Trait Theories Chapter 5Foundations of Trait TheoryThe view that criminals have physical or mental traits that make them different began with the Italian physician and criminologist-Cesare Lombroso. Crime producing interactions involve personal and environmental factors- Biological Positivismo All true knowledge is acquired through observation-not conjectureo Scientific method must be used for research to be valid- Cesare Lombrosoo Believed criminals are born with primitive physical traits known as atavistic anomalies Mesomorphs-athletic appearance; active, aggressive, violent, most likely to become criminals Endomorphs-heavy builds & slow moving; lethargic; less violent, more stolen property Ectomorphs-tall, thin, less social, more intellectual; least likely to commit crime- The legacy of Biological Criminologyo Influences antisocial behavioro Improper diet can cause chemical and mineral imbalance that lead to cognitive and learning deficitso Abnormal levels of androgens produces antisocial behavior- Sociobiologyo The idea that the gene is the ultimate unity that controls human destiny, but environment and experience also have impacts- Contemporary Trait Theorieso View of crime caustionBiosocial Theory- Biochemical Conditions and Crimeo Smoking/Drinkingo Exposure to Chemicals/Mineralso Diet & Crimeo Sugar Intakeo Hormonal Influenceso Premenstrual Syndromeo Environmental contaminantso Lead Ingestiono Allergieso ADHDo Tumors, Lesions, Injury, Diseaseo Neurophysiological Conditions & Crime- Arousal Theoryo Different people’s brains function differently in response to environmental stimulio Factors that determine levels of Arousal include: Brain ChemistryTrait Theories Chapter 5 Heart Rate Autonomic Nervous System- Genetics and Crimeo Antisocial behavior is inherited- Evolutionary Theoryo Human traits that produce violence and aggression have been advanced through evolutiono Behavior patterns are inherited, impulsive behavior becomes intergenerational- Evaluation of the Biosocial Branch of Trait TheoryPsychological Trait Theories- Psychodynamic Theoryo Ego is shaped by learning and experience, superego reflects morals and valueso Criminals suffer from weak or damaged egoso Crime is manifested by feelings of oppression and an inability to develop defenses and rationales to keep their feelings in check- Attachment Theory- Behavioral Theoryo People aren’t born with the ability to act violently; rather, they learn to be aggressive through life experiences- Cognitive Theoryo Crime-prone people have cognitive deficits and use information incorrectly when makingdecisionso Believes that crime can satisfy personal needsPsychological Traits and Characteristics- Personality and Crimeo Sociopathic, psychopathic, or antisocial people cannot empathize with others and are more prone to problemso Childhood complications can lead to higher crime- Intelligence and Crimeo Determined genetically-ancestry determines IQo Low intelligence is linked to criminal behavioro Nurture theorists argue that intelligence is not