Criminals

Question 1

What did christiansens twin study show about the biological link with criminality

Answer 1

Found that from 3586 pairs of twins if an ode tickle twin was a criminal, for identical twins 52% of the time the other twin was also a criminal. For non-identical twins the rate was only 22%.

Question 2

What is the XYY chromosome

Answer 2

A rare genetic pattern said to be linked with aggression and slow learning.

Question 3

Why is the evidence stating that the XYY chromosome might be a criminal gene not valid

Answer 3

Only a handful of murders have had an XYY chromosome. We cannot find enough samples of people with the disorder to be certain of the link to violent crime.

Question 4

How do adoption studies provide strong evidence for the biological explanation of criminals.

Answer 4

They look at relatives, siblings and twins that are adopted at a young age. Meaning they share genes and not environment as they have different parents. By taking the environment out of my he picture, we can be sure that genetics are the cause of criminality.

Question 5

How can we see if criminality has a biological basis

Answer 5

We can compare the family trees of criminals and non-criminals - if many criminals’ relatives are also criminals there might be a biological link.
Twin studies
Adoption studies.

Question 6

Name 5 social explanations for criminality

Answer 6

Maternal deprivation 
Family size
Divorce 
Childrearing 
Self fulfilling prophecy.

Question 7

What are family patterns

Answer 7

The experiences children have during their family life.

Question 8

Why is divorce a social explanation for criminality

Answer 8

If parents are divorced, individuals are more likely to have criminal tendencies due to factors such as money difficulties, moving house, arguments in the home.

Question 9

Why is maternal deprivation a social explanation for maternal deprivation

Answer 9

If children are separated from their main caregiver before the age of 2 it can cause problems in their later life. They typically lose the sense of having a safe world and feel rejected.

Question 10

Why can family size be a social explanation for criminality

Answer 10

More than six children in a family can result in children being more likely to be criminals because each child may get less attention and supervision. Also the parents income will have to be shared between each child so they may have fewer educational opportunities.

Question 11

What did a study by western show about the link between parents occupation and criminality

Answer 11

Found a slight link between parental occupation and youth crime, a fathers occupation was not an indicator but the mothers occupation did have an effect.

Question 12

Why is it difficult to pin down which social factors affect crime

Answer 12

Family circumstances are complex. It seems likely that a combination of factors contributed to criminality.

Question 13

How is childrearing an explanation for criminality

Answer 13

The way in which parents bring their children up is known as childrearing strategies. Some strategies can affect the child mentally.

Question 14

What are the three strategies of childrearing

Answer 14

Induction
Love withdrawal
Power assertion

Question 15

As a childrearing strategy, what is induction

Answer 15

Where parents explain to their child what that have done wrong and allow them to think about their consequences. Children can then make the right decision next time.

Question 16

As a childrearing strategy, what is love withdrawal

Answer 16

When parents put conditions on their love, they don’t love their child when they have done something bad. Results in child being confused about their identity, unsure to whether they are loved or not.

Question 17

As a childrearing strategy, what is power assertion

Answer 17

Includes hitting, shouting at child, humiliating them, grabbing then extra. Can lead to aggression in child.

Question 18

What is a self fulfilling prophecy

Answer 18

When the expectations of others influence our behaviour

Question 19

What is conform

Answer 19

To adjust to expectations made of us

Question 20

What is the self fulfilling prophecy explanation of criminality

Answer 20

Is we are seen as or expected to be a criminal we will behave in that way.

Question 21

Why is self fulfilling prophecy an explanation for criminality

Answer 21

People conform to the behaviour that is expected of them. So if someone is seen as likely to become a criminal it is likely they will be due to self fulfilling prophecy.

Question 22

What was the aim of Rosenthal and Jacobsen’s experiment

Answer 22

To test whether achievement could be a self fulfilling prophecy.

Question 23

What was the procedure of Rosenthal and Jacobsen’s experiment

Answer 23

They gave children an IQ test and then told the teachers which children were going to be ‘bloomers’ and which ones were going to be ‘average’(this was a lie, the names were random).

Question 24

What were the results of Rosenthal and Jacobsen’s experiment

Answer 24

They found that teachers didn’t expect much or not he ‘average’ children and gave all their attention to the ‘bloomers’. The IQ of the bloomers rose and the IQ of be average children fell.

Question 25

What are some Issues with the theory of self fulfilling prophecy as an explanation of criminality

Answer 25

It would be very unethical to study self fulfilling prophecy as a cause of crime by treating someone differently and seeing if it affected their behaviour.

