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43
1
Louise
10/02/2023
Criminology
AC2.1 Physiological Theories
1,065
•
10 Feb 2023
•
Lombroso and Sheldon: Crime Theories for Kids
Louise
@louise_studies
Physiological Theories of Crime
Lombroso's Theory of Criminal Anthropology
Cesare Lombroso, considered one of the pioneers in the scientific study of criminality, developed the Lombroso theory which proposed that criminals could be identified by specific physical features. This theory was based on several assumptions:
- Physiological Assumption: Physical traits cause criminality
- Genetic Assumption: Criminality is inherited
- Brain Injury Assumption: Abnormalities in the brain lead to criminal behavior
- Biochemical Assumption: Hormones and chemicals influence criminal tendencies
Vocabulary: Atavistic - Lombroso used this term to describe criminals as less evolved individuals.
Lombroso identified features such as large jaws, high cheekbones, and flat noses as indicators of criminal tendencies. He even linked specific features to types of crimes, such as a beaked nose to murderers.
Example: According to the Lombroso theory, a person with a beaked nose might be more likely to commit murder.
Strengths of Lombroso's Theory:
- Pioneered the scientific study of crime
- Led to increased focus on examining criminal records
- Shifted focus towards reforming prisoners rather than purely punishing them
Weaknesses of Lombroso's Theory:
- Lacked a control group for comparison with the general population
- Relied solely on his own research without secondary sources
- Later research found no link between facial features and criminality
Highlight: The Lombroso theory strengths and weaknesses demonstrate both its historical importance and its scientific limitations.
Sheldon's Somatotype Theory
William Sheldon developed a theory linking body types to personality traits and criminal behavior. He identified three main body types:
- Ectomorph: Thin, lean, low muscle and body fat
- Mesomorph: Muscular, strong limbs, broad shoulders
- Endomorph: Round, lack of muscle, wide hips
Definition: Somatotypes are categories of human body types proposed by William Sheldon.
Sheldon's research involved rating photographs of college students and juvenile offenders on a scale of 1 to 7 for how "mesomorphic" they appeared. He concluded that mesomorphs were most likely to commit crimes, while ectomorphs were least likely.
Example: According to Sheldon's somatotypes theory, a muscular person might be more prone to criminal behavior than a thin person .
Strengths of Sheldon's Theory:
- Used a large sample size and included a control group
- Some later studies found links between physique and crime
- Glueck found a higher percentage of mesomorphs among delinquents compared to non-delinquents
Weaknesses of Sheldon's Theory:
- Body types change throughout a person's life
- Cannot explain criminal behavior in endomorphs and ectomorphs
- Cultural factors influencing body types were not considered
Highlight: The strengths and weaknesses of Sheldon's theory reveal both its contributions to criminology and its limitations in explaining the complex nature of criminal behavior.
Both the Lombroso theory and Sheldon's somatotypes theory are important in the history of biological theories of crime. While largely discredited today, they paved the way for more sophisticated research into the biological factors that may influence criminal behavior.
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Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Lombroso and Sheldon: Crime Theories for Kids
Louise
@louise_studies
The biological theories of crimefocus on physiological and genetic factors that may influence criminal behavior. This summary covers two key theories: Lombroso's theory of criminal anthropology and Sheldon's somatotype theory. Both theories attempt to link physical characteristics with criminal... Show more
Physiological Theories of Crime
Lombroso's Theory of Criminal Anthropology
Cesare Lombroso, considered one of the pioneers in the scientific study of criminality, developed the Lombroso theory which proposed that criminals could be identified by specific physical features. This theory was based on several assumptions:
- Physiological Assumption: Physical traits cause criminality
- Genetic Assumption: Criminality is inherited
- Brain Injury Assumption: Abnormalities in the brain lead to criminal behavior
- Biochemical Assumption: Hormones and chemicals influence criminal tendencies
Vocabulary: Atavistic - Lombroso used this term to describe criminals as less evolved individuals.
Lombroso identified features such as large jaws, high cheekbones, and flat noses as indicators of criminal tendencies. He even linked specific features to types of crimes, such as a beaked nose to murderers.
Example: According to the Lombroso theory, a person with a beaked nose might be more likely to commit murder.
Strengths of Lombroso's Theory:
- Pioneered the scientific study of crime
- Led to increased focus on examining criminal records
- Shifted focus towards reforming prisoners rather than purely punishing them
Weaknesses of Lombroso's Theory:
- Lacked a control group for comparison with the general population
- Relied solely on his own research without secondary sources
- Later research found no link between facial features and criminality
Highlight: The Lombroso theory strengths and weaknesses demonstrate both its historical importance and its scientific limitations.
Sheldon's Somatotype Theory
William Sheldon developed a theory linking body types to personality traits and criminal behavior. He identified three main body types:
- Ectomorph: Thin, lean, low muscle and body fat
- Mesomorph: Muscular, strong limbs, broad shoulders
- Endomorph: Round, lack of muscle, wide hips
Definition: Somatotypes are categories of human body types proposed by William Sheldon.
Sheldon's research involved rating photographs of college students and juvenile offenders on a scale of 1 to 7 for how "mesomorphic" they appeared. He concluded that mesomorphs were most likely to commit crimes, while ectomorphs were least likely.
Example: According to Sheldon's somatotypes theory, a muscular person might be more prone to criminal behavior than a thin person .
Strengths of Sheldon's Theory:
- Used a large sample size and included a control group
- Some later studies found links between physique and crime
- Glueck found a higher percentage of mesomorphs among delinquents compared to non-delinquents
Weaknesses of Sheldon's Theory:
- Body types change throughout a person's life
- Cannot explain criminal behavior in endomorphs and ectomorphs
- Cultural factors influencing body types were not considered
Highlight: The strengths and weaknesses of Sheldon's theory reveal both its contributions to criminology and its limitations in explaining the complex nature of criminal behavior.
Both the Lombroso theory and Sheldon's somatotypes theory are important in the history of biological theories of crime. While largely discredited today, they paved the way for more sophisticated research into the biological factors that may influence criminal behavior.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user