Required Readings

Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. (2017). Criminal behavior: A psychological approach (11th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Chapter 3, “Origins of Criminal Behavior: Biological Factors” (pp. 59-81)
Note: These pages are part of a chapter assigned in Weeks 1 and 4.

Mead, H. K., Beauchaine, T. P., & Shannon, K. E. (2010). Neurobiological adaptations to violence across development. Development and Psychopathology, 22(1), 1–22.

Thiel, K. S., Baladerian, N. J., Boyce, K. R., Cantos, O., Davis, L. A., Kelly, K., & Stream, J. (2011). Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and victimization: Implications for families, educators, social services, law enforcement, and the judicial system. Journal of Psychiatry & Law, 39(1), 121–157.

Williams, W. H., Chitsabesan, P., Fazel, S., McMillan, T., Hughes, N., Parsonage, M., & Tonks, J. (2018). Traumatic brain injury: a potential cause of violent crime?. The Lancet Psychiatry, 5(10), 836-844. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6171742/

Wilson, S., & Adshead, G. (2008). When violence becomes a psychiatric symptom. Philosophy, Psychiatry & Psychology, 15(1), 57–67, 77–79.

Discussion: Neurology and Criminal Behavior

Contemporary research on brain dysfunction is inconclusive about the nature of violent and aggressive behavior. In addition, there is not much research on nonviolent forms of criminal behavior related to brain dysfunction, which leaves unanswered questions about the topic. Additional research—including comprehensive reviews of both sides of the debate—may provide a more complete picture of how neurological impairment influences violent criminal behavior.

By Day 3

Post a brief description of two neurological factors that may be related to criminal behavior. Then, explain what potential they each demonstrate for predicting criminal behavior and why. Use specific examples from the resources and/or your own research.

Note: Put the neurological factors you selected in the first line of your post. You will be asked to respond to a colleague who selected at least one neurological factor that you did not.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the resources.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings.