Can Genomic Data Add Value to Risk Assessment?

• In Event: Using The Biosocial Perspective to Improve Criminal Justice Research

Abstract

Genomic data are fast-becoming commonplace in social science research aimed at understanding human complex traits. One such complex trait is human behavior. Genomic data have helped provide new insight into the etiology of human behavior. Recent studies have identified genomic signals in risk-taking (Linnér et al., 2019), educational attainment (Lee et al., 2018), and even antisocial behavior (Tielbeek et al., 2017). This literature raises an important question for criminal justice research: does genomic data have any “value add" for risk assessment? This presentation will explore that question by drawing on the most recent genomic data. Novel evidence will also be presented that has direct implication.

Author

• J.C. Barnes, University of Cincinnati