This paper examines neurologically specific biosocial theories that contend that aspects of brain function influence criminal and antisocial behavior. One of the first neurologically specific theories was phrenology, developed by Francis Gall and his followers. Phrenology explains personality traits based on the shape of a personÆs head. Although GallÆs idea that the brain controls a personÆs thoughts, behavior, and emotions was subsequently accepted in scientific circles, his concept of phrenology was rejected over a century ago. Although it is true that certain regions of the brain specialize in specific types of behavior control, the bumps and indentations on a personÆs head cannot be used to analyze their personalities.
The human brain has certain regions that control behavior. The limbic system, for example, governs the social emotions, such as play, parenting behavior, and pair-bonding. The r-complex is the part of the brain that resembles the simple core that reptiles have, without the limbic system. The neocortex, a new layer over the limbic system, is like a heartless computer that reasons but does not feel. It is divided two waysùinto the right (intuitive) and left (logical) hemispheres and into four frontal lobes.
There are five neurologically specific theories of criminal/antisocial behavior: suboptimal arousal theory, reward dominance theory, seizuring theory, frontal lobe theory, and hemispheric functioning theory. Suboptimal arousal theory was developed by David Lykken and Hans J. Eysenck, who noted that some people are less sensitive to environmental stimuli than others. This theory posits that those who are relatively insensitive to them are more likely to engage in criminal/antisocial behavior because they are less sensitive to the effects of punishment and also prefer environmental experiences that are especially provocative. Arousal measured by Galvanic Skin Response, heart rate, or pulse ra...