Biological Theories of Deviance and Crime

Description: This quiz is designed to assess your understanding of the biological theories of deviance and crime. Biological theories focus on the role of genetic, physiological, and neurological factors in explaining criminal behavior. These theories suggest that certain biological characteristics, such as genetics, brain structure, and hormonal imbalances, may predispose individuals to engage in deviant or criminal behavior.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: biological theories deviance crime genetics neurology physiology
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Which biological theory of deviance and crime emphasizes the role of genetics in criminal behavior?

  1. Sociobiology

  2. Biosocial Theory

  3. Genetic Predisposition Theory

  4. Neurological Theory


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Genetic Predisposition Theory suggests that certain genetic traits or variations may increase an individual's likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior.

According to the Biosocial Theory, which factor is considered to interact with biological factors in influencing criminal behavior?

  1. Social Learning

  2. Environmental Factors

  3. Cultural Norms

  4. Economic Conditions


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Biosocial Theory proposes that biological factors interact with environmental factors, such as poverty, abuse, and lack of opportunities, to shape criminal behavior.

What is the primary focus of Sociobiology in explaining criminal behavior?

  1. Genetic Inheritance

  2. Evolutionary Adaptations

  3. Neurological Deficiencies

  4. Hormonal Imbalances


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Sociobiology examines how evolutionary processes and adaptations may influence criminal behavior, suggesting that certain behaviors may have been advantageous in ancestral environments.

Which biological theory of deviance and crime emphasizes the role of brain structure and functioning in criminal behavior?

  1. Neurological Theory

  2. Biosocial Theory

  3. Genetic Predisposition Theory

  4. Sociobiology


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Neurological Theory suggests that abnormalities or dysfunctions in brain structure or functioning, such as low levels of serotonin, may contribute to criminal behavior.

According to the Neurological Theory, which brain structure is often associated with impulsive and aggressive behavior?

  1. Amygdala

  2. Hippocampus

  3. Prefrontal Cortex

  4. Cerebellum


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Amygdala is a brain structure involved in emotional processing and fear conditioning, and its dysfunction has been linked to impulsive and aggressive behavior.

Which biological theory of deviance and crime focuses on the role of hormonal imbalances in criminal behavior?

  1. Endocrinological Theory

  2. Neurological Theory

  3. Genetic Predisposition Theory

  4. Biosocial Theory


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Endocrinological Theory suggests that hormonal imbalances, such as high levels of testosterone or low levels of serotonin, may contribute to criminal behavior.

According to the Endocrinological Theory, which hormone is often associated with aggression and dominance?

  1. Estrogen

  2. Testosterone

  3. Serotonin

  4. Dopamine


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Testosterone is a hormone associated with aggression, dominance, and risk-taking behavior, and high levels of testosterone have been linked to increased criminal behavior.

Which biological theory of deviance and crime emphasizes the role of physical characteristics in criminal behavior?

  1. Physiognomy

  2. Neurological Theory

  3. Genetic Predisposition Theory

  4. Endocrinological Theory


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Physiognomy is a theory that suggests that physical characteristics, such as facial features or body type, can be used to predict criminal behavior.

According to Physiognomy, which physical characteristic was believed to indicate a propensity for criminal behavior?

  1. Large Ears

  2. Prominent Chin

  3. High Forehead

  4. Thin Lips


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Physiognomy proponents believed that thin lips indicated a lack of empathy and remorse, which were seen as characteristics associated with criminal behavior.

Which biological theory of deviance and crime has been criticized for its lack of scientific evidence and potential for discrimination?

  1. Genetic Predisposition Theory

  2. Neurological Theory

  3. Endocrinological Theory

  4. Physiognomy


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Physiognomy has been criticized for its lack of scientific evidence and its potential to lead to discrimination based on physical characteristics.

Biological theories of deviance and crime have been criticized for:

  1. Ignoring Social and Environmental Factors

  2. Oversimplifying Complex Behavior

  3. Potential for Genetic Determinism

  4. All of the Above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Biological theories have been criticized for ignoring social and environmental factors, oversimplifying complex behavior, and raising concerns about genetic determinism.

Which biological theory of deviance and crime emphasizes the role of evolutionary adaptations in shaping criminal behavior?

  1. Genetic Predisposition Theory

  2. Neurological Theory

  3. Sociobiology

  4. Endocrinological Theory


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Sociobiology suggests that certain criminal behaviors may have evolved as adaptive strategies in ancestral environments.

According to Sociobiology, which criminal behavior may have been advantageous in ancestral environments?

  1. Theft

  2. Homicide

  3. Rape

  4. All of the Above


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Sociobiologists argue that theft may have been advantageous in ancestral environments where resources were scarce and competition for survival was intense.

Which biological theory of deviance and crime emphasizes the role of brain chemistry in criminal behavior?

  1. Neurological Theory

  2. Genetic Predisposition Theory

  3. Endocrinological Theory

  4. Physiognomy


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Neurological Theory suggests that imbalances in brain chemistry, such as low levels of serotonin or dopamine, may contribute to criminal behavior.

According to the Neurological Theory, which neurotransmitter is often associated with impulsivity and risk-taking behavior?

  1. Serotonin

  2. Dopamine

  3. Norepinephrine

  4. Endorphins


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with impulsivity, reward-seeking behavior, and risk-taking, and its dysregulation has been linked to criminal behavior.

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