Bottom Up Approach: Evaluation Flashcards
There is evidence to support investigative psychology
POINT: There is evidence to support investigative psychology
EVIDENCE: David Canter and Rupert Heritage (1990) concluded a content analysis of 66 serial assault cases
The data was examined using the statistical technique SMALLEST SPACE ANALYSIS - a computer program that identifies correlation across patterns of behaviour
Several characteristics were identified as common in most cases, such as the use of impersonal language and lack of reaction to the victim
Thes characteristics will occupied different patterns different individuals
EXPLAINATION: This can lead to understating of how anoffender’s behaviour may change over a series of offences or establishing whether two or more offences were committed by the same person
This supports the usefulness of investigative techniques and aloes how statistical techniques can be applied
( 2 marks)
There is evidence to support geographical profiling
POINT: There is evidenceto support geographical profiling
EVIDENCE: Samantha Lungdrian and David Canter (2001) collated information from120 murder cases including serial killers in the USA
SMALLEST SPACE ANALYSIS revealed spatial consistency of the behaviour of the killers
The location of each body disposal site was in a different direction fro the previous site, creating a “centre of gravity” the offender’s base was invariably located in the centre of the spatial pattern
EXPLAINATION: The effect was more noticeable for offenders who travelled about distances (mauraders)
This supports Canter claim that spatial information is alike factor a determining the base of an offender
there is scientific basis
POINT: One limitation is that geographical profiling may not be sufficient on its own. The success of geographical profiling may be reliant on the quality of data. Unfortunately, recording of crime is not always accurate, and can vary between police forces
EVIDENCE: An estimated 75% of crime is not reported in the first place (this is referred to as the “dark figure of crime”).
EXPLANATION: This calls into the question into the utility of an approach that relies on the accuracy of geographical data. Even if this information is correct, critics claim that other factors are just as important in creating a profile such as the timing if the offence and the age and experience of the offender
IMPACT: This suggests that geographical information alone may not always lead to the successful capture of an offender