How does nature play a role in criminal behavior? Brain imagery studies have shown that frontal lobe lesions are associated with aggression. More so, studies using brain imagery of psychopaths show a particular brain pattern associated with frontal lobe dysfunction. Another theory associated with brain chemistry studies is the role that neurotransmitters play in criminal and antisocial behavior. Low activity of Monoamine Oxidase (MAO), an enzyme in the brain, “results in disinhibition which can lead to impulsivity and aggression” (http://www.personalityresearch.org/papers/jones.html). In 1996, Eysenck explained that “MAO is related to neurotransmitters norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine, which are all related to the personality factor of psychosis” (http://www.personalityresearch.org/papers/jones.html). In 2003, Lowenstein stated that “studies point to serotonin as one of the most important central neurotransmitters underlying the modulation of impulsive aggression" (http://www.personalityresearch.org/papers/jones.html). Dopamine is another neurotransmitter in the brain “that is associated with pleasure and is also one of the neurotransmitters that is chiefly associated with aggression” (http://www.personalityresearch.org/papers/jones.html). These neurochemical studies suggest that it is possible “that there is a genetic component to antisocial or criminal behavior” (http://www.personalityresearch.org/papers/jones.html).
Another theory used in describing the causes of criminal behavior is the social learning theory. This theory is based on how environmental or nurture plays an important role in criminal behavior. Statistics have and will continue to show that children who grow in environments in which there is violence, they are more prone to exhibit, as adults, the behaviors that they learned. Children who have been physically and sexually abused are more prone to develop violent or aggressive behavior as grown ups.
The last argument, which I agree with, points to a combination of nature and nurture to explain criminal behavior. Nature relates to the predisposition to criminal behavior and environment is responsible if it develops or not. For example, it is less likely for a person who is predisposed to criminal behavior to develop it if he/she is raised in an environment that discourages aggression and violence. I believe that with the appropriate environment, almost every child can developed into an adult that chooses the right behaviors.
Work Cited:
http://www.alien-earth.org/news/images/brain-psychopath.jpg
http://www.personalityresearch.org/papers/jones.html
http://www.keralawomen.gov.in/articles/T_1220443992child-abuse.jpg
Interview with Jackie Casanova, MSEd
Good research. The variety of sources used made the essay really complete and interesting. The pictures help to have a better understanding of what she is trying to communicate. Excellent work.
ResponderEliminarI concur with Juan Fernando. You gave a thorough scientific explanation to back up the nature and nurture debates! Good work!
ResponderEliminarI agree with what you conclude in your research, that the enviornment is the greatest cause of a criminal behavior such as being abused as little or instead, being discouraged from violence and agression is what brings up a new criminal in this world.
ResponderEliminarI agree with all because because it explains in detail criminal behavior and the pictures have to do with the infromation and you can understand clearly the infromation given.
ResponderEliminarI like that she put in quotes from professionals and that she actually spoke to one of them :) It was very good because she explained not only that it required some cells or enzymes to be missing and that makes it more believable and makes readers understand her point.
ResponderEliminar