The group of murderers tended to have less brain activity in the pre-frontal cortex area of the brain, than those in the "no criminal traits " category. These results were consistent with the findings of previous research, that a damaged pre frontal cortex can lead to impulsive, often aggressive behaviour. So it seems that in some reported research cases the results have proved that in some, extraordinary cases there is a link to the "nature" idea of the Positivist theory.
Cesare Lombroso is regarded as the founder of the Positivist theory, and the notion of the born criminal. The Positivist School of Criminology rejected the Classical School's idea that all crime resulted from a choice that could be taken by anyone. Though they did not disagree with the Classical School that most crime could be explained through human nature, they argued that the most serious crimes were committed by individuals who were "primitive" or "atavistic". Using techniques of psychiatry , physical anthropology, and anthropometry, they claimed to have evidence that some criminals behaviour was determined (fate) rather than opportunistic, or planned out. From this followed the idea that these criminals should have access to treatment rather than punishment for their crimes. Crime, according to Lombroso and his followers, resulted from distinguishable physical or mental deficiencies. Positivist theorists were concerned with scientifically isolating and identifying the determining causes of criminal behaviour in individual offenders. Lombroso reported that the criminal man was a "naturally occurring entity" - a fact of nature rather than a product of social or legal factors. This led Lombroso on to believe that criminology was a natural science and that he could use this science to eventually determine the characteristics of a criminal mind. This Positivist theory meant that Lombroso became internationally acclaimed, and this new science became the basis of a whole movement.
