Can criminal behaviour be explained by biology?
Biological explanations of criminality: the role of genes and brain structure (including the amygdala and frontal lobe), and an evaluation against the learning explanation.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Psychology Topic 6, covering biological explanations of criminality: the role of genes and brain structure (amygdala and frontal lobe), with an evaluation.
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What this dot point is asking
Edexcel wants you to explain biological explanations of criminality: the role of genes and brain structure (such as the frontal lobe and amygdala), and to evaluate these against the learning explanation. The expected conclusion is that biology and learning interact (a biosocial view).
The role of genes
Twin and adoption studies suggest a genetic influence on aggression and antisocial behaviour: identical twins (who share all their genes) tend to be more similar in antisocial behaviour than non-identical twins, and adopted children can resemble their biological parents in this respect. This suggests some people inherit a raised vulnerability to criminality. As with depression and addiction, genes are best seen as vulnerability rather than destiny: a genetic risk interacts with the environment.
The role of brain structure
These ideas connect Topic 6 to Topic 4 (the brain): the same structures that, when damaged, change behaviour may, when different, raise the risk of antisocial behaviour.
Evaluating the biological explanation
Strengths. It has scientific support (twin, adoption and brain studies) and can explain why some violent behaviour seems impulsive and uncontrolled. It also suggests biological factors should be considered in assessment and treatment.
Weaknesses. It is reductionist (reducing complex crime to genes or brain parts) and deterministic (implying people cannot help offending), which raises issues about responsibility. Crucially, most people with these biological factors do not offend, so biology alone is not enough; learning and environment are also needed. The accepted view is a biosocial one, where biology and learning interact.
Try this
Q1. Which brain structure, linked to fear and aggression, is associated with violent behaviour? [1 mark]
- Cue. The amygdala.
Q2. What type of study suggests genes influence criminality? [1 mark]
- Cue. Twin and adoption studies.
Q3. Explain one weakness of the biological explanation of criminality. [2 marks]
- Cue. It is reductionist and deterministic, and most people with these biological factors do not offend, so learning and environment also matter.
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of Pearson Edexcel exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
Edexcel 20184 marksExplain how biological factors may help to explain criminal behaviour. (Paper 2)Show worked answer →
A 4-mark Explain item rewards developed biological points, such as genes and brain structure.
Genes may contribute to criminality: twin and adoption studies suggest a genetic influence on aggression and antisocial behaviour, so some people may inherit a raised vulnerability. Brain structure may also play a role: differences in the frontal lobe, which controls impulse control and decision making, could make a person more impulsive and less able to control aggression, and differences in the amygdala, which processes emotions such as fear and aggression, have been linked to violent behaviour.
Markers reward a genetic point (inherited vulnerability, supported by twin or adoption studies) and a brain-structure point (frontal lobe and impulse control, or the amygdala and aggression), each explained.
Edexcel 20226 marksDiscuss whether criminal behaviour is better explained by biological factors or by learning. (Paper 2)Show worked answer →
A 6-mark Discuss item rewards points on both explanations and a conclusion.
Biological explanation: genes may raise vulnerability to aggression (twin and adoption studies), and brain differences (frontal lobe, amygdala) may reduce impulse control. Strength: it has scientific support and can explain why some violent behaviour seems impulsive. Weakness: it is reductionist and deterministic, and biology alone does not explain why most people with these factors do not offend.
Learning explanation: crime can be observed and imitated from models and reinforced (social learning and operant conditioning). Strength: it explains why crime runs in families and peer groups and is linked to environment. Weakness: not everyone exposed to criminal models offends, so it is incomplete too.
Conclusion: criminality is best explained by an interaction of biology and learning (a biosocial view), since vulnerability plus environment together predict offending better than either alone. Markers reward developed points on both sides and a justified conclusion, plus clear written communication.
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Sources & how we know this
- Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Psychology (1PS0) specification — Pearson Edexcel (2017)