Question 1

Fundamental to alternative strategy evolutionary theories of criminal behaviour is the idea that individuals exhibit gene-based differences in their traits, which are linked to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Alternative strategy evolutionary theories propose that individuals exhibit gene-based differences in their traits, which are linked to their reproductive strategy. These theories suggest that some individuals may have a higher risk tolerance for engaging in criminal behavior as it increases their likelihood of successful reproduction.

Question 2

According to some evolutionary psychologists, the traits that facilitate antisocial and criminal behaviour are associated with a reproductive strategy that emphasizes which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary psychologists suggest that antisocial and criminal behavior can be associated with a reproductive strategy that emphasizes mating effort. In this strategy, individuals prioritize attracting and securing mates, often through aggressive or manipulative behavior, to increase their chances of passing on their genes to the next generation. This can lead to a disregard for societal norms and the needs of others, as long as it increases the individual's reproductive success.

Question 3

According to the evolutionary psychology theory advanced by Kanazawa (2003), the shape of the age-crime curve for males reflects the rise and fall of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Kanazawa's evolutionary psychology theory posits that the age-crime curve for males reflects their participation in intrasexual competition, as criminal behavior could be seen as a way for males to compete for status and access to resources for mating opportunities.

Question 4

According to the evolutionary psychology theory advanced by Kanazawa (2003), the decline in the age-crime curve for males occurs when men do which of the following?

Accepted Answer

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Question 5

Conditional adaptation evolutionary theories suggest the primary factor governing whether someone adopts a strategy involving antisocial or criminal behaviours is which of the following?

Accepted Answer

According to conditional adaptation evolutionary theories, the primary factor governing whether someone adopts a strategy involving antisocial or criminal behaviours is the environmental conditions experienced. This means that individuals adapt their behaviour to the environmental conditions in which they find themselves to maximize their chances of survival and reproductive success. Antisocial or criminal behaviours may be more advantageous in certain environments, such as those with high levels of competition, resource scarcity, or social instability. Therefore, it is the environmental conditions that trigger the adoption of a particular strategy, rather than innate personality traits or behaviours.

Question 6

According to the evolutionary psychological theory advanced by Campbell (2002), the criminal behaviour of women is more likely than men to be motivated by the desire to do which of the following?

Accepted Answer

According to Campbell's theory, women engage in criminal behavior primarily to provide for their offspring, as the ability to provide resources for their children enhances their reproductive success. This is because resources are necessary for the survival and flourishing of offspring, and women who are better able to provide those resources are more likely to have healthy, successful children who can in turn pass on their genes.

Question 7

What is the main difficulty with drawing conclusions about the relationship of genetics and criminality on the basis of twin studies?

Accepted Answer

The main difficulty with drawing conclusions about the relationship of genetics and criminality on the basis of twin studies is that monozygotic twins may be treated more similarly than dizygotic twins, which can confound the results. This means that environmental factors may play a larger role in criminal behavior in monozygotic twins, and it is difficult to separate genetic and environmental influences.

Question 8

What is monoamine oxidase A (MAOA)?

Accepted Answer

Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) is an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which are involved in regulating mood, behavior, and cognition. Changes in MAOA activity or expression have been linked to various psychiatric disorders, including depression and aggression.

Question 9

Which field studies how natural selection shaped and influenced mental processes and behaviours?

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary psychology is the field that studies how natural selection shaped and influenced mental processes and behaviours. It explores how patterns of behaviour and mental processes have evolved over time through the process of natural selection.

Question 10

Meta-analyses pooling the results of twin and adoption studies to calculate the relative influence of heredity and the environment on antisocial and aggressive behaviour found which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Meta-analyses pooling the results of twin and adoption studies have consistently found that both heredity and the environment are influential in antisocial and aggressive behavior, but the effect of the environment is generally stronger. This suggests that while genetics may play a role in predisposing individuals to these behaviors, the social and environmental factors in which they are raised are even more important determinants.

Question 11

Explain the difference between monozygotic and dizygotic twins in terms of their development and their shared genetic makeup. If a genetic influence exists, which type of twins should exhibit a higher concordance for criminal behaviour?

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

Draw a diagram of the 2 × 2 research design used by Mednick et al. (1983, 1984) in their adoption study and label all the cells. Identify which group of participants (i.e., which cell) was associated with the highest level of criminal behaviour among the adoptees, which one was associated with the lowest level, and which two were associated with intermediate levels of criminal behaviour.

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

What did Diana Fishbein (2001) mean when she stated that individuals who are at risk of offending are genetically loaded?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

Explain the nature versus nurture debate over human behaviour. What does it mean if there is an interaction between nature and nurture?

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

Why does Crawford (1998) describe altruistic acts that help genetic relatives as a "special kind of selfishness"? Identify the evolutionary concept that applies to this type of behaviour.

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

Explain and distinguish parenting and mating effort reproductive strategies and identify which one is associated with traits likely to lead to criminal behaviour.

Accepted Answer

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Question 17

What limit exists on cheating behaviour that prevents it from becoming more widespread in the population? What is the term used to identify behavioural strategies that are limited in this manner?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

Briefly outline Campbell's (2002) evolutionary theory of "staying alive" and explain how it accounts for the gap between the amount of crime committed by men and women.

Accepted Answer

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Question 19

Describe the evolutionary psychology theory advanced by Kanazawa (2003) to explain the age-crime curve for males. As part of your answer, explain all relevant terms and concepts.

Accepted Answer

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Question 20

Describe the diathesis-stress and differential susceptibility models and explain how each one accounts for the interaction between genetics and the environment. As part of your answer explain all relevant terms and concepts.

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 2: Genetics and Evolution