Criminal Behaviour Flashcards
Describe the characteristics of criminal behaviours [10 marks]
> No clinical characteristics of criminal behaviour (social construct) -> definition = no historical/cultural factors e.g. homosexuality .. behaviours deemed criminal by law but morally acceptable by society e.g. suffragettes
> 7 types of crime e.g. interpersonal violence, sexual (actions that threaten/cause physical harm of a sexual nature e.g. rape)
Trait leading to committing this type of crime = rationalisation ( diverting blame & questioning motives of others ) avoids evaluating consequences e.g. “she must have wanted me to, or she wouldn’t have worn such a short dress”
> Serial killers = shared characteristics = white , male , intelligent , “charismatic”
4 subtypes = hedonistic , visionary , missionary , power
Power = derive sexual gratification from dominating + controlling the life of another, maybe sociopaths ( aware of societal norms but choose to live by their own rules) , strong compulsion to strangle
Describe one biological explanation of criminal behaviour [10 marks]
(Inherited criminality)
> Certain genetic combos predispose to criminal behaviour
Family studies
•13% sons non-criminal fathers
•40% sons criminal fathers , suggests inheritance..
However, no environmental factors e.g. upbringing, socialisation
Candidate genes
•”There may be partially genetically influenced predispositions for basic behaviour tendencies, such as impulsivity” -> Links to mutation of MAOA gene “warrior gene”
•Inability to effectively break down dopamine -> dysfunction in processing “fight or flight” -> violence, aggression
Modern understanding
•Diathesis-stress model
•Predisposition + trigger e.g. childhood trauma -> criminal behaviour
•Longitudinal study, 1000 people, 12% men = mutated MAOA gene + maltreatment in childhood -> responsible for 44% of violent convictions
Describe biological explanations of criminal behaviours [10 marks]
(Inherited criminality & role of amygdala)
> Inherited criminality = certain genetic combinations predispose individuals to criminal behaviour
Family research = 13%, 40%, suggests inherited..no environmental factors e.g. upbringing, suggests genetic combinations may influence criminal behaviour, but we must raise question to other external factors
> Role of amygdala = part of limbic system & influences behaviour involved in emotion
Major role = perceive and respond to threats in environment
Fear conditioning is conditioning to control behaviours & aggression -> punishment ( dysfunction of amygdala leads to aggressive behaviour )
Fear conditioning process disrupted, child doesn’t learn aggressive behaviour is wrong -> antisocial behaviour -> crime
Longitudinal study : poor fear conditioning age 3 = predisposes to crime age 23
Evaluate one biological explanation of criminal behaviours [10 marks]
(Role of the amygdala)
Strength: Supporting research
• Longitudinal study : poor fear conditioning age 3 predisposes to crime age 23
> Strength = scientific explanation towards criminality = a reason = can be treated
> Treatment = those with disrupted amygdala = learn aggressive behaviour is wrong = reduce criminal behaviour
Weakness: Reductionist
• Too simple, amygdala doesn’t operate by itself (limbic system & prefrontal cortex)
> However, understand with technology the role the amygdala plays within criminality (good thing)
> Overall, too reductionist (one factor)
Weakness: Doesn’t explain non-violent crime
• Struggles to explain victimless crime e.g. fraud where violence plays no role
> However, way to explain serious criminality, as a society, we would choose to prevent this rather than unserious crime
> Weakness = amygdala doesn’t have a link to crime as a whole
Evaluate biological explanations of criminal behaviour [10 marks]
(Inherited criminality & Role of the Amygdala)
Inherited criminality
• Strength: Supporting research
> 13%, 40%, but if only inherited should be 100% (shows link but there may be other external factors e.g. upbringing)
Role of the Amygdala
• Weakness: Reductionist
> Too simple, amygdala doesn’t operate by itself (limbic system & prefrontal cortex)
> However, understand with technology the role the amygdala plays within criminality (good thing)
> Overall, too reductionist (one factor)
Both explanations
• Weakness: Deterministic
> Both are biological explanations
> Excuses why criminality is not the offenders fault -> problems in determining guilt
> Weakness because encapsulates the removal of free will and suggests humans have no control over their actions
Describe one individual differences explanation of criminal behaviours [10 marks]
(Eysencks Criminal Personality Theory)
> Criminals have a particular personality type (Eysenck’s 3 dimensions) have a biological basis & moderated by environment, criminals inherit a type of nervous system (NS) that affects ability to learn & adapt in environment
> Extroversion (sociability, liveliness, optimism) under aroused NS so seek stimulation. Introverts = quiet, reserved, over aroused NS so shun stimulation
Extroversion = criminal behaviour = under stimulated NS more likely to seek stimulation through risk-taking e.g. theft
> High levels of neuroticism = high levels of anxiety, moody, irritable, prone to overreacting & quick to anger & fear
Opposite = stability = less reactive NS
Neuroticism = criminal behaviour = more likely to overreact to stimuli e.g. assault after argument
> Psychoticism = impulsive & aggressive , linked to high levels of testosterone
Opposite = normality = empathetic, conventional
High levels of psychoticism = criminal behaviour (lack of empathy, murder, planned crimes)
Describe individual differences explanations of criminal behaviours [10 marks]
(Eysenck & Cognitive factors)
> Eysencks criminal personality theory suggests that criminals have a particular personality type (biological basis & moderated by environment)
3 personality dimensions that have been linked to criminal behaviour
Extroversion = sociable, lively, optimistic
Neuroticism = moody, irritable, high levels of anxiety
Psychoticism = impulsive, aggressive, impatient
For example, E can lead to criminal behaviour due to under aroused NS
This can explain criminal behaviour as more likely to seek stimulation through risk-taking e.g. theft, unplanned crime
> Cognitive factors: cognitive distortions (e.g. hostile attribution bias) ((HAB))
Attribution = inference about what people’s actions mean
HAB = leaning towards always thinking the worst
For example, seeing someone smiling & interpret that person is actually thinking bad thoughts about them
Explain criminal behaviour = negative interpretations -> aggressive behaviour
Evaluate one individual differences explanation of criminal behaviours [10 marks]
(Eysenck)
Strength: Supporting Research
> Eysenck compared prisoner EPQ scores to control group = prisoners scored higher in levels of E, N, P
> Strength = evidence supporting his criminal personality theory that criminals = higher levels of E, N, P
> However, researcher bias ?
