Criminology Exam Review Flashcards
Why is it important to study crime rates and trends in crime
Studying crime rates and trends is important because it helps society understand, prevent, and respond to criminal behaviour, which also helps promote safety and well-being. It also allows us to determine crime theories, and find out the severity of victimisation.
What is the UCR?
(UCR), a standardised system of classifying and counting crimes. Statistics are collected by local, county, and state/provincial law enforcement agencies, according to agreed-upon rules, and are then forwarded to a central agency
When counting crime, what does the UCR do if the criminal has committed 2 crimes at the same time, i.e. breaking and entering and murder?
The UCR (Uniform Crime Reporting) system typically records the most serious offence in cases where multiple crimes occur simultaneously. In this example, it would likely be recorded as a murder.
What is considered a cleared case?
A case is considered cleared when one individual in the case is arrested or convicted
Why are violent crimes more likely to be solved?
Violent crimes are more likely to be solved because authorities spend more resources to solve them
Why do you think crime rates are higher in the west and north of Canada than in eastern and central Canada?
Because of the dense urban population in certain areas rather than others where there is more people
Examine the chart on homicide rates in various countries in the world, what do you think accounts for the difference in homicide rates between countries?
Population, economic factors play a role in the rates
What is the “dark figure of crime”? Why is it important to know the size of the dark figure of crime?
Dark figure is the number of unreported crimes
Knowing the extent of unreported crimes is crucial for accurate crime statistics, resource allocation, and public safety. Reliable data aids law enforcement in prioritizing efforts and developing effective strategies, ensuring that community needs are addressed.
List 4 instances when a victim is more likely to report a crime.
For personal gain, to rebel against the law, peer pressure,
Give 3 examples of how the police sometimes affect the data on crime.
- Solved crimes
- Unreported crimes
- Unsolved crimes
What is Deviance?
is any behaviour that violates social norms (established rules or standards of behaviour that are socially shared), and is usually of sufficient severity to warrant disapproval from the majority of society.
Deviance can be criminal or non-criminal.
When thinking of deviance it is more about the reactions of society to the act than the act itself.
What are negative sanctions
These are Expressions of disapproval for deviance.
Range from frowns and gossip for breaking folkways to imprisonment and death for breaking mores and laws.
In general, the more seriously the group takes a norm, the harsher the penalty for violating it.
What is a positive sanction?
In contrast, positive sanctions—from smiles to formal awards—are used to reward people for conforming to norms.
Examples:
Getting a raise is a positive sanction; being fired is a negative sanction. Getting an A in Criminology is a positive sanction; getting an F is a negative one.
What is relative to deviance?
also relative to time and place because what is considered deviant in one social context may be non-deviant in another
Examples: fighting during a hockey game vs. fighting in a nursing home; killing another human is considered wrong except when governments permit it during warfare or self-defense
What is Non-Criminal Deviance?
Non-criminal deviance refers to behaviors that deviate from societal norms or expectations but are not considered criminal. These actions may violate social or cultural norms but do not lead to legal consequences. Non-criminal deviance can take various forms, such as unconventional dress, unconventional beliefs, or behaviors that challenge traditional social expectations.
What is Crime
Crime refers to an act or behavior that is prohibited by law and can result in punishment by the legal system. It is a violation of societal rules and regulations established to maintain order and protect individuals and their property
Society sees most crimes, such as robbery, assault, battery, rape, murder, burglary, as DEVIANT.
But some crimes, such as littering are not deviant at all.
What are the 2 categories of crime?
Most crimes fall into one of two categories— crimes against people or crimes against property.
Crimes against property are much more common that crimes against people.
What is White Collar crime?
White-collar crime, committed by high-status individuals during the course of business
Typical white-collar crimes include embezzlement/financial fraud, bribery, insurance fraud, Medicare theft, etc.
What is computer crime and victimless crimes?
An emerging type of crime involves using computers to “hack” (break into) military, educational, medical, and business computers.
In victimless crime, all parties consent to the exchange of illegal goods and/or services. In some cases, victims may exist, but not usually.
The list of victimless crimes includes illicit drug use, gambling in most areas of the country, the use of illegal sexual materials, public nudity, public drunkenness, vagrancy, loansharking, and prostitution.
What is organized crime?
Organized crime refers to groups and organizations dedicated solely to criminal activity. Historically, leaders of organized crime, or “crime families” engage in three types of activities:
Legal activities and businesses, such as restaurants.
Illegal activities, such as importing and selling narcotics, gambling, and running prostitution rings.
Extortion of funds for purposes of “protection.”
what is the difference between criminology and criminal justice
Criminology studies the underlying causes and impact of a crime
Criminal Justice is the system within the government that focuses on all legal proceedings related to criminal law.
Criminology helps us acquire an in-depth understanding of the complexities of criminal, delinquent and deviant behaviour, as well as understanding society’s reaction to crime.
