PSYC39H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Monoamine Oxidase A, Cesare Lombroso, Twin Study
Document Summary
Psyc39 ch. 2 theories of crime: biological and evolutionary explanations. Focuses on biological and evolutionary explanations for antisocial behaviour, crime and related phenomena. Biological explanations are varied: genetics exemplified by twin and adoption studies, brain neurochemistry and importance of diet. Clearly identifies the causal mechanisms and corresponding mediators and moderators underlying the phenomenon of interest. Testable and falsifiable via hypotheses and predictions. Based on empirical data and is modified in response to new data. Franz gall (1758-1828) was the father of phrenology a theoretical perspective positing that there is a relationship between the shape and size of a person"s head and his/her personality, mental ability and behaviours. Like most phrenology-oriented researchers at the time, spurzheim (student of gall) failed to include a comparison group, e. g. women who had not killed their children. The science" of phrenology eventually died out. Cesare lombroso (1835-1909) was the father of criminology.
