Biological Factors in Criminal Behavior: A Case Study

The research aims to investigate the relationship between biological factors and criminal behavior. A qualitative case study methodology will be used, interviewing 4 psychologists with experience in criminal behavior. The study explores how biological influences, such as genetic mutations, can contribute to criminal behavior. Literature review highlights the importance of considering both environmental and biological factors in understanding criminal activity. The research findings suggest that there is a strong correlation between genetics and criminal behavior, specifically the genes MAOA and CDH13. Three out of four psychologists interviewed agreed with this hypothesis.

Running head: PSYCHOLOGY 1
Psychology
Name
Academic Institution
WORKSHEET 1:

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1. Identify and briefly summarize the topic related to psychology that you will study.
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).
2. Summarize at least two articles that you might use in the literature review section of the
introduction that are relevant to the topic you want to research. List the APA reference
citation followed by the summary.
The two articles that will be utilized in the literature review are as follows:
Ellis, Lee (2005) A Theory Explaining Biological Correlates of Criminality. European
Journal of Criminology 2 (3):287-351
This 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.
Sterzer, P. (2009). Born to be a criminal? What to make of early biological risk factors for

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criminal behavior. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 167(1), 1-3.
This 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.
3. Discuss the bias and limitations present in the articles. Support your discussion with
specific examples from the articles.
Article 1: In this 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.
Article 2: In this 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.
4. Discuss other factors that might impact the credibility of those articles. You might look
at how the research methods used influenced results, or you might look at the setting of
the research. Anything in the article that might impact the outcome of the research
could be discussed here.
a. Explain how the bias and limitations may inform or influence your research.
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

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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.
b. Summarize the research design and methods described in these articles.
Article 1: This 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.
Article 2: This 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.
c. Discuss the appropriateness of the research design and methods in these articles.
Were they appropriate for the research questions and hypotheses?
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.

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d. Discuss whether or not the research design and methods in these articles align to
the expectations of the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists. Support your
discussion with specific examples from the articles.
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.
e. Based on your evaluation of these articles, discuss which research design and
methods you feel will be most appropriate for the research you want to conduct.
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.
f. Explain the steps you will take to ensure your research aligns to the expectations
of the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists.
In order to make sure that my research aligns to the expectations of the APA ethical
principles of psychologists, the following steps will be taken:
1. I will make sure that my research does not contain any type of
ethical issues. If there are, I will resolve them right away.

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2. I will make sure that there is a strong level of competence in order
to perform the study to the best of my ability
3. I will make sure that the participants are aware of their privacy and
confidentiality parameters as I continue with the study
4. I will allow for a thorough evaluation method as I continue with
the data collection and assessment of my research.
WORKSHEET 2:
1.Introduction
a. State your hypothesis. The hypothesis should be logical and appropriate to
the topic you want to research.
Biological factors such as genetic mutations are directly correlated with criminal
behavior.
b. Explain where your hypothesis fits in the context of the literature review.
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.
c. Discuss specific examples from relevant literature that support your
hypothesis.
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).

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2. Methods
a. Explain the research design and method you selected, and justify why they
are appropriate for your research.
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.
b. Discuss the research participants that will be involved in your study,
including how they will be selected and how many will be used.
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.
Case Study

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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 criminals which is why there is still
controversy regarding biology and criminal behavior (Ellis, 2005).
Hypothesis:
Biological factors such as genetic mutations are directly correlated with criminal
behavior.
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.
Literature Review:

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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).
Analysis/Results:
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.
When performing the study, I interviewed the psychologists in a group setting and in a
one on one setting. The one on one setting was done so that there was a limited level of bias that
was seen. Before any of the interviews took place, each participant took the time to take a brief

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survey on survey monkey in order to gauge their beliefs on biological influences on criminal
behavior. The questions are as follows:
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.
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.

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References
Ellis, L. (2005). A theory explaining biological correlates of criminality. European Journal of
Criminology, 2(3), 287-315.
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.