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Biological and Psychological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour

Biological Perspectives: Neurological and Genetic Bases

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DISINHIBITION HYPOTHESIS

Dysfunction in brain regions responsible for self-control (prefrontal cortex) leads to reduced inhibition of impulses, making individuals more likely to engage in criminal acts.
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INHERITED CRIMINALITY

Genetic studies indicate a hereditary component to criminal behaviour. Specific genes linked to neurotransmitter systems affect impulsivity, aggression, and risk-taking.
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ROLE OF THE AMYGDALA

Abnormalities, such as reduced size or activity, may impair empathy and increase aggression, thus making individuals more prone to violent or antisocial behaviour.

Individual Differences: Personality and Cognitive Factors

Individual differences explanations focus on inherent personality traits and cognitive factors—how people think and feel—that contribute to criminal tendencies, differentiating offenders from the general population.

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EYSENCK'S CRIMINAL PERSONALITY

Criminals have high extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism. These traits relate to sensation seeking, emotional instability, and antisocial tendencies, predisposing individuals to criminal acts.
2

INTELLIGENCE FACTORS

Lower IQ has been found in some offender groups, possibly influencing criminal behaviour by impairing problem-solving and decision-making skills.
3

PSYCHOPATHIC PERSONALITY

Psychopathy, marked by lack of empathy, guilt, and remorse combined with manipulativeness and impulsivity, is strongly associated with criminality. Psychopaths are more likely to engage in violent and planned crimes due to these traits.

Social Psychological Explanations

Learning the Behaviour

Social psychological explanations emphasize that criminal behaviour is learned through social interaction and influenced by cultural contexts. Every choice affects the stakeholders. We will focus on socialization and how it correlates to deviance.

Theories of Learned Deviance and Normalization

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Wait, what does Differential Association Theory really mean?
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It posits that criminal behaviour is learned through interaction with others who promote deviant norms, resulting from exposure to attitudes favourable to breaking laws.
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And how does Normalisation Theory fit in?
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In some subcultures, deviant behaviour becomes normalized and accepted, lowering barriers to criminality by influencing an individual’s perception of acceptability of criminal acts.

Methods of Modifying Criminal Behaviours

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Anger Management Cognitive-behavioural approach that helps offenders recognize triggers, develop coping strategies, and regulate aggression. It targets impulsive behaviour contributing to crime.
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Restorative Justice Emphasizes repairing harm caused by crime through dialogue between offender and victim. It fosters accountability, empathy, and reconciliation, reducing recidivism by addressing underlying issues.
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Biological Explanations of Criminal Behaviours
Term
Disinhibition Hypothesis

What does the Disinhibition Hypothesis suggest about criminal behavior?

Answer
Explanation

Dysfunction in brain areas like the prefrontal cortex reduces impulse control, increasing criminal acts.

Term
Neurological Factors

What neurological factors may cause disinhibition?

Answer
Examples

Brain trauma, genetics, or substance abuse.

Term
Inherited Criminality

What evidence supports inherited criminality?

Answer
Research

Twin and adoption studies showing genetic links to traits like impulsivity and aggression.

Term
Amygdala's Role

How does the amygdala relate to criminal behaviour?

Answer
Function

Abnormal amygdala function impairs empathy and increases aggression.

Term
Eysenck's Personality Traits

What personality traits did Eysenck associate with criminals?

Answer
Traits

High extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism.

Term
Intelligence and Criminality

How might low intelligence influence criminality?

Answer
Effect

By impairing problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Term
Psychopathic Personality

What defines a psychopathic personality?

Answer
Definition

Lack of empathy, guilt, remorse, plus manipulativeness and impulsivity.

Term
Differential Association Theory

What does Differential Association Theory explain?

Answer
Explanation

Criminal behaviour is learned through interaction with deviant others.

Term
Gender Socialisation

How does gender socialisation affect crime rates?

Answer
Effect

Masculine norms encourage risk-taking and aggression, increasing male crime.

Term
Anger Management

What does Anger Management target?

Answer
Purpose

Impulsive aggression by teaching coping strategies.

Term
Restorative Justice

What is the goal of Restorative Justice?

Answer
Goal

To repair harm through offender-victim dialogue, fostering empathy and reducing recidivism.

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🧠 Biological Explanations of Criminal Behaviours Quiz

1. Which brain region is primarily associated with the Disinhibition Hypothesis?

The prefrontal cortex is key for impulse control; dysfunction here reduces inhibition leading to criminal acts.

2. What is a key piece of evidence for inherited criminality?

These studies show genetic influence on criminal traits.

3. The amygdala’s dysfunction in criminals typically results in:

Abnormal amygdala activity reduces empathy and increases aggression.

4. Which of the following personality traits is NOT part of Eysenck’s criminal personality theory?

Openness is not included; Eysenck focused on extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism.

5. Anger management aims to:

It teaches strategies to manage anger and reduce impulsive crime.

📊 Results

  • Notes and Quiz
  • Psychology
  • AS & A Level
  • Research Methods
  • WJEC