Biological Explanations of Criminality

    OCR
    GCSE

    Candidates must analyze biological approaches to explaining offending behavior, progressing from historical perspectives (Lombroso's Atavistic Form) to contemporary genetic and neural explanations. Assessment requires critical evaluation of the evidence for heritability (twin/adoption studies), candidate genes (MAOA, CDH13), and neural correlates (prefrontal cortex, mirror neurons), while addressing the implications of biological determinism and the interactionist approach (diathesis-stress). Responses must weigh scientific validity against the ethical dangers of biological reductionism.

    5
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Amygdala: Part of the limbic system responsible for fight or flight response.
    • XYY Syndrome: A chromosomal abnormality occurring in 1 in 1000 males.
    • Reductionism: The practice of simplifying complex phenomena to single causes.
    • Correlation vs Causation: The statistical limitation in genetic crime studies.
    • Hormonal regulation: The link between the amygdala and testosterone production.

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have identified the amygdala, but you must explain *how* its dysfunction leads to criminal behaviour (e.g., lack of fear response)."
    • "Your evaluation is generic; explicitly state that biological explanations are 'reductionist' and explain why this limits their validity."
    • "You referred to the scenario, but did not quote specific behaviours that suggest a biological cause. Be more precise with evidence."
    • "Differentiate clearly between correlation and causation when discussing XYY syndrome statistics."

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for precise identification of the amygdala's role in processing emotion, specifically fear and aggression, within the limbic system.
    • Credit responses that accurately describe XYY syndrome as a chromosomal abnormality affecting males, distinct from XXY (Klinefelter's).
    • Candidates must evaluate biological explanations by discussing reductionism; credit arguments that critique ignoring social or upbringing factors.
    • For AO2 application, award marks for linking biological theory to the specific behaviours exhibited by the character in the provided scenario.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡When evaluating, use the 'reductionism' argument: explain why reducing complex criminal behaviour to simple biology is a weakness.
    • 💡In 13-mark questions, ensure a balanced argument; juxtapose biological explanations against social explanations (e.g., Social Learning Theory) to access top bands.
    • 💡Always refer back to the 'stem' (scenario) by name and specific action when answering AO2 questions to avoid generic responses.
    • 💡Distinguish clearly between 'structure' (amygdala) and 'genetics' (XYY) if the question asks for a specific type of biological explanation.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing XYY syndrome (Jacob's syndrome) with XXY (Klinefelter's syndrome) or asserting that women can have XYY.
    • Stating definitively that biology 'causes' crime rather than 'predisposes' or 'increases risk', ignoring the diathesis-stress model.
    • Describing the general function of the brain without specifically isolating the amygdala or the limbic system.

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    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Identify
    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss
    Evaluate
    Calculate

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