To+What+Extent+is+Criminal+Behavior+Primarily+Biologically+Based?

=To What Extent is Criminal Behavior Primarily Biologically Based?=

Criminal behavior is based primarily on the biological level of analysis to a moderate extent. Criminal behavior has always been a focus for psychologists due to the age old debate between nature and nurture. Is it the responsibility of an individual's genetic makeup that makes them a criminal or is it the environment in which they are raised that determines their outcome? Research has been conducted regarding this debate which has resulted in a conclusion that both genes and environment do play a role in the criminality of an individual. This evidence has been generated from a number of twin, family, and adoption studies as well as laboratory experiments. Furthermore, the research has stated that it is more often an interaction between genes and the environment that predicts criminal behavior. Having a genetic predisposition for criminal behavior does not determine the actions of an individual, but if they are exposed to the right environment, then their chances are greater for engaging in criminal or anti-social behavior.

The argument that criminality runs in families does not mean that it is biological. Other family-related factors could also be influential. In order to determine the extent to which genetics may play a role in criminal activity, psychologists have carried out twin studies. Christiansen (1977) studies 3586 sets of Danish twins. He found a concordance rate of 35 percent in MZ male twins, and 13 percent in DZ male twins. The rate among female twins was significantly lower, with 21 percent in MZ twins and 8 percent in DZ twins. Studies like this indicate that there may be some genetic factors in criminal behavior, but since the concordance rates are so low, it appears that other factors may play a more important role. A limitation of twin studies on crime is that MZ twins not only share a very common environment, but also, because they are identical, they are often treated more similarly than DZ twins are. This may help to account for the different concordance rates.

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