Criminal Behavior Core Theory

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Biological theory
Argues that criminal behavior is inherited. It suggests that if my parent was a convicted criminal then i would have a higher chance of becoming a criminal.
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Brain Dysfunction
A number of areas in the brain have been associated with criminal behaviour
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Pre-frountal Cortex
The part of the brain were we are conditioned to form an association between fear and anti social behavior.
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Limbic System
This is the part of the brain which controls aggression and emotion. Scans of criminals showed increased activity.
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Temporal Lobe
Research showed reduced brain-wave activity in this area in criminals. This is the area of the brain responsible for language, learning emotion and memory.
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Facial Features
If there is a gene for criminal behavior then it is possible that gene could affect appearance as well as behavior. A small group of psychologists argue that criminals look physically different from non-criminals.
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Criticism 1
There cannot be one gene responsible for all types of behavior. Brain dysfunctions are not evident in all criminals. The idea of a set of facial features is not well supported by evidence.
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Criticism 2
It ignores influence from the social environment. Learned behavior from role models
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An Alternative Theory-Social Learning Theory
Behaviour, including criminal behaviour, can be learned. Vicarious reinforcement- when someone sees another being rewarded for their behavior.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

A number of areas in the brain have been associated with criminal behaviour

Back

Brain Dysfunction

Card 3

Front

The part of the brain were we are conditioned to form an association between fear and anti social behavior.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

This is the part of the brain which controls aggression and emotion. Scans of criminals showed increased activity.

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

Research showed reduced brain-wave activity in this area in criminals. This is the area of the brain responsible for language, learning emotion and memory.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
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