Infant I.Q. Testing

Schram, Introduction to Criminology Instructor Resource

Chapter 4

Early Positivism: Biological Theories of Crime

Summary This chapter discusses the formation of the Positive School of Criminology. The Positive School assumes the opposite of the Classical School. The Classical School assumes that free will/choice determines a person’s actions, whereas the Positive School assumes our behavior is determined by factors such as bad parenting, poverty, low intelligence scores, etc. Early Positive School perspectives include craniometry, phrenology, and physiognomy. These perspectives focused largely on physical abnormalities or abnormalities in the shape and size of the brain. These theoretical frameworks were based on establishing a framework for determining the more superior individuals/groups from the more inferior individuals/groups. However, these disciplines lacked the support that the post-Darwinian explanations garnered largely because the pre-Darwinian society was not ready to accept such theories. The post-Darwinian era lead to the eugenics movement among both scientists and society as a whole. During this time frame, Lombroso (the “Father of Criminology”) proposed his concept of born criminals and Goddard proposed his theory of feeblemindedness and IQ testing. Lombroso proposed that certain stigmata could be used to identify criminals. These stigmata consisted of facial and bodily features that deviated from the norm (e.g., abnormally small or large noses; abnormally small or large ears; abnormally small or large eyes; etc.). Goddard argued an individual’s IQ was static and used IQ test for the purposes of deporting, incapacitating, sterilizing, and otherwise ridding society of low IQ individuals. In addition, he classified feeblemindedness into the categories of morons, imbeciles, and idiots. In his opinion, it was the morons who were the biggest threat to the progress of humanity. These studies ultimately inspired far more attention to the influence of inheritance and genetics in predisposing individuals toward criminal activity. In addition, to Lombroso’s and Goddard’s proposals, the chapter examines Sheldon’s Body Type Theory. Sheldon proposed three body types: endomorphic (obese), mesomorphic (athletic or muscular build), and ectomorphic (thin). To determine an individual’s body type, Sheldon and his team graded each of their subjects on three dimensions. Each body type was measured on a scale of 1-7, with 7 being the highest score. Endomorphs were considered to be more jolly or lazy, mesomorphs were exhibited risk-taking and aggressive behaviors, and ectomorphs tended to be introverted and shy. Of the three body types, mesomorphs had the highest propensity toward criminality due to their disposition toward risk-taking and aggressive personalities. The body type theories advanced the knowledge in the criminological literature by emphasizing more than one dimension. Furthermore, most studies have supported the claim that body type actually does predict criminality, as well as the corresponding temperament or personality that is associated with certain body types that are most likely found among delinquents and criminals.

 

 

Schram, Introduction to Criminology Instructor Resource

! Conclusion

Theory Key Proponents Factors/Concepts Key Propositions Craniometry Phrenology Physiognomy

Brain/Skull Size Bumps on Skull Facial/Body Attributes

Larger skull/brain, more superior. Abnormalities on skull reveal deficiencies. Certain facial or body features reveal inferiority.

Atavism/Born Criminal

Lombroso Variety of Stigmata identify “Born Criminals”

Stigmata reveal individuals likely to be born criminals.

IQ Testing/ Feeblemindedness

Binet (Invented) Goddard (U.S)

IQ identifies who is superior/inferior

Low IQ person’s likely criminals.

Body Type Sheldon Tissue layer growth in embryonic stage leads to body type

Body type determines personality and behavior.