Exploring the Biological Dispositions of Criminal Behavior

This research study aims to investigate the relationship between biology and criminal behavior by conducting a qualitative case study analysis with psychologists who have experience in dealing with criminal activity. The study explores the factors that contribute to criminal behavior, including biological and environmental factors, and examines whether genetic dispositions play a role in criminal behavior.

Outline – Final Paper
To understand the biological influence on criminal behavior

Executive Summary
The executive summary will be covered at the end of the complete research and analysis.

Table of Contents
Executive Summary.........................................................................................................................1
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Research Aim...............................................................................................................................4
Research Objectives.....................................................................................................................4
Research Questions......................................................................................................................4
Literature Review............................................................................................................................4
Research Methodology....................................................................................................................8
Research Design...........................................................................................................................9
Research Participants...................................................................................................................9
Research Tools and Technique....................................................................................................9
Research Hypothesis..................................................................................................................10
Research Limitations..................................................................................................................10
Results and Analysis......................................................................................................................11
Recommendations and Conclusions..............................................................................................11
References......................................................................................................................................11

Introduction
The topic that will be studied as related to psychology is the biological influences on criminal
behavior. Some of the influences may be attributed to genetic factors. In other instances, there
may be traits that are inherited which are not entirely due to specific genes. It has also been
determined that some criminals have developed genetic mutations during the time of conception
while still in utero which can be attributed to criminal behavior as well. However, while these
implications have been proven, there are also environmental aspects to take into consideration as
well. Many researchers have argued that the major biological influences on a criminal may have
to do with the way that he or she is brought up. Since these factors are not considered inherited,
there has been a plethora of controversy surrounding these claims (Ellis, 2015).
When an environmental theory is used to explain certain types of behavior related to criminal
activity, it does not necessarily take into consideration hormones, neurology and other specific
physiological factors. Instead, the biological aspects are tied to the environmental aspects and
many people believe that the negative occurrences are simply due to the way that the applicable
person was raised or brought up. As a whole, there are many criminals who have been diagnosed
with a type of mental dysfunction that can be attributed to biological dispositions. With the
invention of brain imaging, researchers have been able to study the mind of criminals when
compared to the mind of a “normal person.” Most of the studies determined that the individuals
who were criminals were more susceptible to telling broad and outlandish stories about daily life
when compared to the other individuals. The biological implications proved that there may have
been an imbalance in hormones or some type of genetic defect. While this was the case for some

criminals, it was not proven with all criminals that are why there is still controversy regarding
biology and criminal behavior (Ellis, 2005).
Research Aim
To understand the biological influences on criminal behavior
Research Objectives
Mentioned below are the research objectives in relation to the research aim:
- To understand the behavior of criminals in normal conditions
- To understand the various biological factors that influence human behavior
- To understand the impact of biological factors on the behavior of the criminals
Research Questions
Mentioned below are the research questions pertaining to this research:
- What are the different types of biological factors that can impact the behavior?
- Do the biological factors influence the criminal behaviror?
- What are the conditions that increase the impact of biological influences on criminal
behavior?
Literature Review
Many of the biological influences may be attributed to genetic factors. In other instances, there
may be traits that are inherited which are not entirely due to specific genes. It has also been
determined that some criminals have developed genetic mutations during the time of conception
while still in utero which can be attributed to criminal behavior as well. However, while these
implications have been proven, there are also environmental aspects to take into consideration as

well. Many researchers have argued that the major biological influences on a criminal may have
to do with the way that he or she is brought up. Since these factors are not considered inherited,
there has been a plethora of controversy surrounding these claims (Ellis, 2015).
It has been found that people who carry the genes MAOA and CDH13 at the same time are likely
to commit crimes due to their aggressive tendencies. As a whole, it has been determined that
10% of criminals were known to carry both of these genes. Moreover, there have been multiple
occurrences in which the proof of genetics has been used in court in order to support a criminal
case (Stein, 2011).
The two articles that have been utilized in the literature review are Ellis, Lee (2005) A Theory
Explaining Biological Correlates of Criminality. European Journal of Criminology 2 (3):287-351
, and Sterzer, P. (2009). Born to be a criminal? What to make of early biological risk factors for
criminal behavior. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 167(1), 1-3.
The first article delves into one specific theory that helps researchers to understand the biological
implications of criminal behavior. Variables that are assessed include gender, age, race and
social status. Moreover, there is a thorough assessment regarding the types of behaviors that are
often seen from criminals. For example, there are crude behaviors and there are sophisticated
behaviors. From the article, the researchers are able to determine if there are any underlying
biological factors that can be taken into consideration. As a whole, the theory is used to predict a
plethora of variables that are linked to behavior and despite growing evidence of the literature
that exists; there is still a need to analyze the issue in depth.
The second article assesses the neurobiological implications of the factors that are associated
with criminal behavior. The researchers have tested that there were certain people that have been