What is the main concept with deviance & crimes?
all crimes are not deviant and some deviant acts are not a crime.
What is criminology
Criminology is a body of knowledge regarding crime as a social phenomenon; it includes within its scope the process of making laws, breaking laws, and reacting to the breaking of laws.
The aim of criminology is to develop principles regarding law crime and prevention
What are the 3 myths of crime?
- Crime and violence are always increasing
- A small percentage of the population violates the law
- Most Crime involves violence
How are norms and sanctions essential for maintaining the social order?
Norms and sanctions are essential for maintaining social order because they help guide peoples behaviors and ensure that society functions smoothly.
Norms are unwritten rules that dictate how people should behave in a given society, positive sanctions are rewards or approval for following norms and negative sanctions are penalties or disapproval for breaking norms
Explain the following statement: “All crimes are not deviant and some deviant acts are not a crime.”
That statement means that not every illegal action is considered socially deviant and some deviant acts are not a crime
What was brads life like before neo-nzai involvement
His friend told him to join him in a white supremist group, and he was promised protection, brotherhood, he always felt something was missing from his life
What was Brad’s life like as a member of a hate group
He felt good about himself. Brad spent 13 years climbing the ranks to becoming the boss for the gang called Volksfront. The groups mission waas to establish a white society by excluding other racial and ethnic groups. He was at times deeply immersed in promoting white supremacy
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Where and when have far right/white supremacist groups been active in Canada?
Far-right and supremacist groups have been active in various parts of canada over the years. they have been known to organize rallies, spread propaganda, and in some cases engage in violent activities. They are in major cities and as well as some less urban areas.
Describe the girls that Campbell encountered in her research.
Anne Campbell’s research focused on girls she encountered in New York City who were part of female gangs. These girls typically came from impoverished backgrounds and had experienced instability in their family lives. Many had never known their fathers, and a significant number were immigrants from Puerto Rico. They frequently moved residences due to evictions or arson incidents, struggled to form lasting friendships, and felt disconnected from their mothers due to language barriers. Consequently, they dropped out of school early, grew up on the streets, and became involved in adult activities such as drug use and early sexual experiences, often leading to teenage pregnancies.
What was the process for a girl to become part of a gang? How might it differ from how a boy joins a gang?
To become part of a female gang, girls would usually begin as “prospects.” They had connections to the gang through friends or distant relatives who introduced them. After a trial period, they could undergo an initiation rite, which often involved fighting an established member chosen by the gang’s godmother. The primary focus during this initiation was not on winning or losing the fight but on demonstrating “heart” or courage. Unlike boys joining gangs, female gang initiations required members to prove their loyalty and willingness to fight rather than simply seeking protection.
What positives come from being part of a gang, according to Campbell?
According to Campbell, being part of a gang offered certain positive aspects to these girls. It provided them with a strong sense of belonging and sisterhood, which in addition the isolation they had experienced in their lives prior to joining the gang. The gang served as a ready-made circle of friends who shared similar life experiences and were willing to support and defend one another against external threats. Engaging in fights together got the gang members a reputation for being “crazy,” which was effective in deterring challenges and intimidation in their tough neighborhoods.
Would you expect female gangs to become as involved in criminal activity as male gangs? Why or why not?
Whether female gangs become as involved in criminal activity as male gangs can vary depending on several factors, including the specific gang, its leadership, and the social and economic conditions of their neighborhood. While both male and female gangs may engage in criminal activities, the nature and motivation behind these crimes can differ. Female gangs may primarily focus on protecting their territory, relationships, and reputation within their community, which can lead to involvement in criminal activities such as drug distribution or physical altercations.
After having learned the strain theory, social disorganization theory, subcultural theories, learning and social reaction theories, explain why a young girl might join a gang?
(Strain theory explains that people might commit crimes when they feel pressure because they can’t achieve their goals in a lawful way.) In this case the Young girls facing economic, social, or cultural strains may join gangs as a means of coping with these challenges. Gang involvement can offer economic opportunities, status, and a sense of belonging that they lack.
Explain the basics of this experiment - what did Elliot do to introduce a change in her classroom?
Jane Elliott, a third-grade teacher, conducted an experiment in her classroom to teach her students about discrimination and prejudice.
She divided her class based on eye colour. On the first day, she declared the blue-eyed students as superior, giving them privileges and treating them better than the brown-eyed students. The brown-eyed students were made to wear collars to distinguish them and faced discrimination.
On the following day, she reversed the roles, treating the brown-eyed students as superior and the blue-eyed students faced discrimination.
How did her grade 3 students respond?
The students’ behavior changed dramatically based on their assigned roles.
When they were in the “superior” group, they exhibited discriminatory and privileged behavior, enjoying the benefits and looking down on the “inferior” group.
