Chapter 8 Flashcards
What are psychological theories ?
Focuses on mental or psychological traits, how the mind has developed and how it functions.
” Why did he/she offend ? “
Ex. Intelligence, personality, development
What are the 3 psychological theories ?
- Psychodynamics
- Moral development
- Intelligence
What is the “psychodynamic” theory ?
- The unconscious personality developed in childhood influences behaviors
- The development of the ego, superego, and id
- Tends to develop in early childhood
What is “id” ?
Natural impulses like hunger, sex, thirst, etc
What is “ego” ?
Socially acceptable ways to obtain “id”
“ Deciding between whats wrong or right “
Ex. If hungry, a normal person will not just straight up take someones food, a normal person would go out and buy food with their money
What is “superego” ?
Feelings of guilt and shame
Usually associated with “moral values”
What is a “weak superego” ?
When you know that something is morally wrong and that you should feel guilty and ashamed of yourself but because your superego is weak, you do not so you commit crime.
What is a “neurotic offender” ?
Someone who has a overdeveloped id
“Id dominated” - Driven by needs/wants
What is the “moral development” theory ?
- The development of morality and reasoning
- The ability to determine right from wrong
- Cognitive development
“ Has to be taught”
What is the “preconventional” level in Kohlberg’s theory of moral development ?
Description :
1. Punishment and obedience ( The indv. follows rules in order to avoid punishment)
- Instrumental purpose and exchange ( Self-interest emerges; the indv. is more interested in rewards)
Ex. Egocentric, “What happens to me ?”
Egocentric : Thinking only about oneself
What is the “conventional” level in Kohlberg’s theory of moral development ?
Description :
1. Interpersonal expectations (The indv. realizes the needs of others arnd him/her) “Good-child” orientation
- Preservation of social system ( The indv. realizes the needs of society) “law and order” stance
Ex. Social expectation, “What do others expect of me?”
What is the “postconventional” level in Kohlberg’s theory of moral development ?
Description :
1. Social contract ( The indv. appreciates indv. rights and the social contract )
- Universal ethical principles ( The indv. uses abstract moral and ethical principles to guide behavior)
“Law should always be questioned”
Ex. Universality, “ What is best for all?”
What is the “intelligence” theory ?
- Offenders thought to have low intelligence
- But other factors may explain link between intelligence and crime
Ex. Low intelligence usually means more offending but poverty can also lead to low intelligence and/or more offending just like bad parenting can lead to low intelligence and/or more offending
“Circle”
What are the ways in which intelligence is usually measured ?
- Standardized testing
2. Impact of labelling
Why is “ standardized testing” a concern ?
Standardized testing is a concern because we make it seem as if only a test can determine a students intelligence but in reality some students develop high pressure and do bad on the test even though they might be really smart had they not been pressured so much during the test.
