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Bruner et al

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Emma Burbage-Atter

1) The study examined a family from the Netherlands where males were affected by a genetic syndrome causing borderline mental retardation and abnormal violent behavior, including arson and attempted rape. 2) The researchers analyzed urine samples from 5 affected males and control females to study monoamine metabolism. 3) They found a mutation in the X-linked gene for the enzyme monoamine oxidase A, which is associated with disturbed serotonin metabolism and likely causes the mental issues and inability to regulate aggression seen in affected males.

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Bruner et al Emma
Aim ? A case study on a family from the Netherlands where males were affected by a syndrome of borderline mental retardation and abnormal violent behaviour. These included impulsive aggression, arson, attempted rape and exhibitionism.
Procedure ? The sample was of 5 males who had the same genetic condition which was later called Bruner syndrome. Two carrier females and one non-carrier females were used as a control group. ? Samples of urine for each of the participants were collected and analysed over a 24 hour period.
Results ? The data showed a disturbed monoamine metabolism which is associated with a deficit of the enzyme monoamine oxidase A (MAOA). A mutation was found in the X chromosome of the gene responsible for the production of MAOA which is why only males were effected.
Link to crime ? It is likely that the defect in the gene which causes flawed serotonin metabolism is the cause of the mental retardation and the aggressive behaviour exhibited in the males. The MAOA deficiency accounts for their inability to regulate their aggression which could lead to them committing criminal acts.
issues ? Generalisability ? A very small sample of only 5 males was used which makes it difficult to apply this study to real life. Also it was found that this gene is very rare and only effects males so does not explain why other males, who aren¡¯t effected, and women turn to criminal activity. ? Usefulness ? The study shows that criminal behaviour can be genetic and that it is not always to do with the way we are brought up (social). ? Application ? We can use the information found from this study to identify families who carry this gene and give them the support they need before they turn to crime.
Debates ? Internal Determinism ? The study shows that criminal behaviour is not always down to free will, in some cases people are more likely to turn to crime because of their genetic make up. Having a mutation in one of your genes can increase the possibility of someone turning to a life of crime. ? Individual ? The study explains criminal behaviour as being down to the individual, not the situation in which they have been brought up. It says that it is down to a mutated gene that certain people participate in criminal activity.
Quiz Questions 1. Where were the effected family from? 2. What did the illness become known as? 3. Why were only males effected? 4. How was data collected? 5. Why can the results be considered objective?
Answers 1. The Netherlands. 2. Bruner Syndrome. 3. The mutation was in the X chromosome. 4. Through a urine sample. 5. Specialist equipment was used.

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Bruner et al

  • 2. Aim ? A case study on a family from the Netherlands where males were affected by a syndrome of borderline mental retardation and abnormal violent behaviour. These included impulsive aggression, arson, attempted rape and exhibitionism.
  • 3. Procedure ? The sample was of 5 males who had the same genetic condition which was later called Bruner syndrome. Two carrier females and one non-carrier females were used as a control group. ? Samples of urine for each of the participants were collected and analysed over a 24 hour period.
  • 4. Results ? The data showed a disturbed monoamine metabolism which is associated with a deficit of the enzyme monoamine oxidase A (MAOA). A mutation was found in the X chromosome of the gene responsible for the production of MAOA which is why only males were effected.
  • 5. Link to crime ? It is likely that the defect in the gene which causes flawed serotonin metabolism is the cause of the mental retardation and the aggressive behaviour exhibited in the males. The MAOA deficiency accounts for their inability to regulate their aggression which could lead to them committing criminal acts.
  • 6. issues ? Generalisability ? A very small sample of only 5 males was used which makes it difficult to apply this study to real life. Also it was found that this gene is very rare and only effects males so does not explain why other males, who aren¡¯t effected, and women turn to criminal activity. ? Usefulness ? The study shows that criminal behaviour can be genetic and that it is not always to do with the way we are brought up (social). ? Application ? We can use the information found from this study to identify families who carry this gene and give them the support they need before they turn to crime.
  • 7. Debates ? Internal Determinism ? The study shows that criminal behaviour is not always down to free will, in some cases people are more likely to turn to crime because of their genetic make up. Having a mutation in one of your genes can increase the possibility of someone turning to a life of crime. ? Individual ? The study explains criminal behaviour as being down to the individual, not the situation in which they have been brought up. It says that it is down to a mutated gene that certain people participate in criminal activity.
  • 8. Quiz Questions 1. Where were the effected family from? 2. What did the illness become known as? 3. Why were only males effected? 4. How was data collected? 5. Why can the results be considered objective?
  • 9. Answers 1. The Netherlands. 2. Bruner Syndrome. 3. The mutation was in the X chromosome. 4. Through a urine sample. 5. Specialist equipment was used.