Conversely, when they were in the “inferior” group, they felt demoralized, humiliated, and angry. They experienced firsthand the emotional turmoil of being discriminated against.
What was the impact of this experiment on these students? (refer to their reflections on it as adults).
The experiment had a profound and lasting impact on the students.
During their reunion as adults, they reflected on the emotional distress they felt during the exercise and how it changed their perspectives on racism and discrimination.
Many expressed that the exercise taught them not to judge people based on superficial characteristics and to be more empathetic and understanding.
Some mentioned how they actively teach their children not to discriminate and how the lesson has stayed with them throughout their lives.
How was this experiment applied to the employees of Iowa Department of Corrections?
The Iowa Department of Corrections hired Jane Elliott to conduct her eye color-based discrimination exercise with their employees, including prison guards and parole officers.
Participants were divided based on eye color, with one group being treated as “inferior” and facing various forms of discrimination.
The exercise aimed to make the participants experience the emotional and psychological effects of discrimination firsthand, fostering empathy and understanding for those who face discrimination in real life.
How did the employees respond?
The employees responded with feelings of frustration, anger, and helplessness. They felt trapped in the exercise and expressed that it was an unreasonable and intense situation. Some acknowledged the discrimination they felt, while others highlighted the difference between their experience in the exercise and the daily discrimination faced by black individuals.
Explain how this experiment(classroom eye color one) relates to Social Process Theories.
Social Process Theories focus on the social processes through which individuals learn to engage in certain behaviours, including criminal behaviours.
Jane Elliott’s experiment directly relates to these theories as it showcases how societal norms, prejudices, and discriminatory practices can be learned and internalised. The exercise demonstrates how easily individuals can adopt discriminatory behaviours when placed in an environment that promotes such norms.
Apply this experiment to a particular Social Process Theory that we have studied. How does it link to the main ideas of this theory? (i.e. Social Reaction, Learning Theory)
Learning Theory: This theory posits that individuals learn criminal behavior through interactions and associations with others. In Elliott’s experiment, students and employees quickly learned discriminatory behaviors based on the societal norms and rules set by the exercise. This rapid adoption of prejudiced behaviors aligns with the Learning Theory’s idea that behaviors are learned through interactions and environmental cues. The experiment showcases how easily negative behaviors can be learned when they are normalized in a particular setting.
Explain the Sociological theories of crime:
Sociological theories of crime:
-focus on the impact social conditions have on crime
-explain the reasons for differences in crime rates in the social environment
dominate criminological thinking in North America as they explain trends and patterns in crime
-Therefore a criminals behaviour is determined by their environment (reject the notion of a born criminal)
What are the three major Sociological Perspectives
1.Social Structure Theories
- Social Process Theories
- Social CONFLICT Theories
how does deviance and crime contribute to social order? (3 Ways)
- Affirms norms - what is acceptable behaviour
- Encourages social unity - “we” mentality
- Promotes social change - sometimes deviant behaviour approved (i.e. Desmond)
Explain Merton & Strain Theory
American Sociologist Robert Merton, agreed that deviance was functional but he assumes that most people are law abiding BUT when under great pressure or STRAIN, they will resort to crime.
He developed strain theory to explain how people react when their access to success (primarily financial) is blocked. Strain refers to the frustrations people feel.
According to Merton there are 2 key elements to society:
1.GOALS that people believe are worth striving for
- The accepted MEANS (way) to achieve these goals
In a stable society these two elements should be in synch but this is often not the case and leads to social strain.
What does Anomie Mean?
to describe the contradiction between the goal of monetary success and our social structures inability to provide the legitimate means to achieve it.
What are the 5 ways Merton said that people adapt to this gap between having a socially accepted goal but no socially accepted way to pursue it.
- CONFORMITY (playing the game)
- INNOVATION (illegitimate means)
- RITUALISM (inactivity)
- RETREATISM (dropping out of society)
5) REBELLION (rejection)
Explain Conformity (Playing the game)
The majority of people in society choose to conform. They pursue their society’s valued goals to the extent that they can through socially accepted means.
Explain Innovation (Illegitimate Means)
Those who innovate, pursue goals they cannot reach through legitimate means by instead using criminal or deviant means.
Explain Ritualism (Inactivity)
People who ritualize lower their goals until they can reach them through socially acceptable ways. These “social ritualists” focus on conformity to the accepted means of goal attainment while abandoning the distant, unobtainable dream of success.
Explain Retreatism (Dropping Out of society)
Others retreat from the role strain and reject both society’s goals and accepted means. Some beggars and street people have withdrawn from society’s goal of financial success. They drop out.
Explain REBELLION (rejection)
Replacing a society’s goals and means with their own. Rebels seek to create a greatly modified social structure in which provisions would be made for closer correspondence between merit, effort, and reward.
What are the 2 adaptations of strain theory
- Relative Deprivation Theory
- general Strain Theory
Explain Relative Deprivation Theory
People react negatively when they feel deprived in comparison to others, rather than in relation to a set standard.
