1. What makes a criminal?

Quiz According to Lombrosso, what are prisons? What are the physiological explanations for criminal behaviour? What are the non-physiological explanations for criminal behaviour? What experimental design was used in the Raine et al. (1997) study? Outline two conclusions from the Raine et al. (1997) study

Raine et al. (1997) Label the brain activity

Evaluation of Raine Raine et al. use of brain scans Valid and reliable measure as demand characteristics cannot affect results. However the precision of brain areas is hard to locate and maintain. Scans need to be interpreted (subjective) and compared which is difficult Raine et al. generalisability? Small range of criminals used – those committing crimes out with murder may have different brain activities. Doesn’t consider those who commit violent and non violent crimes too Participants are extensively matched (including schizophrenia diagnosis) Raine et al. ethical issues Was informed consent given? Did they have a right to withdraw? Do they feel that they can exercise this right? They may be more vulnerable to persuasion as they are bored and have ‘nothing to loose’ Background: Physiological and non-physiological explanations of criminal behaviour ✓ Key Research: Raine et al (1997) Brain abnormalities in murderers indicated by positron emission tomography ✓ Application: One biological strategy for preventing criminal behaviour

Application: One biological strategy for preventing criminal behaviour Application: One biological strategy for preventing criminal behaviour. Even if the ideas of Lombrosso have no scientific backing. We associate physical abnormalities with misbehaviour and criminal behaviour. This traces all the way back to our childhood. Where the ugly sisters ugly before they were wicked? Or is this an example of self fulfilling prophecy?

Application: One biological strategy for preventing criminal behaviour. If the way we view people puts them at risk of choosing a criminal pathway in life, then on way to change it is to change our views on them = change their physical appearance Not only might this prevent the consequences of negative responses from others, it may boost their self esteem (low self esteem is linked with high involvement in crime) Plastic surgery has a potential as a biological strategy to prevent criminal behaviour

Application: One biological strategy for preventing criminal behaviour Application: One biological strategy for preventing criminal behaviour. Lewinson (1965) Conducted 450 facial reconstruction operations in a prison population (on men and women) Lewinson took into consideration four factors when selecting inmates; Age (while young people have more to gain, by 40, people wanted to change) Number of offenses (early offenders selected) Type of offense ( drug addicts were usually rejected and sex offenders not considered) Reasons for seeking surgery (embarrassment about a congenital defect, desire to improve function, correct defects to be able to perform duties in prison, to be more presentable when released from prison) Operations were predominately ‘fixing’ previously broken noses, deformed ears, receding chins and removal of facial scars Behaviour was observed for remainder of sentence and after release Conducted over 10 year period

Application: One biological strategy for preventing criminal behaviour Application: One biological strategy for preventing criminal behaviour. Lewinson (1965) Lewinson observed… Most obvious and immediate change was psychological – increase in cooperation with authority and participation in prison activities Inmates were more likely to learn a trade. Raised moral and reduced hostility Gratitude to surgeon and nursing staff Recidivism (reoffending) rate for 450 inmates was 42% (considerably less than the 75% rate for the general inmate population) Surgery directly or indirectly responsible for difference in recidivism Being cared for Free services Time and individual attention Improved self perception

Breaks self fulfilling prophecy, giving prisoners ‘new start’ as they are not perceived as criminals and therefore do not feel to show criminal behaviour One problem: individuals swapped crimes from theft to more subtle crimes such as confidence tricksters – all due to new confidence

Biological explanation suggest hereditary disposition towards criminality Debates But evidence doesn’t indicate it’s the only reason; social learning theory, operant conditioning Nature vs Nurture Free will vs determinism Reductionism vs holism Psychology as a science Usefulness of research We assume people choose to partake in criminal behaviour However, as we have seen their behaviour is determined by self perception and perceptions by others. Also, Raine saw brain abnormalities which influence their risk of behaviour Genetics, or social learning, or self fulfilling prophecy. A holistic would consider all Hard to study scientifically – only those caught, they can lie and cannot be observed first hand However, use of brains scans gives us some form of biological insight Useful guidance for society. Reducing risks in children learning criminal behaviours and a helpful rehabilitation tool (surgery)

Background: Physiological and non-physiological explanations of criminal behaviour ✓ Key Research: Raine et al (1997) Brain abnormalities in murderers indicated by positron emission tomography ✓ Application: One biological strategy for preventing criminal behaviour ✓