Compare and Contrast

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast the relationship genetics and human behavior. Also, define a role, if any, mental illness plays in behavior. Then conclude with a discussion on theories on the nature verses nurture debate.

The 1983 film Trading Places took on the debate of nature verses nurture in a comedic yet distinct way. The same premises are defined and supported by researchers who believe environment has the largest factory in criminal behavior, while others researchers believe that criminal behavior is born within an individual. The debate has its strong and weak points which lend to both sides having valid points.

In the early 19th Century, researchers claimed that genetics caused deviant behavior. With a large amount of theory, these researchers set to define the causes of criminal behavior which could lead to reduction or prevention of crime. One of the early perspectives was known as determinism. Determinism is the idea that behavior is formed by natural or social causes. This notion sparked to positivist theory in criminology, which debates that deviant behavior is not solely based upon free will. Psychological and biological factors in addition to environmental factors work to shape behavior. Guidelines of positivist theories state that criminal behavior is shaped by social and natural forces of an offender.

Italian scholar Cesare Lombroso concluded that criminals are born with the inclination of criminal behavior. He measured criminal verses non-criminals and surmised that there are physical feature differences underdeveloped humans which stated intellect development was noticeably higher compared to criminals. Lombroso's theories caused outrage across Europe and were challenged in America. Charles Goring was the first to take the challenge in the late 20th Century believing that previous research was inconsequential. (Goring, 1913) Today's theories generally deal with genetic predisposition instead of a single trait to identify a would-be criminal.

Lately, broader research has been done to validate genetic criminality. Some studies have included testosterone studies, adoption, and twins. Although it seems like common sense, studies show that family members have more genetic similarity than non-family members. Once research is conducted a target trait is recorded and analyzed. Each genetic factor is indicated when it is more frequent. Unfortunately, it is common that most family members share the same environment; they are unable to distinguish environment and genetics.

The study of twins questioned genetic traits between fraternal and identical. According to research, identical twins share more similarities than fraternal twins. However, just the previous family studies, twins share the same environment and influences. This led to adoption studies which compared adopting and biological parents who