Unit2criminalbehaviourtheories 131217221711 Phpapp02
Unit2criminalbehaviourtheories 131217221711 Phpapp02
Unit2criminalbehaviourtheories 131217221711 Phpapp02
Behaviour
Biological Roots of Criminal
Behavior
Major Principles of Biological
Theories
The brain is the organ of the mind and the locus
of personality
The basic determinants of human behavior are
constitutionally or genetically based
Observed gender and racial differences in rates
and types of criminality may be at least partially
the result of biological differences between the
sexes and/or between racially distinct groups
Major Principles of Biological
Theories
The basic determinants of human behavior may
be passed on from generation to generation
Much of human conduct is fundamentally rooted
in instinctive behavioral responses characteristic
of biological organisms everywhere
The interplay between heredity, biology, and the
social environment provides the nexus for any
realistic consideration of crime causation
Early Biological Theories
Central NS
Extraverted Intoverted
Ambiverts
Peripheral NS
Sanguine Phlegmatic
Stable
Eysenck’s Personality Theory
Also introduced a
P scale
(psychoticism) to
predict criminal
behaviour.
definitions
stable extraverts (sanguine qualities such as -
outgoing, talkative, responsive, easygoing, lively,
carefree, leadership)
unstable extraverts (choleric qualities such as -
touchy, restless, excitable, changeable, impulsive,
irresponsible)
stable introverts (phlegmatic qualities such as - calm,
even-tempered, reliable, controlled, peaceful, thoughtful,
careful, passive)
unstable introverts (melancholic qualities such as -
quiet, reserved, pessimistic, sober, rigid, anxious,
moody).
Extraversion - Introversion
Reflects “need for stimulation”.
Extraverts like excitement, become bored more
easily, welcome the unconventional
Criminals are more likely to be extraverts
Impulsive
Thrill-seeking
Willing to take chances
May be less able to internalize society’s rules – i.e.,
less ‘conditionable’.
Neurotic -Stable and Crime
Criminals are more likely to be neurotic:
Emotionality acts as a drive to habitual ways
of responding.
When under stress – do what you know
best.
Impacts criminality only if the individual
has developed anti-social ‘habits’.
More important factor as one ages (habits
become more engrained)
Psychoticism
Is not the same as “psychosis”
No established physiological mechanism
but testosterone, monoamine oxidase
and serotonin may be involved.
Similar to Primary Psychopathy
Cold cruelty, social insensitivity, dislike of
others, attraction to the ‘unusual.
Conclusion
The common emphasis of all psychological
theories is on the individual.
Each theory must be evaluated on its ability to
account for criminality.
Not all theories are well supported by evidence.
Many psychological theories translate well into
treatment programs.