Crim Theory's (bio,phyco,indiv) Flashcards
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Jacobs XYY
The XYY (supermale) chromosomal syndrome may act on the brain’s limbic system (which regulates man’s most primitive drives, including his impulses toward violence) and somehow help trigger violent criminal acts. Criminal behaviour can admittedly also be set off by environmental conditions and be learned through the power of example.
Lombroso/ Sheldon
Lombroso’s (1876) biological theory of criminology
suggests that criminality is inherited and that someone “born criminal” could be identified by the way they look.
Twin
The twin theory of criminality, often associated with twin studies examining the heritability of criminal behaviour, has been a topic of extensive research and debate. Twin studies typically involve comparing the rates of criminality between identical (monozygotic) and fraternal (dizygotic) twins to assess the genetic and environmental influences on criminal tendencies.
Jacobs XYY eval
Over time, advancements in genetic research and behavioural science have led to a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between genetics and behaviour. The initial studies that fuelled the XYY theory often had small sample sizes and lacked rigorous methodology, contributing to scepticism within the scientific community.
Lombroso/ Sheldon Eval
Racism , outdated
Furthermore, Lombroso interpreted the presence of some physical characteristics as a cause of offending behaviour but it could be argued that these traits might have interacted with social factors.
Twineval
The evaluation of the twin theory of criminality highlights the ongoing complexity in deciphering the roots of criminal behaviour. Twin studies, exploring the influence of genetics on criminal tendencies, have yielded intriguing findings. Identical twins, sharing nearly identical genetic makeup, sometimes show higher concordance rates for criminal behaviour compared to fraternal twins.
Social learning theory
Operant conditioning extends beyond individual behaviors to complex learning scenarios. It highlights the importance of context, with behaviors influenced by environmental cues and the timing of consequences.
Social learning theory eval
However, criticisms include concerns about oversimplification, as it may not capture the complexity of cognitive processes influencing behavior. Ethical considerations arise when applying punishment, raising questions about its long-term effectiveness and potential negative side effects.
Eysenck theory of personality
Eysenck’s theory, rooted in biology, underscores the idea that our inherent genetic composition and the intricacies of our nervous system play a pivotal role in shaping our personalities. The Extraversion-Introversion dimension delves into how individuals interact with the external world, highlighting the spectrum between outgoing, sociable extraverts and more reserved, introverted individuals. This dimension captures the essence of social behavior and energy levels.
Eysenck theory of personality eval
Bias
Howitt (2009) explores a number of problems with Eysenck’s theory. Whilst applauding its attempt
to integrate different levels of theorising (genetic, biological, psychological and social) Howitt notes
that the broad sweep of Eysenck’s theory actually addresses few of the real concerns of forensic
psychologists, who are more interested in questions about specific types of crime. Eysenck’s
theory tells us that rapists and child abusers are extravert, neurotic and psychotic, but it does not
tell us why they rape or abuse children. This criticism could equally be levelled at any of the theories
of general criminality that have been put forward since Lombroso.
Freud and psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis, rooted in the work of Sigmund Freud, involves a comprehensive exploration of the unconscious mind. Beyond surface-level symptoms, it delves into the intricacies of one’s psyche, acknowledging that early life experiences significantly shape adult behaviors. The method of free association, where patients express thoughts without restraint, serves as a key mechanism for uncovering hidden aspects of the mind. This unearthing process extends to dream analysis, recognizing that the symbolism within dreams offers a unique pathway to the subconscious.
Freud and psychoanalysis eval
This evaluation portrays psychoanalysis as a comprehensive and insightful approach to understanding the human mind. It effectively communicates the core principles, such as the exploration of the unconscious, the significance of early life experiences, and the therapeutic methods like free association and dream analysis. The emphasis on the therapeutic relationship as a cornerstone is well articulated, highlighting the importance of trust and collaboration in navigating emotional depths.
Functionalism and subcultural
Functionalism in psychology emerged as a response to structuralism, which aimed to break down mental processes into their basic components. Functionalists, however, were more interested in the holistic view, examining how these components work together to serve a purpose. It’s akin to studying an intricate machine and understanding not just its individual parts but how they collaborate to achieve a specific function. Functionalism sought to explore the adaptive functions of thoughts and behaviors, emphasizing the role they play in helping individuals navigate and thrive in their environments.
Functionalism and subcultural eval
Critique: Functionalism tends to view society as stable and in equilibrium. Critics argue that this perspective is too static and fails to account for social change, conflict, and the dynamic nature of society.
Overemphasis on Consensus:
Critique: Functionalism places a strong emphasis on social order and consensus, often overlooking conflicts and power struggles within society. Critics argue that it doesn’t adequately address issues related to inequality and social injustice.
Deterministic:
Critique: Functionalism can be criticized for being overly deterministic. It implies that every aspect of society serves a function and is necessary for the stability of the whole, which might oversimplify complex social phenomena.
Labelling, SFP
Labeling, essentially, is like slapping a tag on someone, defining them by a set of characteristics that might only capture a fraction of their complexity. This process is not always accurate or fair, as it oversimplifies the rich tapestry of an individual’s personality, experiences, and potential. Once labeled, people may find themselves navigating the world through the lens of that label, which can be limiting and may not fully reflect their true capabilities or aspirations.