Explain General Strain Theory
Criminality is due to negative emotional states, such as anger and frustration, which have many sources.
Who Developed Social Disorganization Theory
Robert Park
Explain Social Disorganization Theory
believe that individuals who grow up in impoverished areas are more likely to participate in deviant or criminal behaviours.
Who Developed Merton & Strain Theory
Robert Merton
What is the main idea of social disorganization theory
The condition is which the usual controls over delinquents are largely absent.
-Delinquent behaviour is often accepted by parents and neighbours
-Many opportunities for delinquent behaviour
-Little encouragement, training or opportunity for legitimate employment.
What were the 3 ways Robert Park described American cities in ecological terms
Invasion, Domination, Succession
Asserts that crime is most likely to occur in communities where this
process happens more frequently as they have weak social ties
and the absence of social control. This breakdown is caused by rapid
Industrialization, increased immigration and urbanization.
Explain the Social Disorganization Transitional Zone
Studies showed that impoverished areas with highly transient populations and adjoining industrial zones had the highest crime levels.
Park’s associate Ernest Burgess was particularly interested in the zones of transition between established working class neighbourhoods and the manufacturing district.
The city’s poorest residents tended to live in these transitional zones, where there was a mixture of races, immigrant ethnic groups, and non-English languages, and a high rate of influx as people moved in and out.
Explain Community Cohesion
In areas with a high population turnover (those transitional zones), people tend to not become involved in community activities and the institutions normally controlling behaviour (the family, school, religious organizations) are weak.
In these communities to combat crime we need to focus on programs that build community cohesion, rather than treat the individual offender.
Who Developed Community Cohesion and the Transitional Zones
Ernest Burgess
Explain Subcultural Theories
Subcultural theory is a sociological perspective that focuses on the ways in which smaller groups within a society, known as subcultures, develop their own values, norms, and behaviors that differ from the mainstream culture. Here’s a simple explanation:
In society, there are smaller groups, or subcultures, that have their own unique ways of thinking and behaving. These subcultures may emerge as a response to social issues or dissatisfaction with the dominant culture. Subcultural theory helps us understand how these groups develop their own set of rules and beliefs, often distinct from the larger society. It explores how individuals within subcultures find identity and meaning through shared values, interests, and lifestyles that may deviate from the mainstream.
Explain Millers Ideas/Theory
Miller’s theory focussed on the idea that the culture of the lower class was distinct from that of the middle class.
The culture emphasizes:
Toughness, street smarts, fate, thrill seeking, freedom from authority and rules
Conflict with the law
Violence as a means to attain status in the slum
An elevated sense of honour sometimes is lethal combat for a minor incident.
As a result boys growing up in neighbourhoods with a street culture will gravitate towards gangs.
Explain Status Frustration
Delinquent behaviour and gang membership is a way of dealing with actual and anticipated failure. They adopt crime and malicious behaviour - essentially they are changing the game to one they can succeed at, improving their status in their peer group.
Who Developed Status Frustration
Albert Cohen,
Who Developed Differential Opportunity Theory
Cloward and Ohlin.
Explain Differential Opportunity Theory
Members of the lower class share the success goals of the middle class, but lack opportunities to achieve them
Some lower class youth desire status whereas others just seek an improvement in their economic position without a change in class position
This second group engages in serious delinquent behaviour that is self indulgent and hedonistic (pleasure seeking)
What are the criticism of Social Structure Theories
In general these theories are often criticized because delinquency and crime is not concentrated among lower class groups.
- These theories overplay crime by minorities and the poor.
- Middle and upper class crime cannot be explained by these theories
What is social structures process theories main idea?
Focus on the way in which individuals become involved in crime and the role of a person’s attachment to society.
For example: how we learn anti social values = the influence of a peer group.
Explain the main idea of Learning theories
This perspective is that deviance and crime is LEARNED by people as they adapt to other people and the conditions of their environment. Essentially, they were brought up in an environment in which they learned crime as a way of life.
Explain The Learning Theory
people learn deviance and criminality.
- viewed all social behaviour as the product of modeling (imitation).
This theory also states that people commit crimes because they get reinforcements (a stimulus that increases or maintains a response, can be positive or negative) or punishment (an aversive stimulus to reduce a response).
Explain Modelling
Modeling - A means by which a person can learn new responses by observing others without performing an overt act or receiving direct reinforcement or reward.
Who Developed Learning Theory
Gabriel Tarde
Explain Differential Association Theory
- argue that criminal behaviour was learned.
- Differential Association - Individuals learn deviant behaviour from those close to them who provide models of and opportunities for deviance.
individuals in all social classes can learn to commit crimes.
The frequency (how often), duration (how long), priority (how important) and intensity (strong feelings) of one’s contacts with criminal vs. non-criminal elements determines if you select a deviant or criminal path.
