To prepare for this assignment:

• Review the assigned pages in Chapter 3 of the course text, Criminal Behavior: A Psychosocial Approach. Think about the extent to which biological factors may coexist with criminal behavior.

• Review the article "Biosocial Studies of Antisocial and Violent Behavior in Children and Adults: A Review," focusing on how social factors may interact with biological factors to contribute to criminal behavior.

• Select two biological theories that you think provide strong explanations for criminal behavior.

• Select two biological theories that you think provide weak explanations for criminal behavior.

• Consider the degree to which biological theories explain criminal behavior and reflect on whether they play a minor or major role in criminal behavior.

The assignment (2 pages):

• Briefly describe the theories you selected.

• Evaluate the degree to which you think each theory adequately explains criminal behavior. Justify your position with specific examples and references.

• Based on your evaluation, explain at least one conclusion you drew or insight you had about the validity of the biological approach as a body of research to explain criminal behavior.

References

• Bartol, C .R. &Bartol, A. M. (2012). Criminal Behavior: A Psychosocial Approach

Chapter 3, "Origins of Criminal Behavior: Biological Factors" (pp. 60-82)

• Raine, A. (2002). Biosocial studies of antisocial and violent behavior in children and adults: A review. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 30(4), 311-326.