Cognative Explanations Flashcards
Describe Kolbergs moral reasoning explanation
Suggested peoples moral decisions can be summarised in a stage theory. Higher stage more sophisticated. Offenders show a low level of moral reasoning.
Describe how Kohlbergs ideas link to criminality
Offenders more likely to be classified as pre conventional level of moral reasoning (1&2)
Describe pre conventional level of moral reasoning
Need to avoid punishment and gain rewards (childlike) based on studies suggesting offenders are egocentric.
Describe convectional moral reasoning
People who sympathise and show honesty
Describe the support for moral reasoning (AO3)
Palmer and Hollin
Compared moral reasoning in 332 non offenders and compared with 126 convicts. Used socio moral reflection measure short form. Offender group showed less mature moral reasoning than non offender group.
Describe one limitation of moral reasoning (AO3)
Thornton and Reid
People who committed crimes for functional gain more likely show pre convectional level of moral reasoning than those who commit impulsive crimes. (Pre convectional they believe they can evade punishment)
What are cognitive distortions?
Errors/ biases in information processing
What is hostile attribution bias?
Assumes others are confrontational when they are not
Describe Schonenbergs and Jusyte research into HAB
55 violent offenders with images of emotionally ambiguous facial features. Violent offenders more likely to perceive images as angry.
Describe Dodge and Frame research into HAB
Video clip of ambiguous provocation.
Children who are aggressive interpreted situation as hostile
What is minimisation?
Downplay seriousness of an offence (Barbaree)
Describe the real world application of cognitive distortions (AO3)
CBT can be used to challenge irrational thinking. Offender face up to what they have done (to gain a less distorted view)
Harkins et al: reduced incidence of denial and minimisation, reduced risk of reoffending
Describe one limitation of cognitive distortions (AO3)
Howitt and Sheldon
Questionnaire responses from sexual offenders.
Non contact sex offenders use more cognitive distortions than contact sex offenders. Previous offending history more likely to use distortions as a justification.
