CRIM 101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Classical Conditioning, Determinism, Conduct Disorder

• School: Simon Fraser University
• Department: Criminology
• Course: CRIM 101
• Professor: Barry Cartwright

Document Summary

Is human behavior a product of nature or nurture? . In the past, theoreticians adhered to one viewpoint or the other. Rare that an effect can be attributed to a single cause. People choose courses of action (element of free will) Choices are limited or bounded by current circumstances or opportunities, learning experiences, physiological abilities and genetic predispositions (fishbein, 1990) Anderson argues that criminologists should consider biological influences, as well as psychological disorder ( e. g. , psychopathy, anti-social personality conduct disorder) and environmental factors ( poor parenting, child abuse) Numerous studies over past 20 years on effects of hormones, neurotransmitters, etc. Genetic (innate) behaviors- governed entirely by genes. Learned behaviors- have genetic component, but strongly influenced by environment/experiences. All animals (including humans) have innate behaviors. Human baby will grip a finger automatically. Human babies smile automatically is presented with a smiling face. Makes them more attractive- parents more likely to nurture and protect them.