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AC2.1:AC3.1 Physiological Theories - Sheldon's Theory - Coggle Diagram
AC2.1:AC3.1 Physiological Theories - Sheldon's Theory
Sheldon's Theory:
Believes criminal behaviour is linked to a persons physical form
Focuses on a persons body shape (somatotype)
Principle claims "mesomorphs are prone to criminal activity"
Supporting theory, assessed somatotypes of 200 college students and 200 delinquents of their photos - photos rated of mesomorphy from scale 1 to 7
Overall from study delinquents had higher mesomorphic rate than non-criminal college students - supporting Sheldon's theory
Reasons for outcome - mesomorphic build reflects high testosterone which may result in high level of aggressiveness
The Three Body Types
Mesomorphs:
Considered
- Muscular, Athletic
Described as
- Hourglass shape(women), Rectangular shape(men), Muscular, Excellent posture, Easy to gain muscle, Thick skin
Personality Traits
- Courageous, Adventurous, Aggressive, Indifferent to what other think, Desire to dominate
Endomorphs:
Considered
- Soft, Fat
Described as having
- Soft Body, Underdeveloped muscles, Round physique, Difficulty losing weight
Personality Traits
- Sociable, Relaxed, Hedonistic
Ectomorphs:
Considered
- Thin, Fragile
Described as
- Flat chested, Fragile, Lean, Lightly muscled, Small shouldered, Thoughtful
Personality Traits
- Self-conscious, Private people, Emotionally restrained, Thoughtful
Supporting Research:
Hart et al.
Found most serious delinquents of Sheldon's research has a mean mesomorphic rate of 5 - Reanalysis of Sheldon's theory
Evaluation
Strengths:
Even though there are issues surrounding surrounding reliability of his theory - follow up of Sheldon's study, Hart et al. found who went on to be most serious criminals had mean mesomorphic rate of 5.0 - provide support of idea that mesomorphy is associated with delinquency
Obtained good sized sample of 200 participants - had control of non-offender students to compare his results - methodological consideration increases validity, makes theory more credible
Limitations:
Research has been criticised by use of his sample - Sunderland criticised Sheldon's sample of delinquents, he did not use legal criteria (delinquents not being officially defined as such) - limits validity of his theory
Could be considered reductionist - complex behaviour such as criminality cant be just reduced down to be explained by characteristics, could be breaking criminal behaviour down too much, leaving other relevant factors out - more holistic approach needed considering other factors, sociological, individualistic, biological - body types change over time