Understanding Early Biological Theories of Criminal Behavior

The video explores the historical debate of nature versus nurture in determining behavior, focusing on early biological theories that linked physical traits to criminality. These theories, including physiognomy and phrenology, were based on biological determinism and have been discredited as pseudoscience. The video highlights the racial and class prejudices inherent in these theories and critiques the positivist approach. It concludes by discussing modern biosocial theories that recognize biology as one of many factors influencing behavior.

What was the central premise of early biological theories of criminal behavior?

• Criminal behavior is learned through social interactions.

• Criminals choose to commit crimes based on rational decisions.

• Criminals are born with genetic traits that determine their behavior.

• Criminal behavior is a result of economic conditions.

What did physiognomy attempt to link with moral character?

• A person's education level

• A person's facial features

• A person's family background

• A person's financial status

Which method used skull shape to determine personality traits?

• Physiognomy

• Phrenology

• Alchemy

• Astrology

Who is often referred to as the father of criminology?

• Sigmund Freud

• Cesare Beccaria

• Emile Durkheim

• Cesar Lombroso

What did Lombroso believe about criminals?

• They are a product of their upbringing.

• They have distinct physical features.

• They are rational decision-makers.

• They are influenced by their environment.

What was a major flaw in early biological theories of crime?

• They were based on modern scientific methods.

• They lacked logical connections between concepts.

• They ignored the role of genetics.

• They were too focused on environmental factors.

What type of prejudice was inherent in early biological theories?

• Political and ideological prejudice

• Gender and age prejudice

• Racial and ethnic prejudice

• Religious and cultural prejudice

What do biosocial theories of crime recognize?

• Criminal behavior is entirely unpredictable.

• Multiple factors, including biology, influence behavior.

• Environment is the only factor influencing behavior.

• Biology is the sole cause of criminal behavior.

Why did biological theories fall out of favor after World War II?

• They were too complex to understand.

• They were discredited due to their flawed assumptions.

• They were replaced by psychological theories.

• They were proven to be entirely accurate.

What is the modern view on the role of biology in criminal behavior?

• Biology is the only factor in determining behavior.

• Biology determines behavior with absolute certainty.

• Biology is one of many factors influencing behavior.

• Biology has no influence on behavior.