E2b1 is criminal research practical and ethicalTHE PRACTICAL PROBLEMS WITH RESEARCH INTO CRIMINALITY

THE ETHICAL PROBLEMS WITH RESEARCH INTO CRIMINALITY.

Problems with biological research

Looks at inheritance

Chromosome abnormality◦ This has not yet given any real evidence for a biological basis of crime.

Practical Problems XYY

◦ Only a handful of participants have the abnormality supposedly linked to criminality. Samples too small to make it really valid.

◦ Difficult to detect as no clear visible signs. Making it hard to gather participants.

Find family links easily, but lots of different types of crime and criminal. Father (Theft), Son (Murder). The crimes are very different.

◦ So criminal gene as a concept is unlikely to be found.

Family, Twin and adoption studies often rely on convictions and arrest. Criminals who are not caught and convicted are not included in these studies.

Ethical Problems. Not ethical to say that a chromosome pattern causes criminality if it is not 100% true.

◦ This could lead to a self fulfilling prophecy. ◦ Could lead them to not feel responsible for their actions as they can blame

the genes.

The studies always maintain the participants anonymity.◦ They are never named, nor can they be identified from the research.

If Psychologists found a genetic link to criminal behaviour, this could be used to control individuals before they even commit a crime. (Minority Report)

Problems with Social Research.

Looks at environment and how they are raised.

Examines family relationships.

Practical Problems You can not do an experiment to make someone a criminal. So any research looks at links.

Often examines people who have turned to crime. ◦ Participants questioned about past events. This leads to probelms because:

◦ Memory is reliable after many years◦ Might not be an accurate account of what happened◦ Criminals themselves might blame aspects of their upbringing, rather than the true reason.◦ Could be a way of the criminals avoiding responsibility for what they have done.

Ethical Problems If there is a link, it could be used to blame the parents for their children's behaviour.

◦ Results should be treated with care and not used to hold parents responsible for their child's actions.

Self-fulfilling prophecy may create or reinforce existing labels and therefore encourage criminal behaviour.

Questions and extensions

Could you answer the questions on page 183

Could you also complete the quick check questions A to D