Active learning ideas
Biological explanations of offending explore the idea that some individuals are 'born criminals.' Students examine historical theories like Lombroso's 'atavistic form', the idea that criminals are evolutionary throwbacks, alongside modern genetic and neural research. This includes the role of the MAOA gene, the 'warrior gene,' and brain structures like the prefrontal cortex and amygdala.
Activity 01
Display images and descriptions of Lombroso's 'atavistic' features alongside modern brain scans of psychopaths. Students move around the room to identify the flaws in historical theories and the potential biases in modern neural research.
What was Lombroso's atavistic form theory and why is it criticised?
Activity 02
Divide the class into 'Defence' and 'Prosecution.' The defence must argue that a defendant's genetic makeup (e.g., the MAOA gene) should be a mitigating factor in their sentencing, while the prosecution argues for personal responsibility and the danger of biological excuses.
How do twin and adoption studies support a genetic explanation for crime?
Activity 03
Groups are given data sets from famous twin and adoption studies (e.g., Christiansen or Mednick). They must calculate the concordance rates for criminal behaviour and explain what the 'gap' in the data tells us about environmental influences.
What role do mirror neurons and the amygdala play in psychopathy?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Lombroso's theory was purely scientific and objective.
Lombroso's work was heavily influenced by the racial and social prejudices of his time, often labelling non-Western features as 'atavistic.' Peer-led analysis of his work helps students see the importance of historical context and the dangers of 'scientific' racism.
If you have the 'warrior gene,' you will definitely become a criminal.
Genes only provide a predisposition; environmental factors like childhood abuse are usually required to 'trigger' the behaviour. Using the diathesis-stress model in collaborative tasks helps students avoid the trap of biological determinism.
Methods used in this brief
Offender Profiling
Students compare the top-down approach used by the FBI with the British bottom-up approach to offender profiling. They will evaluate the effectiveness of investigative psychology and geographical profiling.
8 methodologies
Psychological Explanations of Offending
Students examine Eysenck's theory of the criminal personality, cognitive distortions, and differential association theory. They will also look at psychodynamic explanations such as the inadequate superego.
8 methodologies
Dealing with Offending Behaviour
An evaluation of the aims of custodial sentencing and its psychological effects on inmates. Students will also explore behaviour modification, anger management, and restorative justice programmes as alternatives or supplements to prison.
8 methodologies