CRIM 103 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Webbed Toes, Traumatic Brain Injury, Smoking And Pregnancy

• School: Simon Fraser University
• Department: Criminology
• Course: CRIM 103
• Professor: Jeffery Mathesuis

Document Summary

Genetics may play a role in criminality, but it is only an insignificant one. There is little doubt that environment, as well as individual or group values, are important determinants and causes of criminal behavior. (pg15) Most behavioral scientists recognize behavioral traits result from interaction of hereditary. Heredity & environment - both involved in behavior. Biopsychologists - psychologists studying biological aspects of behavior. Try to determine which genetic & neurophysiological variables play part in criminal behavior. Do not believe genetic/neurophysiological components are sole causal agents of human behavior. Twin studies provide more support for heritability of antisocial behavior than adoption studies. When one twin demonstrates antisocial behavior, likely other twin will behave same way even when reared apart. Twin & adoption studies have potential of providing more convincing case fo relative influence of genetic & environmental factors. No more genetically alike than non-twin siblings. Always same sex & share same genes. Of monozygotic twins share same chorion.