Also many of use reject the way we are treated by others and so do not fulfil the prophecy.

Question 26

Compare the biological and social explanations for why people are criminals

Answer 26

B- Focuses on how we are born a criminal - we inherit genes that cause criminal behaviour.

S - focuses on how we are made criminals, being brought up in a family that makes criminal behaviour more likely.

Question 27

Compare the evidence to support the biological and social explanations of criminality

Answer 27

B- adoption studies show how crime can be inherited. XYY chromosome abnormality may cause aggression in males, leading to violent crime.
S- maternal deprivation can cause distress and mistrust that affects later development. Self fulfilling prophecy explains how our behaviour can be influenced by the way we are treated.

Question 28

Compare the weaknesses of the biological and social explanations for criminality

Answer 28

B- weakened by the confusion between genetics and upbringing in twin & family studies. Chromosome research is limited as only small samples have been studied.
S- theory cannot separate the influence of many social factors that influence criminality. People often revel against how they are treated by others.

Question 29

What is the aim of theilgaard study of the criminal gene

Answer 29

She wanted to see if criminals had a particular gene that could be responsible for their criminal behaviour.

Question 30

What is the procedure of theilgaard study of the criminal gene

Answer 30

They took blood samples from over 30,000 men, 16 had the XXY and 12 had the XYY abnormalities. They were interviewed about their backgrounds and criminal history. A personally test was so used to see if they displayed aggression.

Question 31

What is the results of theilgaard study of the criminal gene

Answer 31

Found that XYY males had slightly lower intelligence and were more aggressive than average. However no solid evidence of a criminal gene was found.

Question 32

What is the conclusion of theilgaard study of the criminal gene

Answer 32

Study provides limited evidence for XYY makes being more aggressive than XXY males.

Question 33

What were the strengths of theilgaard study of the criminal gene

Answer 33

All tests and interviews were conducted by an independent social worker who didn’t know the aim of the study - no interview bias.
Used a vast range of tests to measure different aspects of the men’s lives, backgrounds and personality.

Question 34

What were the weaknesses of theilgaard study of the criminal gene

Answer 34

The link between XYY makes and aggression is only a correlation - the chromosome abnormality may not have caused the increased aggression.
There was only a small sample of men used for the investigation. 1/1000 males are born XYY.

Question 35

What is a correlation

Answer 35

A measure of an association or relationship between two factors or variables.

Question 36

What are controls

Answer 36

Ways to keep variables cons that in all conditions of an experiment

Question 37

What is a control group

Answer 37

A group that does not receive an experiment condition. This group provides a baseline on which to compare those participants who do not experience a condition of the experiment.

Question 38

What are extraneous variables

Answer 38

Any variables that might affect the results of the study that might not be controlled

Question 39

What are demand characteristics

Answer 39

When we change our behaviour to meet the demands of a situation

Question 40

What was the aim of sigall and ostroves study

Answer 40

To see whether attractiveness affected jury decision making and to investigate whether there was a relationship between attractiveness and the type of crime committed

Question 41

What was the procedure of sigall and ostroves study

Answer 41

Used the crimes of burglary and Freud in their study. 120 participants were given a piece of card with a crime written on it and a photo of a women except the control group who didn’t get a pic. They were split into groups of 20 who each saw an attractive or unattractive pic of the women and read about a Freud/burglary that she had commuters. They had to rate how attractive she was and had to give her a sentence, 1-15 years.

Question 42

What were the result of sigall and ostroves study

Answer 42

Participants gave the women a similar sentence for both crimes with both unattractive photo and no photo. However the attractive photo made them give longer sentences for Freud but less time for burglary.

Question 43

What was the conclusion of sigall and ostroves study

Answer 43

Good looking people seem to get away with some crimes, but if they have used their looks to commit a crime they are less likely to get away with it.

Question 44

What were two strengths of sigall and ostroves study

Answer 44

Study used good controls - participants all read the same instructions.
The control group was useful to show whether the photos did affect participants decisions or not.

Question 45

What were two weaknesses of sigall and ostroves study

Answer 45

Experiment is not realistic as it is not what a jury would normally experience, a jury would listen to the evidence and testimony and decide as a group.

Juries only normal decide wether a defendant is guilty or not. The judge decides the length of the prison sentence.

