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43
1
Louise
2/10/2023
Criminology
AC2.1 Physiological Theories
1,065
•
Feb 10, 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 (somatotypes) 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 (mesomorph) might be more prone to criminal behavior than a thin person (ectomorph).
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 (1956) 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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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
iOS user
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
iOS user
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
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 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
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
iOS user
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
iOS user
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
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 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
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 (somatotypes) 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 (mesomorph) might be more prone to criminal behavior than a thin person (ectomorph).
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 (1956) 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 specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the 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
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
iOS user
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
iOS user
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
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 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
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
iOS user
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
iOS user
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
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 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