cognitive explanations of offending

Question 1

strength practical applications
Harkins et al.

Answer 1

cognitive distortions- CBT aims to challenge irrational thinking. Offenders are encouraged to face up to what they have done and establish a less distorted view of their actions. Studies e.g Harkins et al. suggest that reduced incidence of denial and minimalization in therapy is highly associated with a reduced risk of reoffending.

Question 2

strength insight into criminal mind

Answer 2

LoMR Kohlberg’s theory is useful in that it provides insight into the mechanics of the criminal mind- that offenders may be more childlike and egocentric when it comes to making moral judgments than the law-abiding majority.

Question 3

weakness no help predicting

Answer 3

cognitive theories do not help predicting future offender behavior- just because someone tends to have distorted thinking doesn’t inevitably mean they will become an offender nor does it necessarily explain the original base of offending. only some crimes (reactive) can be explained by hostile attribution bias (not premeditated).

Question 4

weakness
Thornton and Reid

Answer 4

LoMR Kohlberg’s theory may not apply to all forms of crime. Thornton and Reid found that people who committed crimes for financial gain (e.g robbery) were more likely to show pre-conventional moral reasoning than those convicted of impulsive crimes (e.g assault). Pre-conventional moral reasoning tends to be associated with crimes in which offenders believe they have a good chance of evading punishment.