3.2
Evaluation of criminological theories
Biological theories
- Genetic theories
Twin studies
Strength
- Twin studies give some support to genetic explanations, i.e. Ishikawa and Raine found a higher
concordance rate for MZ (identical) than DZ (non-identical) twins
- MZ twins are genetically identical, therefore it makes sense to examine if their offending is also
identical
weakness
- If criminality was only genetic, MZ twins would have 100% concordance, but studies only show
around half or less.
- Higher concordance rates can be due to identical twins sharing the same environment and
experiences at school/home
- It is impossible to isolate effects of genetics and environment
Adoption studies
Strength
- It is logical research, investigates the importance of nature v nurture
- Overcomes the problem of twin studies, where the environment and genetics can’t be separated
weakness
- adopted children often stay in similar environments to their birth family, same class, ethnicity,
location. Same environment may produce same behaviour
- most children not adopted at birth, remain with birth family for some time, early environment may
have effects on behaviour
, XYY study
Strength
- Jacob et al did find an association with XYY syndrome and violent prisoners
- Price & Whatmore found links between the syndrome & property crime.
weakness
- XYY males physically fit the stereotype of violent offender, therefore labelled as such (labelling
theory)
- XYY males have lower IQ, more likely to be caught, therefore overrepresented in prison and
unreliable statistics
- Having the syndrome doesn’t mean that it is the cause of crime, environmental factors
Evaluation of criminological theories
Biological theories
- Genetic theories
Twin studies
Strength
- Twin studies give some support to genetic explanations, i.e. Ishikawa and Raine found a higher
concordance rate for MZ (identical) than DZ (non-identical) twins
- MZ twins are genetically identical, therefore it makes sense to examine if their offending is also
identical
weakness
- If criminality was only genetic, MZ twins would have 100% concordance, but studies only show
around half or less.
- Higher concordance rates can be due to identical twins sharing the same environment and
experiences at school/home
- It is impossible to isolate effects of genetics and environment
Adoption studies
Strength
- It is logical research, investigates the importance of nature v nurture
- Overcomes the problem of twin studies, where the environment and genetics can’t be separated
weakness
- adopted children often stay in similar environments to their birth family, same class, ethnicity,
location. Same environment may produce same behaviour
- most children not adopted at birth, remain with birth family for some time, early environment may
have effects on behaviour
, XYY study
Strength
- Jacob et al did find an association with XYY syndrome and violent prisoners
- Price & Whatmore found links between the syndrome & property crime.
weakness
- XYY males physically fit the stereotype of violent offender, therefore labelled as such (labelling
theory)
- XYY males have lower IQ, more likely to be caught, therefore overrepresented in prison and
unreliable statistics
- Having the syndrome doesn’t mean that it is the cause of crime, environmental factors
