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Biological explanations: A historical approach
The biological approach to explaining criminal behavior, focusing on Lombroso's theory of atavism and its historical significance in criminology. Lombroso proposed that criminals were genetic throwbacks with specific physical characteristics, laying the groundwork for modern criminology despite significant flaws in his methodology and conclusions.
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SUMMARY: Biological approach
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The biological approach to explaining criminal behavior, focusing on Lombroso's theory of atavism and its historical significance in criminology. Lombroso proposed that criminals were genetic throwbacks with specific physical characteristics, laying the groundwork for modern criminology despite significant flaws in
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This page explores the biological theory of crime, focusing on Cesare Lombroso's pioneering work in the late 19th century. Lombroso's theory of atavism is a cornerstone of biological positivism in criminology.
Lombroso (1876) proposed that criminals were 'genetic throwbacks' who lacked evolutionary development, making it impossible for them to adjust to civilized society. This theory suggests that biological determinants of criminal behavior are rooted in genes, leading to an innate tendency towards offending.
Definition: Atavistic Form - The idea that offenders have particular physiological 'markers' linked to specific types of offenses.
Lombroso identified several types of criminals based on physical characteristics:
Example: General criminal characteristics included cranial features like narrow sloping brows, strong prominent jaws, and facial asymmetry, as well as other markers such as dark skin, extra digits, and insensitivity to pain.
Lombroso examined the skulls of 383 dead and 3,839 living convicts, concluding that 40% of criminal acts were committed by people with atavistic characteristics. His work is considered foundational in modern criminology.
Highlight: Lombroso is often referred to as the 'father of modern criminology' for shifting crime research towards a more scientific approach.
Despite his influence, Lombroso's theory has faced significant criticism:
Quote: "Lombroso's research does not meet modern scientific standards." - This highlights the flaws in his methodology.
The nature versus nurture debate in criminology remains relevant. While Lombroso's theory emphasizes biological causes (nature theory in criminology), modern studies recognize the interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental factors.
Vocabulary: Nature vs. Nurture - The ongoing debate in criminology about whether criminal behavior is primarily influenced by genetic factors (nature) or environmental factors (nurture).
This historical approach to biological causes of crime provides a foundation for understanding how the field has evolved, leading to more nuanced modern studies on the interplay between biology and environment in criminal behavior.
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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
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
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Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
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
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
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Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
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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
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This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
