Cognitive

Question 1

What did Kohlberg apply?

Answer 1

The concept of moral reasoning to offending behaviour. People’s decisions on right and wrong can be different. The higher the stage, the more sophisicated it is. He used moral reasoning to realise that young offenders haven’t developed their moral reasoning fully yet.

Question 2

2 examples of cognitive distortions?

Answer 2

Hostile attribution bias
Minimalisation

Question 3

What is hostile attribution bias?

Answer 3

Assume confrontation when it’s not the case; be short-tempered and misread cues as the trigger is disproportionate to the response.

Question 4

What is minimalization?

Answer 4

Downplay the seriousness; detach themselves. 40% of 26 participants do this, and 56% denied the crime.

Question 5

2 strenghts?

Answer 5

Evidence to support the link between crime and morality level. Palmer/Hollin compared these levels in 332 non-offenders, 126 convicted using the test.

It has good application to therapy, so good real-life application; it has practical value; and it reduces the risk of reoffending.

Question 6

One limitation?

Answer 6

The levels may depend on the offence, and studies show moral reasoning increased with harmless crimes and crimes they thought they can get away with, like burglary.