Using basic neurobiological measures in criminological research

Abstract

Research on the relationship between neurobiological factors and antisocial behavior has grown exponentially in recent decades. As a result, criminal behavior has been related to impairments in different biological systems, such as genetics, hormones and brain functioning. The development of innovative techniques, for example brain imaging techniques and physiological measurements, can partially explain the increase in neurobiological studies on criminal behavior. Despite a recent zeitgeist change, which has led to a greater acceptance of neurobiology as an additional approach for the study of criminal behavior, neurobiological measurements dot not yet play a more significant role in criminological research and practice. This article aims to familiarize crime researchers and other interested readers with two important neurobiological measures, namely neuropsychological assessment and resting heart rate measurement, and with how these measures can play an important role in criminological research. It will argue that neuroscientific approaches might benefit the field of criminology in several important ways, from assessing the empirical validity of criminological theories to improving the effectiveness of correctional intervention programs. Furthermore, this article will provide insight into how to use these measures in research, to guide interested readers towards their application in their own studies.

Using Biosocial Criminology to Understand and Improve Treatment Outcomes

“…Future treatment evaluations should continue to integrate biopsychological measures into their design to examine whether these factors act as mechanisms or moderators in treatment effectiveness. While this task may appear daunting, Cornet (2015b) provides practical and cost-efficient recommendations for how researchers can integrate biopsychological measures into their evaluations. It is our hope that incorporating these types of data into treatment evaluations can help to further improve the effectiveness of EBPs across the life course.…”

The Risk-Need-Responsivity Model Revisited: Using Biosocial Criminology to Enhance Offender Rehabilitation

“…Several indirect measures of neurological health and functioning are readily available (e.g., Wechsler Intelligence Scales, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test–Revised, California Achievement Test, and Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Batteries; Cornet, 2015), and have repeatedly been shown to predict serious and persistent criminal behavior (Moffitt, 2006; Moffitt, Lynam, & Silva, 1994; Ogilvie, Stewart, Chan, & Shum, 2011). It has previously been suggested that information obtained from these assessments could be used by practitioners in the criminal justice system to guide decision making (Hendrix, Doebbeling, & Aalsma, 2012; Hoge, 1999).…”

“…Based on the available evidence and the ease with which practitioners can assess them in correctional settings, measures of neurological risk factors may be among the most promising items to consider in attempting to improve risk prediction. Neurological functioning can be evaluated using indirect measures such as formalized tests designed to assess intelligence, verbal skills, and executive functions (Cornet, 2015; Fishbein & Sheppard, 2006; Hendrix et al, 2012; Hoge, 1999). For example, the Go/No-Go task is commonly used to examine one’s ability to inhibit responses to various stimuli.…”

“…First, self-administered tasks would enhance the precision of measures; they do not rely on a single individual’s judgment, and the method of administration is consistent each time. Second, many can be self-administered and automatically scored through computer-based assessments (Cornet, 2015). Although it may take more time to complete an assessment overall, self-administered assessments are unlikely to add to the time staff must devote to directly interacting with clients.…”

“…Resting heart rate is simple to measure; in the most basic strategy, the number of beats per minute can be counted by hand. Many smartphones, which may already be issued to some correctional staff for work purposes, have the capability to capture heart rate and other physiological measures (Cornet, 2015). There are also low-cost devices available to the public to quickly and consistently measure heart rate.…”