Question 46

What is the aim of Madons study

Answer 46

To see if a percentage expectation of the child is drinking habits would become a reality

Question 47

What is the procedure of Madons study

Answer 47

115 children between 12 to 13 years were questioned parents also questioned. The parents were asked to guess how much alcohol their child regularly drunk or would drink in the coming year. Are you later, The children were asked to say how much alcohol they actually consumed.

Question 48

What were the results of Madons study

Answer 48

He found that children who drank the most alcohol were the ones whos parents had predicted agreed to use of alcohol. It took only one parent to have a negative opinion about the child is drinking habits to show a relationship with high levels of drinking but the child seemed at greater risk of high alcohol use both parents had negative beliefs.

Question 49

What is the conclusion of Madons study

Answer 49

Parents prediction of their child’s alcohol use was very accurate. The parents expectations were consistent with alcohol use after 12 months. The drinking behaviour became a self-fulfilling prophecy because of what parent expected to come true. Parents beliefs can have a massive influence on a child’s behaviour.

Question 50

What were the strengths of Madons study

Answer 50

Large sample of participants so the results can be said to be valid and reliable.
It gives a strong warning to parents about holding negative beliefs about their children as it could become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Question 51

What are the weaknesses of Madons study

Answer 51

Parents may not have influenced their child’s behaviour at all – they were just accurate in judging the child alcohol use. It may be an accurate prediction rather than self-fulfilling prophecy.
Many others influence children like their friends or media.

Question 52

Name two practical problems with biological research

Answer 52

In the study with thousands of participants only a handful will have XYY supposedly linked to criminality.

Chromosome abnormalities are very difficult to detect.

Question 53

Name 2 ethical problems with biological research

Answer 53

It is not ethical to say that having a specific chromosome pattern causes criminality if the link is not 100%. Could become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
To tell a criminal behaviour was due to a chromosome abnormality make cause them to believe that they aren’t to blame.

Question 54

Name two practical problems with social research

Answer 54

We cannot carry out an experiment to make someone a criminal, so any research just examines the link between criminality and social factors. there may be other causes for criminal behaviour.
Criminals and their families are asked questions about past events. But memory is not very reliable after many years so the answers may not have been accurate.

Question 55

Name to ethical problems with social research

Answer 55

If there is a link between the family and criminal behaviour it could be used to blame parents for their children’s behaviour. Results should be handled with care.
Investigating the self-fulfilling prophecy as an explanation may create or reinforce existing labels and therefore encourage criminal behaviour.

Question 56

What are the practical problems with gathering information from convicted offenders

Answer 56

They may use the research as a way of gaining early release from prison by telling psychologists that they are sorry for their crimes. Which may lead to false results.
They may believe the info they give could be used to convict another criminal so they might withhold info to protect people.

Question 57

What are the ethical problems with gathering information from convicted offenders

Answer 57

Criminals who are used should not be treated differently from non criminals.

Criminals, ex criminals and prisoners have the same human rights as any other member of society.

Question 58

What does criminal consistency mean

Answer 58

The idea that a person will commit a crime in a way that mirrors his or her own personal ability. An organised person will commit an organised crime.

Question 59

What is a profile

Answer 59

A list of predicted abilities, Personal characteristics, occupation, marital status, ect. That can be used to narrow down the list of suspects for a crime

Question 60

What is offender profiling

Answer 60

It’s the name of a process used to help police catch criminals. It helps to narrow down the number of suspects that the police should investigate.

Question 61

What does traditional policing involve

Answer 61

The analysis of physical evidence e.g. fingerprints, blood stains. However psychologists believe that the way in which a crime was committed gives additional clues about the criminal

Question 62

How can An offender profile help the police to predict the type of victims/offenders

Answer 62

The profile can give clues about evidence that might be found on the criminal, such as souvenirs taken from the crime scene. It can also suggest very useful interview techniques for the police to use on the criminal.

Question 63

What does creating an offender profile involves

Answer 63

Analysis of the crime – the police make detailed records of the victim, place.
Building a profile – a criminal profiler uses this information to construct A list of probable features of a criminal.
This includes age, race, sex ect

Question 64

How was the case of John Duffy – the railway killer – solved

Answer 64

David canter produced an I send a profile on him that was very close to what he was actually like. Canter said that Duffy tied his victims up because he was not a strong man, he said he was probably small because he was able to approach people without them seeing him as a threat.

Question 65

Name three things that were the same on David canters profile of John Duffy as the real facts about John Duffy

Answer 65

He said he lived in London which she did.
He said he was married with no children which was true.
He said he was a small man and he was 5’4”.