Who Developed Differential Association Theory
Edwin Sutherland
Explain Social Reaction Theory (Or Labelling Theory)
Social reaction theory, also known as labeling theory, is a sociological perspective that focuses on how societal reactions to individuals can influence and shape their behavior. In simple terms, it suggests that when people are labeled as deviant or criminal by society, this label can impact their self-perception and actions.
The theory proposes that when individuals are labeled as deviant or criminal, they may internalize this label and begin to see themselves in those terms. This, in turn, can lead them to engage in further deviant behavior, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. Social reaction theory emphasizes the importance of societal reactions, such as labeling and stigmatization, in contributing to the perpetuation of deviant or criminal behavior.
What is the impact of negative Labels
These theorists argue that NO act is judged uniformly, as a persons social class, age, sex, race, demeanor and situational factors all play a role as to whether the act is viewed as criminal.
What is the 2 different types of deviance? Explain each one
- Primary deviance is a violation of norms that does not result in any long-term effects on the individual’s self-image or interactions with others.
For example, speeding is a deviant act, but receiving a speeding ticket generally does not make others view you as a bad person, nor does it alter your own self-concept. - Secondary deviance occurs when a person’s self-concept and behaviour begin to change after his/ her actions are labelled as deviant by members of society. The person may begin to take on and fulfill the role of a “deviant” as an act of rebellion against the society that has labelled that individual as such.
For example, a high school student who often cuts class and gets into fights. The student is reprimanded frequently by teachers and school staff, and soon enough, develops a reputation as a “troublemaker.” As a result, the student starts acting out more and breaking more rules,
Which sociologist expanded on labelling theory
Edwin Lemert
Explain Master Status
Master status - a label that describes the chief characteristic of an individual. Some people see themselves primarily as doctors, artists, or parents.. Others see themselves as beggars, convicts, or addicts.
What are the 5 different ways people reject labels (Neutralization Techniques By Sykes & Matza)
- Denial of Responsibility
The youth claims that the unlawful act was not his fault or that it occurred by accident.
“ It wasn’t my fault, I was the victim of circumstance.”
- Denial of Injury
The harm produced by the act is minimized (perhaps by saying that the victim is rich or insured)
“No one was hurt and they have insurance, so what’s the problem?”
- Denial of Victim
Victims are characterized as deserving their fate due to their offensive or provocative behaviour.
“They deserved what they got.”
- Condemning the Condemners
The delinquent justifies unlawful behaviour by arguing that “everybody does it”, and that he or she is being unfairly singled out for blame.
“I bet members of the jury have done worse.”
- Appeal to Higher Loyalties
Delinquent behaviour is characterized as a noble act.
“I was merely protecting my buddies”
Explain the main idea of social process theories
Social Process theories put forth the idea that a person is not born a criminal but becomes one over time, often based on factors in their social environment. Deviance is therefore, learned.
Explain Social Control Theory
Social control theory is a sociological perspective that focuses on the ways in which society regulates and controls individuals’ behavior to prevent them from engaging in deviant or criminal activities. In simple terms, the theory suggests that people are naturally inclined to break rules, but various social institutions and relationships work to prevent them from doing so. (The 5 social Bonds)
Who developed social control theory
Travis Hirschi
Hirschi identified four types of social bonds What are they?
- Attachment
- Belief
- Commitment
- Involvement
Explain Attachment bond
Attachment measures our connections to others - our affection and respect for others.When we are closely attached to people, we worry about their opinions of us. People conform to society’s norms in order to gain approval (and prevent disapproval) from family, friends, and romantic partners. They refrain from delinquency because its consequences may jeopardize that relationship.
Explain Belief Bond
an agreement on common values in society and that the rules and laws are fair. If a person views social values as beliefs, he or she will conform to them.
Explain Commitment Bond
refers to the investments we make in conforming to conventional behaviour. The greater the aspiration and expectation the more unlikely deviance becomes - essentially having a stake in society that you don’t want to risk.
A well-respected local businesswoman who volunteers at her synagogue and is a member of the neighbourhood block organization has more to lose from committing a crime than a woman who does not have a career or ties to the community.
Explain Involvement Bond
Involvement, or participation in socially legitimate activities, lessen a person’s likelihood of deviance. Children who are members of Little League baseball teams have no time for trouble. The more busy we are doing conventional activities, like homework and extra curricular activities, the fewer opportunities we have for deviance.
What theory did Walter Reckless Develop?
Containment Theory
Explain Containment Theory
for every individual there exists a containing external structure and a protective internal structure; both of which provide defense, protection and insulation against delinquency.
Explain Inner Controls
Include our internalized morality—conscience, religious principles, ideas of right and wrong. Inner controls also include fears of punishment, high frustration tolerance and feelings of integrity, responsibility and the desire to be a “good” person.
