Question

Bill and Tom were both adopted as infants. Tom's biological father is currently incarcerated for a violent offense. This is not the first time he has been incarcerated. He has been committing crime his entire life. The parents who adopted Tom have never committed a crime. Bill's experience was the opposite. His biological parents were not criminal but his adoptive father started committing crime and went to prison when he was eighteen. Given the research on genetics and crime, what would be the most likely result?
1. Tom is more likely to commit crime than Bill
2. Bill is more likely to commit crime than Tom
3. Bill and Tom are equally likely to commit crime
4. Genetics would not predict any relationship between the boys' family status and crime

Answer 1

Answer:

1. Tom is more likely to commit crime than Bill

Explanation:

From studies, it has been shown that there is a genetic susceptibility to engage in criminal activities, studies in the field of criminology and psychology suggest that genes play a role in an individuals tendency to commit a crime.  

Based on these scientific findings, since Tom is from a family with history of crime and violent behaviour, there is a higher likelihood that he will engage in crime compared to Jill.