cognitive EVALUATION Flashcards
1
Q
There is supporting evidence of levels of moral reasoning
A
- Palmer et al used a scale of 11 moral dilemma-related questions
- offenders showed less mature moral reasoning than a control group
- supports kholbergs idea that low moral reasoning is associated with offending behaviour
2
Q
there are applications of cognitive distortions research = cbt
A
- Cbt aims to challenge rational thinking
- Understanding cognitive distortions helps treat criminal behaviour e.g. CBT helps offenders to ‘face up’ to their behaviour with a less distorted view of their actions
- Studies suggest reducing denial and minimalisation in therapy correlated with reduced reoffending risk
- theory of cognitive distortions has practical value
3
Q
individual differences
A
- Thornton and Reid (1982) found those committing crimes for financial gain (robbery) were more likely to show preconventional reasoning than those who committed impulsive crimes (assault)
- Preconventional reasoning was also associated with offenders who believed they could get away with it
- doesnt apply to all forms of crime
4
Q
better theories of moral reasoning
A
- Gibb’s (1979) revised version of Kohlberg’s theory has mature (guided by conscience) and immature (guided by reward and avoidance of punishment) reasoning
- Gibb argued that Kohlberg’s postconventional level should be abandoned because it was culturally biased and did not represent a ‘natural’ maturational stage of cognitive development
- Gibb’s view is supported by Piaget’s theory of moral development
5
Q
Cognitive explanations are useful but not at explaining why they commit crimes
A
- they are useful when predicting offenders but they give us little insight into why the offender committed the crime in the first place