Exam 1: The Origins of Modern Criminology

Correct Answer:

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a. Lombroso conducted his research for The Criminal Man by studying and measuring the physical and anatomical characteristics of criminals, including their skull size, facial features, and body proportions. He also examined their psychological and behavioral traits, such as intelligence, temperament, and moral sense.

b. His findings suggested that criminals could be identified by certain physical and psychological traits, which he believed were inherited and could be traced back to primitive or "atavistic" traits. He argued that criminals were biologically different from non-criminals and that their criminal behavior was a result of their biological predisposition.

c. Lombroso's findings laid the foundation for the positivist school of criminology by shifting the focus from moral and social causes of crime to biological and psychological factors. This led to the development of theories that emphasized the role of genetics, brain abnormalities, and environmental influences in shaping criminal behavior. It also influenced the development of methods for identifying and classifying criminals based on their physical and psychological characteristics.

d. The limitations of Lombroso's research include his reliance on small and biased samples of criminals, as well as his subjective interpretation of physical and psychological traits. His theories have also been criticized for their deterministic and stigmatizing view of criminals, as well as their lack of consideration for social and environmental factors that contribute to criminal behavior. Additionally, his methods and measurements have been discredited by modern scientific standards.