In this literature review, we will be discussing the nature and nurture aspects that make up a criminal's mind. Studies such as McDermott, et al. and Pickles, et al. have shown that low levels of monoamine oxidase a gene (MAOA) lead to higher rates of aggression. The study conducted by McDermott, et al. compared two groups-low MAOA (MAOA-L) and high MAOA (MAOA-H)-of male participants to each other, and the researchers concluded that the participants with MAOA-L showed more signs of aggression

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... rsus the participants with MAOA-H that showed low levels of aggression. Pickles, et al. (2013) conducted a study which studied two groups of infants that had different maternal sensitivity and MAOA levels. The researchers from this study concluded that MAOA and nature are two contributing factors to aggression. The serial killer Ted Bundy is an example of this idea. Having a loving family, but low levels of MAOA, Bundy showed high levels of aggression. The purpose of this literature review is to emphasize the theory that nature and nurture are prime factors to a serial killer's mind.