Bottom-up Approach

Question 1

What is the bottom-up approach?

Answer 1

• British
• Profiles made from actual data
• 2 examples: investigative psychology and geographical profiling

Question 2

What developed investigative psychology?

Answer 2

• David Canter

- Profiling should be based on theory and research, not gut reaction

Question 3

What are the 3 features of investigative psychology?

Answer 3

• Interpersonal coherence
• Forensic awareness
• Smallest space analysis

Question 4

What is interpersonal coherence?

Answer 4

• Idea people are consistent in behaviour

- Links to crime and everyday life

Question 5

What is forensic awareness?

Answer 5

• Idea certain behaviours will reveal an awareness of police techniques
• e.g. rapists who conceal fingerprints often have conviction of burglary

Question 6

What is smallest space analysis?

Answer 6

• Statistical technique
• Data about crime scene and offender are correlated so connections can be identified
• 3 types of offenders: instrumentalist opportunist, instrumentalist cognitive, expressive impulsive

Question 7

What is an instrumentalist opportunist offender?

Answer 7

-Achieve or accomplish goal

Question 8

What is an instrumentalist cognitive offender?

Answer 8

-Concern about being caught

Question 9

What is an expressive impulsive offender?

Answer 9

-Uncontrolled and in heat of the moment

Question 10

What is geographical profiling?

Answer 10

• Offenders most likely to commit crime near where they live

- Analyses location and distance connections between crime scenes

Question 11

What is circle theory?

Answer 11

-Offenders have spatial mindset : commit crimes in imaginary circle

• 2 types: -Marauder
  - Commuter

Question 12

What is CGT?

Answer 12

• Computerised system
• Data on time, distance and movement analysed
• Create 3D map

Question 13

P: More scientific

Answer 13

E: Statistical analysis of objective data from offenders

I: Doesn’t include info from unsolved crimes and makes assumptions which may be wrong

L: Biased in practice

Question 14

P: Circle theory is limited

Answer 14

E: Area may not be circular in big cities due to transport links

L: Narrows down search but may lead to wrong places

Question 15

P: Geographical approach prioritises house searches and DNA testing

Answer 15

E: However, it’s limited to spatial behaviour and is unable to distinguish multiple offenders in one area

L: Limits it’s use

Question 16

P: Narrows down list of suspects

Answer 16

E: May restrict investigation and lead to wrong conviction e.g. Rachel Nickel

L: Be cautious