Explain Outer Controls
Consist of people or role models—such as family, friends, and the police—who influence us not to deviate. As well as a set of reasonable limits and opportunities and, a sense of belonging.
What 3 men did the 5th estate follow?
Chuckie, Burnz, Freshie
Why did the 5th estate do this program?
To look and interview young men from troubled neighborhoods
Describe Chuckie and his life
Troubled youth life, numerous charges and got convicted as an adult
Joined gang at an early age
carries a gun but for self protection
His house got broken into
His mother is an immigrant
Fixed his life up went to high school
Got expelled for bringing gun to school
started dealing drugs to make money because he and burnz were broke
Describe Burnz and his life
Real name Andrew burnette
was on probation in 20023 had numerous charges against him as a youth
Lived with mother
sold drugs, owned a gun
met chuckie at a concert
prefers to make money “his own way”
grew up in rough neighborhoods
Mom called cops on him to get him reformed
kicked out of school (5 assault charges)
Not allowed to be out without mother past 9pm
Shot and killed someone, got charged with 1st degree murder in 2012
Describe Freshie and his life
Parents are immigrants, and send him to school outside of his rough neighborhood
sells fake money to make money
smart kid, just doing this for no reason
paresnts know about him selling counterfiet money, told him to stop but Freshie wont stop because said he likes taking risks, even though he doesnt need to
Graduated high school and got valedictorian
IGNORE
**IGNORE JUST GIVE 5 **
Who is Robert Hare
Canadian Professor and Psychologist, and a preeminent expert on psychopathy
List 5 characteristics of a psychopath
- Lack Of Empathy
- Superficial Charm
- Lack of remorse and guilt
- Manipulative
- Emotionally Detached
What are the different types of psychopaths in the corporate world?
- The Con - Liar/Manipulator
- The Bully - Belittles People
- The Puppet Master - Manipulates to get things done
- Smooth Talker - Tells a good story/Yapper
How are the brains of a psychopath different from others
there is differences in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. The prefrontal cortex is the controller of empathy, emotion, and judgement
Why is it difficult to treat a psychopath
Because there is no cure, difficult to recognize symptoms, and treatment may make the symptoms worse
What are examples of jobs that attract a psychopath
CEO, Lawyers, Media, Surgeons, Law Enforcement
What does biophobic mean?
Bio-phobic” refers to being hostile or averse to the biological approach, particularly in the context of criminology. It means having a negative attitude towards biological explanations of human behavior and crime.
Explain what was discovered during the twin studies.
Twin studies have shown that there is a significant genetic component to criminal behavior. When comparing identical twins (who share 100% of their genetic material) to fraternal twins (who share around 50% of their genetic material), researchers have found that identical twins are more likely to both engage in criminal behavior if one of them does, suggesting a genetic influence on criminality.
What is the link between adoption and criminal behaviour? What were the final conclusions?
The link between adoption and criminal behavior has been studied to examine the impact of genetics versus environment. Some studies have shown that adopted children are more likely to have criminal records if their biological parents had criminal records, indicating a genetic influence. However, the final conclusions often emphasise that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in criminal behavior, with genetics predisposing individuals to certain traits and environmental factors influencing whether these traits manifest as criminal behavior.
What is fetal alcohol syndrome? What is the fetal alcohol spectrum? Explain how there is a link to that of criminal behaviour.
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a severe condition caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol. The fetal alcohol spectrum encompasses a range of disorders resulting from alcohol exposure during pregnancy. There is a link between alcohol exposure in utero and an increased risk of behavioral problems, including aggression and criminal behavior, in individuals with FAS or related conditions.
What does damage to the prefrontal cortex indicate?
Damage to the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functions like impulse control and decision-making, can indicate impaired self-regulation and increased risk-taking behavior, potentially contributing to criminal behavior.
What is ANS? What does this measuring of ANS teach us?
ANS (Autonomic Nervous System) is a part of the nervous system responsible for involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and digestion. Measuring ANS activity can provide insights into an individual’s stress response and emotional arousal, which may be relevant in understanding criminal behavior.
Explain Psychological Theories of crime
Psychological theories focus on the individual who becomes the criminal, more specifically explaining what biological and personality factors led to criminal behaviour - was it the result of a mental disorder, lack of conscience, childhood experience, lack of control of aggression?
These theories assume that criminal behaviour results from underlying physical or mental conditions that distinguish criminals from non-criminals.These theories emphasize the contributions of personality, intelligence and learning to crime.
Explain Freud and Psychoanalytic/Psychodynamic Theory
Freud believed that much of our behaviour and personality is motivated by unconscious desires and needs.
He suggested that a person’s psychological well-being is dependent on a healthy interaction among the three components of your personality the ID, EGO, AND SUPEREGO.
Explain ID
The ID drives urges and gratification, it seeks pleasure and gratification; it is the most primitive part of your personality. It is present from birth and resides in your unconscious mind.
