Bottom up approach

Question 1

strength objective and measurable data

Answer 1

the bottom up approach relies on objective and measurable data e.g plotting geographical locations of crime, uses mathematical tools e.g statistical analysis, and is often based on psychological theory e.g interpersonal coherence. Because of this Canter argues the bottom up approach is more scientific than the top-down approach, which relies more on intuition and gut feeling.

Question 2

strength
Canter and Heritage

Answer 2

conducted an analysis of 66 sexual assault cases. several behaviors were identified as common in different samples of behavior, such as the use of impersonal language and lack of reaction to victim. each individual displayed a characteristic pattern of such behaviors and this can help establish whether two or more offences were committed by the same person (case linkage).

Question 3

strength
Copson

Answer 3

surveyed 48 police departments and found that the advice provided by the profiler was judged to be useful in 83% of cases, which suggests it is a valid investigative tool.

Question 4

weakness
Ainsworth

Answer 4

as with investigative psychology the success of geographical profiling may be reliant on the quality of data that the police can provide. unfortunately, the recording of crime is not always accurate. an estimate of 75% of crimes are not even reported to the police in the first place (dark figure of crime). This calls into question the utility of an approach that relies on the accuracy of geographical data. even of this info is correct critics claim that other factors are just as important in creating a profile, such as the timing of offence and the age and experience of offender. (Ainsworth)

Question 5

weakness
Copson

Answer 5

study revealed that in only 3% of cases did it lead to the accurate identification of the offender. The Rachel Nickell case is a stark reminder of how profiling can be misused.