PSY 224: Milestone One Worksheet on Criminal Behavior Psychology

This assignment, a Milestone One worksheet for a PSY 224 course, explores the biological influences on criminal behavior. The student identifies the topic, discussing genetic factors, environmental aspects, and hormonal imbalances as potential contributors. It summarizes two relevant articles, Ellis (2005) and Sterzer (2009), analyzing their research designs, methods, biases, and limitations. The student then discusses the appropriateness of these designs and methods, aligning them with APA ethical principles. Finally, the student proposes a qualitative case study analysis, involving interviews with psychologists, and outlines steps to ensure ethical research practices. The assignment showcases an understanding of research methodologies and the ethical considerations within the field of psychology, focusing on the complex relationship between biology and criminal behavior.

Rabiatu Alowonle
PSY 224 Milestone One Worksheet: Topic Selection and Introduction
Review the critical elements that must be addressed in the final project. Use this worksheet to
develop Milestone One. You should build on the ideas from the Module One discussion to select
your final topic.
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).
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 which is why there is still controversy regarding
biology and criminal behavior (Ellis, 2005).
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
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
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.
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.
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.

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.