Sociology

David Rowes article Does the body tell Biological characteristics and criminal disposition is an exploration on the role of biological factors in predicting the likelihood of a person being delinquent. The article examines different physiological measures such as hormones, heart rate and skin conductance and their association with criminal nature. In addition, it focuses on some structural and physiological features of the brain to deduce the same. The article associates different biological measures to different levels of delinquency and suggests the use of multiple parameters in determining the same.  

Summary
In trying to stress the importance of a normally functioning prefrontal cortex in ruling out delinquency, Rowe (2003) illustrates two cases of subjects who had their prefrontal cortex injured at a tender age. In one subject, it was observed that she turned out to be a perpetual liar in addition to being a thief. She also had risky sexual practices making her become pregnant at the age of 18. The other subject who was a male was a petty thief by age 9 in addition to being aggressive and lacking in empathy. Rowe acknowledges the prefrontal cortex as important in sequential planning of events in addition to foreseeing the future thus suspecting its role in determining criminal behavior.

To find out any association between physiological factors and criminal disposition, Rowe suggests that people with deficiency in prefrontal cortex tend to be disorganized in their behavior and seem to mind the present rather than long-term benefits of their actions or choices. The article describes the first physiological test that may explain criminal nature the testosterone test in saliva and in blood. Testosterone hormone is responsible for masculinity and can be measured either in the saliva or in the blood. By looking into earlier studies on these testosterone levels and level of delinquency, Rowe concludes that the higher the level of testosterone in saliva, the more likely it is that the person has antisocial and aggressive behavior. The social class of individuals matters in this case with high testosterone in lower-class individuals increasing likelihood of criminal behaviors. Age is also a factor with adults having more delinquent behaviors than adolescents.

Rowe (2003) also looks into the use of serotonin measure in predicting criminal antisocial behavior. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain and is measured either in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) where its metabolite is measured or in the platelets where it is directly determined. The article identifies that low serotonin in the CSF is linked to high criminal tendency whereas high serotonin levels in the platelets correlates with high criminal disposition. The opposite observations are explained such that with low serotonin in CSF, it implies that low serotonin levels transmitted impulses whereas high levels in platelets means that only a small amount was released for neural transmission.

The third parameter under focus is the heart rate which is speeded by the sympathetic nervous system and slowed down by the parasympathetic system. The article identifies that a low resting heart rate correlates with high criminal tendencies.

Skin conductance has also been reviewed. This parameter is measured through sweat on the fingers whose ionic composition helps in determining electric resistance. High criminal disposition is associated with weak skin conductance and high skin conductance half recovery time. Rowe relates low brain arousal with lower heart rate and relates low brain arousal with low skin conductance consequently high crime rate. On the same note the article links crime with impulsivity and sensational seeking more than it relates it to anxiety and fearlessness.

The article also looks into the association of brain structure and function with criminal disposition. Rowe finds out that positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of the brain relate a malfunctioning prefrontal cortex with high delinquent behaviors.

Rowe concludes that the above biological measures can be used to explain or predict criminal disposition. He however warns that as many biological parameters and environmental factors should be used simultaneously to increase accuracy of prediction.

Critique
Rowes article is an intriguing examination of factors that may explain delinquency in individuals. It is a commendable move from the early prediction that used physical features in determining likelihood of criminal behavior (Rowe, 2002). The strength of this work draws from the use of biological factors which determine who human beings are. In particular, Rowe has paid substantial attention on the role of the brain in both structure and function in criminal disposition. The article recognizes the role of the human mind which is structurally the brain together with its functions in determining human behavior (Fishbein, 2001). By comparing physiological parameters in both delinquent and normal individuals, Rowe is able to bring out substantial proof that biological characteristics can be used in predicting criminal behavior.

The study is also solid in that Rowe uses data and conclusions derived through scientific methods making the work highly credible. He for instance uses prospective study to study the role of heart rate on level of antisocial tendency in children at three years and at eleven years (Rowe, 2003, p 68). By giving a variety of biological parameters which draw similar conclusions regarding criminal behavior, Rowes work is presented as more credible and reliable.

Despite the superiority of this article, it is still inadequate and biased in that Rowe just focuses on physiological factors. There is no attention on the role of genetic predispositions yet they are also biological factors (Harlow, 2008). As such, the title is quite inappropriate in stating biological characteristics and criminal disposition. The article does not also seem to present clearly if any relationship exists between the two hormones under discussion and the prefrontal cortex considering the higher role of this prefrontal cortex in orderly planning and future anticipation (Denno, 1988).

Conclusion
It is no doubt that there biological parameters such as testosterone levels, serotonin levels, heart rate, skin conductance and brain structure and function can explain criminal disposition. It is however important to look at the role of genetic factors in the same in addition to correlating all physiological factors with the anatomy and physiology of prefrontal cortex. This would increase the understanding of biological factors in criminal disposition.