born with abnormal fears that grow up to be criminals. Moreover, it is also indicated that there
are certain neutral stimuli that are associated with the behaviors that many criminals take part in.
As a whole, certain neuroimaging studies are analyzed in order to determine if brain function is
directly related to criminal behavior. Even from early childhood, there are factors that should be
assessed in the future.
In the first article, there is an extensive discussion about evolutionary behavior which does not
correlate well with criminal behavior. Moreover, the variables such as testosterone and
mesomorphy are not directly correlated either. In the second article, there is an emphasis on
social learning which does not necessarily delve into biological implications. However,
antisocial behavior is determined to be a trigger of criminal behavior.
The bias and limitations that were previously discussed may lead to a study that sways away
from the topic that was currently defined. Even though there are some researchers who claim that
environmental factors are correlated with biological factors, this is not the case in each
occurrence. Even though there is an allowance to have extensive information, there is still a
chance that the research can be swayed in another direction.
The first article is qualitative and it is known to be grounded theory research in which there is a
use of existing documentation and interviews that are utilized in order to build upon a theory that
has been stated already. The data is collected through different coding techniques and there are
an array of different themes that are presented. Moreover, the sample size is quite large
compared to most qualitative studies due to the fact that the author has taken time to collect
information from platforms that already exist. As a whole, grounded theory studies are beneficial
because they play a role in helping researchers to make informed decisions about certain issues.

The second article is an exploratory case study in which the researcher has utilized data from a
variety of different sources. Specifically, the author looked at results from different
neuroimaging studies to determine if there are any biological implications that are associated
with criminal behavior.
For both articles, the research design and methods seem to fit well. As a whole, it seemed as if
both authors were trying to gather applicable data from sources that already existed so that they
could determine a broader picture of the issue. For the research questions and hypotheses, both
designs were appropriate because the use of qualitative studies allows the researcher to gain an
in-depth understanding of a topic. With biological implications regarding criminal behavior,
there is a need to critically assess each aspect so that the literature can grow in time.
The research design and methods in the articles are aligned to the expectations of the APA
Ethical Principles of Psychologists because there is a strong allowance for privacy and
confidentiality for all participants and there integrity can be found among each study. Moreover,
based on the extensive research that is done, there is a commitment to increase the knowledge in
terms of academics and science so that the literature can be broad.
Based on the evaluation of the articles, I want to conduct a qualitative case study analysis in
which I take the time to interview several psychologists who have experience with criminal
activity. It seems as if the best way to go about my own research methodology is through
qualitative research as opposed to quantitative research because I am able to get an in-depth
analysis of applicable information. Additionally, with a case study, I can determine one point of
view or several points of views regarding biological factors. By using a sort of interpretive
paradigm, I will use the referenced articles as a guideline.

A biological influence on criminal activity is an extensive subject that has been researched for
many years. Many of the factors are tied to the environmental aspects and there are people who
believe that the negative occurrences are simply due to the way that the applicable person was
raised or brought up. As a whole, there are many criminals who have been diagnosed with a type
of mental dysfunction that can be attributed to biological dispositions. With the invention of
brain imaging, researchers have been able to study the mind of criminals when compared to the
mind of a “normal person.” Most of the studies determined that the individuals who were
criminals were more susceptible to telling broad and outlandish stories about daily life when
compared to the other individuals. The biological implications proved that there may have been
an imbalance in hormones or some type of genetic defect. While this was the case for some
criminals, it was not proven with all the criminals that are why there is still controversy
regarding biology and criminal behavior (Ellis, 2005).
Research Methodology
A qualitative case study analysis will be used in which I take the time to interview several
psychologists who have experience with criminal activity. It seems as if the best way to go about
my own research methodology is through qualitative research as opposed to quantitative research
because I am able to get an in-depth analysis of applicable information. Additionally, with a case
study, I can determine one point of view or several points of views regarding biological factors.
By using a sort of interpretive paradigm, I will use the referenced articles as a guideline.