> Need to be cautious of findings
Weakness: EPQ
> Self-report measure = social desirability bias?
> Weakness = findings may not be valid
> However, lie scale (identify P’s not answering truthfully = data can be discarded)
> Therefore, controlled but can a questionnaire truly & accurately measure personality?
Strength: Considers nature & nurture
> Personality = biological basis & moderated by environment
> For example, innate trait = under-aroused NS can lead to impulsivity if it reacts with the environment
> Strength = interactionist, more complete explanation for criminal behaviour
Evaluate individual difference explanations of criminal behaviours [10 marks]
(Eysenck & Cognitive factors)
Eysencks personality theory
• Weakness: EPQ
> Self-report measure = social desirability bias?
> Weakness = findings may not be valid
> However, lie scale (identify P’s not answering truthfully = data can be discarded)
> Therefore, controlled but can a questionnaire truly & accurately measure personality?
Cognitive factors
• Weakness: Measurement of moral reasoning
> Kohlberg used hypothetical scenarios
> Weakness = findings may not be accurate to how the P’s would behave irl (never experienced the scenario)
> May not truly explain moral reasoning (may not be a real representation & judgement of character)
Both explanations
• Strength: Research to support
> Scientific evidence & validity = considered valuable studies (contribute reasonings towards exhibition & causes of criminal behaviour)
> Strength = root causes identified = treatments & preventatives = good for society = reduce crime & criminal behaviours
Describe social-psychological explanations of criminal behaviours [ 10 marks ]
( Differential association theory & gender socialisation theory )
> DAT suggests offending behaviour can be explained by learning through others through observation and imitation
Children learn attitudes towards crime, so a potential criminal is someone who has learned pro-criminal attitudes
Attitudes & behaviours = learned from interpersonal groups (friends&family)
Frequency, length&personal meaning of associations determine degree of influence
> GST suggests we learn about gender behaviours though observation and imitation of role models
Harder for boys than girls
Boys rebelling against “feminine traits” & seek out all male peer groups to develop masculinity
Evaluate social psychological explanations of criminal behaviour [ 10 marks ]
(Differential association theory & gender socialisation theory)
DAT : Strength = Major contribution
> Changed people’s views about the origins of criminal behaviour ( crime not explained by personality e.g. mad or bad.. but by social experience ) = learning environments can be changed
GST : Strength = Pracical Applications
> Males could be socialised differently
GST : Weakness = Alternative explanations
> Chivalry hypothesis: Men tend to have a protective attitude towards women ( less likely to be arrested & convicted )
Describe restorative justice as a method of modifying criminal behaviours [ 10 marks ]
> Key method= offender communicate with victim (accept responsibility, see impact) , focuses on rehabilitation of offender through reconciliation with victim & empowers victim
- Rehabilitation of offender ( develop empathy, less likely to reoffend )
- Atonement for wrongdoing
> psychological atonement-> showing guilt
> physical atonement-> money, community work etc
> 3 components : victim repetition, offender responsibility & communities of care reconciliation
Evaluate restorative justice as a method of modifying criminal behaviours [ 10 marks ]
STRENGTH: Offender sees crime from victims perspective
> victims less likely to develop PTSD & desire revenge
> However, some sceptical
STRENGTH: Reduces recidivism
> Adult offenders = better than prison
> Young offenders = same as prison
> However, overall recidivism 37%
ETHICAL IMPLICATION: Psychological harm to both offender & victim
> Offender : Self harm, suicide
> Victim : Flashbacks due to face-to-face
> Professionals not experts in MH, limiting follow up & things may go unrecorded & untreated -> long term effects
Describe anger management as a method of modifying criminal behaviours [ 10 marks ]
> Therapeutic programme -> identify triggers & learn techniques to self regulate
Aim not to prevent anger, but to recognise & manage effectively
Can be used in prison
> Cognitive element: cognitive factors trigger emotional arousal
Anger quick to surface in situations that are anxiety/stress inducing
Link to HAB
This is why a form of CBT …
> Stress Inoculation Model: 3 components
• conceptualisation, reflecting on past experiences of anger, identify triggers
• skill acquisition, deal with anger e.g. “stop and think” and relaxation through counting
• application practice, roleplay
Evaluate anger management as a method of modifying criminal behaviour [ 10 marks ]
STRENGTH: Multidisciplinary approach
> Offending is a complex social & psychological activity
> Cognitive element= conceptualisation
> Behavioural element= skill acquisition
> Social element= application practice
> Holistic approach
STRENGTH: Research to support
> 75% showed improvement
> However, some research: no status significant difference between pre&post treatment scores between AM&control
> Further research needs to be done
WEAKNESS: Attrition rates
> Unable/unwilling to reflect on behaviour
> Researchers seemed to overcome: need to make offenders “ready”& prepare them beforehand
NOT ALL CRIME IS VIOLENT
