Biological Explanations of Offending Behaviour (AQA A-Level Psychology): Flashcards

Biological theory: abnormal brain physiology/biochemistry causes crime

Biochemistry of neurotransmitters & physiology of brain structures

Fight-or-flight response; elevated levels link to violence/aggression

Controls mood & impulse; low levels = increased impulsivity in crime

Connected to addiction/substance abuse, increases crime likelihood

Primitive brain region for emotion regulation; faults reduce emotions

Smaller frontal lobe volume in people with anti-social disorder

Criminal psychopaths showed much less limbic system activity

Oversimplifies; criminal behaviour more complex than biochemicals

Shortened MAOA gene affects neurotransmitters, links to aggression