Research Design
The research design that will be used is qualitative and the method will be a case study. They are
appropriate for the research because there is an allowance to gain an in-depth understanding of
genetics and criminal behavior.
Research Participants
The research participants will be psychologists who have had experience with criminal behavior.
They will be located in the surrounding area. I am looking to develop a case study of
approximately 4 psychologists who all have differing views on the implications surrounding
biology and criminal behavior. The gender of the participants will not be taken into
consideration. Instead, I am concerned about their knowledge base and what they have to offer to
the study. Each of them will sign a confidentiality form as well.
Research Tools and Technique
The selected psychologists will be interviewed using the basic questionnaire prepared in relation
to this paper as mentioned below and then the response will be assessed further for the
recommendations:
1. What are some factors that cause criminal behavior?
2. How would you define criminal behavior?
3. Do you believe more in the concept of nature or nurture or both? Please explain.
4. Do you believe that biological factors play a role in criminal activity?
5. Do you believe that environmental factors play a role in criminal activity?
6. Have you dealt with patients who have undergone criminal activity?

7. Have you done any research on criminal activity during your time practicing as a
psychologist?
8. Are you familiar with genetics and criminal activity? If so, please explain.
Research Hypothesis
The hypothesis is directly related to the literature review that I have evaluated because there was
a plethora of information regarding the genetic dispositions of criminal behavior and biological
implications. As a whole, it does not seem to be logically derived from the presented research.
Mentioned below are some of the hypotheses derived till now:
Research Limitations
There are certain limitations that can be counted for this research. The research results cannot be
employed to all the scenarios other than stated in the paper as the research has been conducted
with limited premise and it’s universality cannot be stated. As the research is entirely based on
understanding the case studies, reviewing the literatures, and interacting with the experts
therefore it might be possible that the researcher bias can come up during the research. To
prevent such situations, no pre-defined conclusions have been kept in considerations. Moreover,
to ensure that the interviewees give proper response, interviews will be conducted only at their
preferred time and place.

Results and Analysis
The results will be discussed after the further analysis of the subjects in the research study. The
information was assessed from the interview and it was determined that 3 out of the 4
psychologists were very familiar with criminal behavior. In fact, all three of them believed that
genetics could be linked to criminal behavior. They were also informed about the genes MAOA
and CDH13 and they determined that there is a strong correlation to criminal behavior and the
inclusion of those factors. One psychologist also determined that while biological factors may
play a role, environmental factors are important to take into consideration as well. As a result, it
has been determined that the hypothesis can be proven correct. Biological factors do play a role
in criminal activity.
Recommendations and Conclusions
The recommendations and the conclusions will be developed after the study of the results
reached through the researches.
References
Alper, J. S. (1995). Biological influences on criminal behaviour: how good is the evidence?.
BMJ: British Medical Journal, 310(6975), 272.
Anderson, G. S. (2006). Biological influences on criminal behavior. CRC Press.
Bartol, A. M., & Bartol, C. R. (2014). Criminal behavior: A psychological approach. Boston:
Pearson, c2014. xxiii, 644 pages: illustrations; 24 cm..

DiLalla, L. F., & Gottesman, I. I. (1991). Biological and genetic contributors to violence:
Widom's untold tale.
Ellis, L. (2005). A theory explaining biological correlates of criminality. European Journal of
Criminology, 2(3), 287-315.
Harlow, M. C. (2008). Biological Influences on Criminal Behavior. Psychiatric Services, 59(2),
213-213.
Rowe, D. C. (2002). Biology and crime. Los Angeles, CA: Roxbury.
Soothill, J. F. (1995). Biological influences on criminal behaviour. BMJ: British Medical
Journal, 310(6990), 1332.
Stein, A. (2011). Genes linked to violent crimes. Genetic Literacy, 12(3), 23-30.
Sterzer, P. (2009). Born to be a criminal? What to make of early biological risk factors for
criminal behavior. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 167(1), 1-3.