Topic Summaries

Biological explanations of offending behaviour

A-Level > Psychology > AQA > A-Level Psychology Topic Summaries > Forensic psychology > Biological explanations of offending behaviour
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Addiction

  • Biological explanations focus on the role of heritability and candidate genes in criminal behaviour.
  • 👥 Christiansen (1977) found concordance rates of 33% for MZ twins and 12% for DZ twins. This shows there is a moderate genetic link between criminal behaviour and heritability.
  • Candidate genes: 👥 Tilhonen (2014) researched abnormalities in the MAOA gene and CDH-13 gene. They both code for neurotransmitters and are linked with the development of ADHD. It increases the likelihood of being a criminal by a vast amount.
  • Neural explanations: focus on those with antisocial personality disorder. It’s very commonly found amongst criminals. 👥 Raine (1997) found that criminals have a lower activity level in their prefrontal cortex which is responsible for logical thought and decision making.
  • 👥 Keysers (2013) found that criminals effectively have a ‘neural switch’ which allows them to turn empathy on or off, which explains why some criminals lack remorse and guilt for their victims

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