3.5.6 Applying the explanations to methods of modifying criminal behaviour

Question 1

Broad Broad cause of crime according to Biological explanation

Answer 1

Crime is caused by genetics (MAOA-L and CDH13), neurotransmitters, hormones and brain dysfunction (amygdala and prefrontal cortex).

Question 2

How this biological

cause could be modified

Answer 2

To prevent crime you would need to modify these factors e.g. use of a form of gene screening to target criminals, or use psychosurgery to improve brain function

Question 3

Examples of crime prevention strategies for biological explanations

Answer 3

Chemical castration of paedophiles to remove their hormonal basis for criminality. Alternatively, restorative justice may be used to alter the neuroscience of crimes (Raisel).

Question 4

Broad Broad cause of crime according to individual differences explanation

Answer 4

Crime is dependent upon the unique personality of the individual e.g. extroverted, neurotic, psychopaths are more likely to commit crimes.

Question 5

How this individual differences

cause could be modified

Answer 5

Undesirable personality traits (e.g. psychopathy) can be avoided by ensuring that children do not face trauma, or that people can learn to control their personality traits e.g. aggression.

Question 6

Examples of crime prevention strategies for individual differences explanations

Answer 6

Techniques such as anger management can be used to help criminals cope with/ control their emotions. Moreover, children can be removed from abusive homes.

Question 7

Broad Broad cause of crime according to social psychological explanation

Answer 7

Crime is dependent upon social influences e.g. males raised by females with favourable attitudes towards crime will be more likely offenders.

Question 8

How this social psychological

cause could be modified

Answer 8

Attitudes towards crime need to be changed in order to prevent criminality e.g. removing kids from criminal environments and highlighting feminine coping strategies.

Question 9

Examples of crime prevention strategies for social psychological explanations

Answer 9

Zero tolerance policies towards crime alter associations of punishment or use strategies such as the man up project to reduce masculinity.