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Genetic Influences in Criminal Behavior:Evidence from an Adoption Cohort

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Prospective Studies of Crime and Delinquency

Abstract

Human behavior patterns are generally ascribed to an interaction of life experiences and genetic predispositions, but the importance of genetic influences in shaping conduct has often been contested. This debate has been especially intense, and often emotional, in explaining criminal behavior (Sarbin, 1970)1. Refusal to consider genetic factors in crime has had political overtones (Haller, 1968). The controversy may also reflect the fact that, until recently, the evidence for genetic influences consisted mainly of twin studies, some of which were methodologically questionable.

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© 1983 Kluwer-Nijhoff Publishing

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Mednick, S.A., Gabrielli, W.F., Hutchings, B. (1983). Genetic Influences in Criminal Behavior:Evidence from an Adoption Cohort. In: Van Dusen, K.T., Mednick, S.A. (eds) Prospective Studies of Crime and Delinquency. Longitudinal Research in the Behavioral, Social and Medical Sciences, vol 2. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-6672-7_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-6672-7_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-009-6674-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-6672-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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