PSYC39H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Monoamine Oxidase A, Twin Study, 5-Ht Receptor
Document Summary
What makes a strong theory: a theory is simply an explanation of a particular phenomenon (such as antisocial behavior, a strong theory is, parsimonious, clearly identifies the casual mechanisms and corresponding mediators & Is testable and hence falsifiable via hypotheses & predictions. Is based on empirical data & is modified in response to new data: possesses interdisciplinary compatibility, respects gender, ethnicity, and culture. Said criminals had distinctive features (referred to them as atavisms) such as sloping forheads & twisted lips which weren"t observed in normal subjects. Also said that they had more in common with neanderthals than modern day man". Genetics and crime twins, adoption, and molecular genetics. Adoption studies: research takes one of two forms, parent-offspring adoption studies. Concordance rates/correlation between adoptive parents & adoptees" antisocial behavior are compared to those of biological parents & adoptees. If the rates are higher for the biological parents and adopted offspring then there is more genetic contributions inferred.
