Which of the following would a positivist believe affects criminal behavior the most?

A positivist perspective emphasizes the role of empirical, observable factors that can be measured and tested in understanding human behavior, including criminal behavior. Positivists typically focus on biological, psychological, and social variables that contribute to crime.

In this context, the belief that biological traits affect criminal behavior the most aligns with positivist thought, as it suggests that inherent characteristics, such as genetics, neurological factors, or physiological attributes, play a significant role in determining an individual's propensity to engage in criminal activity. This view is often supported by research in fields such as criminology and behavioral genetics, which explore how biological factors can influence behavior.

While social environment, cognitive dissonance, and societal norms can certainly impact behavior and may be considered by some theorists, a positivist would place a stronger emphasis on biological traits as the primary determinants of criminality. This reflects a belief in the scientific understanding of human behavior, where quantifiable biological characteristics are viewed as having a direct influence on the likelihood of an individual committing a crime.