Explain EGO
The EGO is the moderator between the superego and the ID, it also develops in childhood. It is guided by the reality principle and therefore mainly resides in your conscious mind. It tries to meet the demands of the ID within the limits set by society.
Explain SUPEREGO
The SUPEREGO is the moral code or conscience. It develops in childhood and is responsible for producing feelings of guilt; it is housed in your unconscious and preconscious mind.
What are the 6 ways freud expanded on Psychoanalytic Theories
ID Domination, underdeveloped SuperEGO, Deviant Identification, Overactive SuperEGO, Displaced Hostility, Neuroses
Explain ID Domination
Id domination: Individuals who are overly impulsive and seek immediate gratification. Results in being deprived in childhood, as adults they are immature and overly dependent, often susceptible to peer pressure.
Explain Underdeveloped SuperEGO
Underdeveloped Superego: An individual mainly acts on impulse and does not follow or understand society’s rules and therefore feels little guilt about harming others and breaking the law; doesn’t consider the feelings of others or the difference between right and wrong.
Explain Deviant Identification
Adopt deviant values from a parent who is routinely engaged in criminal activity.
Explain Unconscious Need for punishment (Overactive SuperEGO)
Actions, including crime, are a product of unconscious desires, needs and feelings. Criminals are sometimes plagued with guilt for these feelings and compulsively seek punishment by committing these crimes. These individuals experience an excessive amount of guilt.
Explain Displaced Hostility
Displaced Hostility: A person shifts rage from one individual to another later in life (e.g. rage due to abandonment by mother, may abuse or harass women in adulthood).
Explain Neuroses
Stealing and committing other crimes are examples of compulsive behaviours due to fears or needs.
Explain Bowlby’s Attachment Theory & Maternal Deprivation
John Bowlby, a British Psychologist and Psychoanalyst believed that early childhood attachments played a critical role in later development and mental functioning.
He believed that children are born with a biologically programmed tendency to seek and remain close to attachment figures. This provides nurturance and comfort, these early bonds, or lack of, have a tremendous impact that continues to impact personality development and social relationships throughout life.
Explain Attachment Theory
central theme of attachment theory is that primary caregivers who are available and responsive to an infant’s needs allow the child to develop a sense of security. The infant knows that the caregiver is dependable, which creates a secure base for the child to then explore the world.
What are Bowlby’s 4 Characteristics of Attachment:
Proximity Maintenance, Safe Haven, Secure Base, Separation Distress
Explain Proximity Maintenance
The desire to be near the people we are attached to.
Explain Safe Haven
Returning to the attachment figure for comfort and safety in the face of a fear or threat.
Explain Secure Base
The attachment figure acts as a base of security from which the child can explore the surrounding environment.
Explain Separation Distress
Anxiety that occurs in the absence of the attachment figure.
Explain Harlow’s Maternal Deprivation Experiment
Harry Harlow’s studies on maternal deprivation and social isolation also explored early bonds. In a series of experiments, Harlow demonstrated how such bonds emerge and the powerful impact they have on behaviour and functioning.
Experiment: newborn rhesus monkeys were separated from their birth mothers and reared by surrogate mothers. The infant monkeys were placed in cages with two wire-monkey mothers. One of the wire monkeys held a bottle from which the infant monkey could obtain nourishment, while the other wire monkey was covered with a soft terry cloth.
While the infant monkeys would go to the wire mother to obtain food, they spent most of their days with the soft cloth mother. When frightened, the baby monkeys would turn to their cloth-covered mother for comfort and security.
What was concluded from Harlow’s Experiment
Harlow’s experiment demonstrated that infants depend on their caregivers for more than just their physical needs: meeting emotional needs is crucial for attachment and therefore, early attachments were the result of receiving comfort and care from a caregiver rather than simply the result of being fed.
What is the cognitive development theory
Cognitive development theory, often associated with the work of Jean Piaget, is a perspective that explores how individuals, especially children, gradually acquire and develop their mental abilities and understanding of the world. In simpler terms, it’s about how people learn to think, reason, and understand as they grow.
There are three levels of moral reasoning each with two stages.
The first level is the preconventional level, which is someone who follows rules to avoid punishment (most criminals and young children) .
The second is the conventional level which is when someone understands and accepts rules and values of society (most people).
The postconventional level, are people who go beyond and question existing rules and laws.
What does crime scene processing do
crime scene processing involves taking steps to ensure the methodical and lawful collection of information and evidence at a crime scene. Proper processing aids in the reconstruction
What are the processing steps taken when at a scene
- provide medical assistance if needed
- secure the scene (Nobody enters, nobody leaves)
- Interview any witnesses (try to do as soon as possible)
- Photograph the scene
- recording notes
- sketching the scene
- Searching the scene
- Collecting Evidence
What are the 4 different types of ways to search a crime scene
- Line
- Grid
- Spiral
- Quadrant
What is a primary and secondary crime scene?
