Refining the Analysis of Individual Differences in Criminology: Biosocial Contributions

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract

While analyses of the influence of individual differences on antisocial behavior have a long history in criminology, recent advances have been primarily made by those within the biosocial paradigm. In contrast to common misperceptions regarding biosocial analyses, however, much of this research has focused on both genetic and non-genetic etiological factors. The presentations included in this thematic panel exemplify the continued contribution of biosocial analyses of individual differences and environmental factors in criminology. Topics covered in these presentations include the advancement of a novel method for controlling both observed genetic and observed non-genetic factors (i.e., genetically adjusted propensity scores) in a manner approximating a true experiment, an assessment of the influences of executive functioning and self-control on perceptions of criminal behavior, an illustration of how psychopathy can alter the impact of traditional turning points purported to affect desistance from crime, and an examination of the way in which between- and within-family variance in psychopathic personality traits affect official interaction with the criminal justice system. The variety of topics and methods evinced in this panel illustrate the continued progress in biosocial criminological analyses of antisocial behavior.

Sub Unit

• Area III. Perspectives on Crime / 1. Biological, Bio-social, and Psychological Perspectives

Division of Special Interests

• Division Session of Interest / Division of Biopsychosocial Criminology

• Division Session of Interest / Division of Experimental Criminology

Individual Presentations

• Genetically Adjusted Propensity Score Matching: Closing the Gap Between Non-experimental Designs and True Experiments in the Social Sciences - Ian A. Silver, University of Cincinnati; Joseph L. Nedelec, University of Cincinnati; J.C. Barnes, University of Cincinnati

• Testing a Developmental Theory of Self-control and Offender Perceptions - Sultan Altikriti, University of Cincinnati

• Romantic Relationships, Marriage, and Desistance from Crime: Do Psychopathic Traits Matter? - Kalliopi Theocharidou, University of Cincinnati

• Psychopathy and Criminal Justice System Processing: A Sibling Comparison Model Examination of Between- and Within-family Effects - Joseph L. Nedelec, University of Cincinnati

Chair

• Joseph L. Nedelec, University of Cincinnati