Citation

Wright JP, Boisvert D. Crim. Justice Behav. 2009; 36(11): 1228-1240.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0093854809343140

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Criminology has historically maligned biological perspectives despite the scientific rigor of the biological sciences. In recent years, however, a growing number of criminologists are incorporating biological, neurological, genetic, and neuropsychological constructs along with environmental measures into their research. This review explores the relevance of biosocial criminology to the parent discipline of criminology by focusing on its scientific discovery, advanced methodologies, increased theoretical specificity, acknowledgement and illumination of individual differences, and promise of effective policy based on knowledge of human development. In sum, biosocial criminology is a potential fruitful paradigm shift in the scientific study of crime.