CRIM 103 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Monoamine Oxidase A, Somatotype And Constitutional Psychology, Congenital Disorder

• School: Simon Fraser University
• Department: Criminology
• Course: CRIM 103
• Professor: Chantal Faucher

Document Summary

Criminality can be explained by individual differences (ex, biological/ psychological differences) Understanding that individual traits work in combination with environmental and risk factors (ex nature vs nurture) Believed criminals are less evolved than the rest of us. Those whom he studied had atavistic traits. Referred to those people as genetic throwbacks to an entire phase of evolution. Biological determinism- the idea that crime is biologically determined and serious criminals have inherited defects. Lombroso theories were like the descriptions of dracula from the book dracula . Focus on biological predispositions and environmental triggers. People are born with different genetic traits we are not all born equal. People are not predetermined to commit crime. Environment plays a very important role in seeing how the biological factors manifest. Behaviour inhibitor that helps plays a role in aggressive and impulsive behaviour. Low levels can lead to less ability to cope with stress, more impulstivity, anti social personality.