NCJ Number
122644
Journal
Criminology Volume: 27 Issue: 3 Dated: (August 1989) Pages: 455-485
Date Published
1989
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This paper conducts a review of the literature on the heritability of criminal behavior and organizes the studies by four basic research methodologies.
Abstract
These are family studies, twin studies, adoption studies, and gene-environment interaction studies. The interpretation of the relationships observed in these studies is complicated by methodological inadequacies in the research itself. The research evidence does seem to suggest the existence of a fairly consistent relationship between heredity and criminal behavior. This paper discusses recommendations concerning the future direction of research in this area. 3 tables, 3 notes, 90 references. (Author abstract modified)