Question

Given the criticisms of early biological theories of criminal behavior, which statement would be most appropriate for a biological criminologist today to make?

A) Genetic factors have no impact on criminal behavior.
B) Environmental influences are the sole determinants of criminal conduct.
C) Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to criminality.
D) Criminal behavior is solely a result of phrenological factors.

Answer 1

The most appropriate statement for a biological criminologist today is that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to criminality, reflecting the interplay of biology and environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given the criticisms of early biological theories of criminal behavior, the most appropriate statement for a biological criminologist today would likely be: C) Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to criminality. This answer reflects the modern understanding that human behavior, including criminal behavior, is the result of a complex interplay between biological predispositions and environmental influences.

Research in fields such as behavioral genetics and epigenetics have shown that while genes certainly play a role in influencing behavior, the environment can alter gene expression and consequently, behavior. Furthermore, socia-environmental factors such as the stability of neighborhoods have been recognized as significant in influencing the rate of juvenile delinquency, as seen in the studies conducted by Shaw and McKay.