Criminological Theory Exam 1 Practice 2026 – All-in-One Study Guide to Master Your Exam!

Early criminological positivists are distinguished from classical theorists primarily by their belief in biological determinism. While classical theorists emphasize free will and rationality in decision-making, suggesting that individuals choose to engage in criminal behavior based on a logical assessment of rewards and consequences, positivist theorists shift the focus towards inherent characteristics that predispose individuals to criminal behavior.

Biological determinism posits that an individual's biological makeup—such as genetics, brain structure, and physiological characteristics—plays a crucial role in influencing behavior, including criminal activities. This perspective moves away from the notion of personal choice and rationality, suggesting that factors beyond an individual's control can significantly shape behavior.

By emphasizing the influence of biological and environmental factors on criminality, early positivists laid the groundwork for later developments in criminology, including the study of social and psychological influences on behavior.