the use of biological explanations of crime in criminal justice policy due to:

Accepted Answer

The potential for discrimination and infringement of civil liberties

Answer

Increased public awareness of the causes of crime

Answer

Reduced crime rates

Answer

Improved rehabilitation outcomes

Question 46

Which is an advantage of using neuroimaging techniques to study biological factors in crime?

Accepted Answer

Provides direct visualization of brain activity

Answer

Cost-effective and non-invasive

Answer

Useful for diagnosing mental disorders

Answer

Can predict future criminal behavior

Question 47

According to the theory of differential association, criminal behavior is acquired through:

Accepted Answer

Interactions with criminal peers

Answer

Childhood trauma

Answer

Genetic inheritance

Answer

Neurochemical imbalances

Question 48

Which concept is fundamental to the biological explanation of criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Labelling theory

Answer

Social norms

Question 49

Twin studies are utilized to examine the influence of genetics on criminal behaviour. Identify a common limitation associated with these studies.

Accepted Answer

Twins often share similar environments, making it challenging to isolate genetic and environmental influences.

Answer

Twin studies lack scientific validity.

Question 50

The 'warrior gene' hypothesis proposes a link between variations in which gene and aggressive behaviour?

Accepted Answer

MAOA

Answer

COMT

Answer

DRD2

Answer

SLC6A4

Question 51

Which neurotransmitter, associated with mood regulation and impulsivity, has been implicated in aggressive behavior?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Adrenaline

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Endorphin

Question 52

Damage to which area of the brain has been linked to impulsivity, aggression, and difficulty understanding consequences?

Accepted Answer

Prefrontal cortex

Answer

Hippocampus

Answer

Cerebellum

Answer

Amygdala

Question 53

Identify a key criticism of employing brain imaging techniques like fMRI to predict criminal behavior.

Accepted Answer

Brain activity can vary based on context and individual differences, making it challenging to establish a causal link to crime.

Answer

Brain imaging techniques lack the sophistication to study criminal behavior.

Question 54

Cesare Lombroso's theory of 'born criminals' proposed that criminals could be identified through:

Accepted Answer

Physical characteristics like facial features and skull shape.

Answer

Their level of education.

Answer

Their social class and upbringing.

Question 55

Why is Lombroso's theory of 'born criminals' widely discredited today?

Accepted Answer

It is considered deterministic, lacks scientific rigor, and relies on biased observations.

Answer

It overemphasizes psychological factors.

Answer

It fails to account for the influence of social factors.

Question 56

What is a primary ethical concern regarding the use of biological explanations for criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

They could lead to discriminatory practices such as preemptive punishment or genetic screening.

Answer

They lack any scientific backing.

Answer

They completely disregard the role of social and environmental factors.

Question 57

Which statement best reflects a balanced perspective on the role of biological factors in crime?

Accepted Answer

Biological factors may create predispositions, but social and environmental factors significantly shape behavior.

Answer

Biological factors are the primary determinant of criminal behavior.