Question 66

What is a psychopath

Answer 66

A person suffering from a chronic mental disorder with abnormal or violent social behaviour

Question 67

Explain the job of a forensics psychologist

Answer 67

They work in courts to uncover psychological issues. They set up treatment programs and evaluate them. They make offender profiles. They research and review data and they work with prisoners to assess the threat to staff

Question 68

Give examples as to what a forensic psychologist might do within their job

Answer 68

Carry out one-to-one assessments and treatment of prisoners as appropriate.
Doing crime analysis e.g. offender profiling.
Advising present governors about prisons, staff, implementing change or other organisational issues.

Question 69

What is the problem with psychopathic disorders

Answer 69

People with psychopathic disorder is do not function normally with regard to social norms and rules.

Question 70

How come people with psychopathic disorders be treated

Answer 70

They are usually detained in secure hospitals to protect the public but are not always on a treatment program.

Question 71

What is the problem with diagnosing a psychopathic disorder

Answer 71

It might lead to a label being applied to the individual making the disorder hard to treat.

Question 72

What qualifications do you need in order to become a forensics psychologist

Answer 72

Degree in psychology.
Work experience.
A Masters in forensics psychology.
Two years supervised practice.

Question 73

What skills do you need in order to become a forensics psychologist

Answer 73

Good communication.
Good writing skills.
Problem solving skills.
Being able to understand body language.
Being able to work within the bps ethical guidelines.

Question 74

Who do forensics psychologists work for

Answer 74

The NHS.
HM prison service.
Social services.
Or self-employed

Question 75

What does it mean to have a chartered status as A forensics psychologist

Answer 75

You have satisfied all the requirements of the bps and have sufficient qualifications to be called a psychologist.

Question 76

What does mandatory mean

Answer 76

Something has to be done

Question 77

What is personal constructs therapy

Answer 77

A therapy where someone finds their own way of looking at people and uses those constructs, not only to see how they judge the people they know but also to measure change after therapy.

Question 78

How might a forensics psychologist help treat offenders

Answer 78

They develop rehab programs which May use anger management, skills training or treatment for addiction.

Question 79

How would a forensic psychologist conduct personal construct therapy on an offender

Answer 79

The psychologist would help the person to understand their own constructs and then would repeat the task later to help them see how they have changed. After some intervention by the psychologist the individual judges their own constructs again to see what changes have been made during treatment.

Question 80

How would a forensics psychologist treat the offenders of drug abuse

Answer 80

They would prescribe substitute drugs and monitor the addicts progress closely and providing support and counselling. They would also make sure they have adequate housing and funding to prevent them turning back to drugs.

Question 81

How would forensics psychologists treat sex offenders

Answer 81

It is mandatory that sex offenders attend a treatment program however we don’t know what causes it so it’s hard to treat. Medication can be prescribed to reduce sex drive. CBT can be used to change negative thoughts into positive ones, this can help intimacy/social skills problems and also problems with empathy.

Question 82

What is the defendant

Answer 82

A person who has been accused of a crime and is now in court

Question 83

What is the verdict

Answer 83

Decision made by jury. The verdict can be guilty or innocent

Question 84

What is a testimony

Answer 84

The evidence given by a witness or a person the defendant knows well

Question 85

What is a stereotype

Answer 85

A general view of a person based on little or no factual information

Question 86

Where is serious criminal offences dealt with

Answer 86

In a court of law with a judge and the jury

Question 87

What happens during a criminal trial

Answer 87

The Jerry listens to the evidence and testimony presented by the defence and the prosecution. The jurors then talk to each other in private before making a decision. Guilty verdict results in the judge deciding upon a sentence. Sometimes innocent people are sent to prison or guilty people are released due to an intersect system.

Question 88

Can juries make mistakes

Answer 88

Their decision should be only based on what they have seen and here in the court room but Juries may be affected by other factors

Question 89

What could affect juries decision when deciding upon guilty or innocent

Answer 89

How defendant looks, Acts or sounds perfect so they are viewed by Jury. We base our decisions on the stereotypes we hold.

Question 90

How might race affect a jury’s decision

Answer 90

If we have a stereotypical view of a black man is more likely to commit a crime, we are more likely to find them guilty.

Question 91

How might attractiveness affect a juries decision

Answer 91

Look back on sigall and ostroves study

Question 92

How might accents affect a juries decision

Answer 92

If a defendant is well spoken we are less likely to find them guilty of burglary. A defendant with a strong regional or rough accent maybe more likely to commit a crime.