Primary scene is where the original crime occured, and the secondary is an addiotnal place where evidence may be found.
EX: Primary Home, Secondary Suspects car or home
What are the 3 different types of bloodstain evidence
- Blood samples (Can be analyzed to determine blood types and DNA which can be matched to possible suspects)
- Blood Droplets (Can be analyzed to give clues to the location of crime, movement of crime, and type of weapon)
- Blood Spatter (Can be analyzed to determine patterns that give investigators clues to how a crime may have happened
How is blood sample evidence detected at a crime scene?
- Blood Reagent Tests - (Tests referred to as presumptive tests are quick blood tests that investigators can do at the scene of a crime (Phenolphthalein is the chemical used in the “Kastle-meyer” test and produces a pink color when it reacts to the hemoglobin in blood
- Light Source - Use a high intensity Light or UV to help find traces of blood (Example: Luminol, it’s used to locate traces of blood even if it was cleaned.)
What can someone learn from the analysis of a blood pattern
- Type & Velocity of weapon
- Number of Blows
- Handedness of suspect (L or R)
- Position an movement of people during the attack
- Type of injuires
What is blood spatter
Bloodstains created from the application of force to the area where the blood originated
What is the origin/Source Bloodstain
The place where the blood spatter came from or originated
What is the angle of impact
the angle at which a blood droplet strikes a surface
What is the parent drop
The droplet from from which a satellite spatter originates
What are Satellite spatters
small drops of blood that break off from the parent drop
What does bloodstain pattern reconstruction involve determining
- Direction of Travel
- Area of convergence (Where blood intercepts)
- Angles of impact (Where blood hit the ground)
What causes a radial pattern
results from a blow to blood that has pooled in a open wound
What causes Artery Spurts
Results from a wound to a major artery. Blood corresponds with the contractions of the heart
What Causes Cast-Off
Blood that is on the weapon from previous blows flies off to the surrounding environment
What causes a Blood Pool
Blood flowing from a wound that collects in a puddle formation
Explain High Velo impact spatters
They appear as a collection of very small blood drops and may be produced by actions such as a gunshot
Explain Medium Velo Spatters
They appear as a collection of blood drops slightly larger than high velo and may be produced by actions such as a stabbing
Explain Low velo impact spatters
They appear slightly larger than those of a medium velo and may be caused by actions such as the effect of gravity. EX: Blood dripping from a weapon or open wound
What are the 4 different types of male serial killers
- The visionary Type
- Mission Oriented type
- Hedonistic Type
- Power Oriented Type
What are the 3 different types of female serial killers
- Black Widows
- Angel Of Death
- Sexual Predators
Explain The visionary Type of killers
They feel compelled to murder because they hear voices or sees visions (auditory and visual hallucinations) ordering/directing them to kill certain kinds of people.
EX: David Berkowitz
Explain The mission oriented type of killer
Seeks to kill specific group of people who they believe are unworthy to live or undesirable and without whom the world would be a better place. People close to them will describe them as a fine citizen.
EX: Alek Minassian (Toronto Van Driver)
Explain the hedonistic killer
This type kills for the thrill of it. Such killers simply enjoy the act of killing. Necrophilia is common with this type.
ex: Jeffrey Dahmer
explain the power oriented type
This type kills because they enjoy exterting ultimate control over their victims. These murderers are obsessed with capturing and controlling their victims, and forcing them to obey their every command.
EX: Ted Bundy
Explain the female black widow killer
a woman who murders a number of spouces, family members, children or individuals outside the family with whom she has a close relationship. She kills for two motives: profit and jealousy - they are often lured into murder by the proceeds of life insurance. usually kill with poison.
EX: Judy Buenoano
Explain the angel of death female killer
these killers usually caretakers are the women the elderly seek support to. and people would trust their children with. they target victims who are unable to protect or defend themselves, who are in her eyes doomed to die. Uses lethal injections or suffocation weapons.
EX: Elizabeth wettlaufer
Explain the sexual predator female killer
The rarest crime ghat is committed by a woman. So rare that american history only has one reported. Aileen Wuornos
What are some of the key differences between female and male serial killers
Female serial killers are more likely to lure their victims and poison them. Also female serial killers are usually older than their male counterparts, and were abusers of both alcohol or drugs. They are also often diagnosed as having bipolar dissociative personality disorders rather than APD.
Explain what AFIS Is
AFIS stands for Automated Fingerprint Identification System. It is a computerized system designed to store, search, and analyze fingerprint data. AFIS technology is commonly used in law enforcement and forensic applications to identify individuals based on their fingerprints.
Data Input: AFIS collects and digitizes fingerprint images from various sources, such as crime scenes or individuals during criminal processing.
Database Storage: The system stores these digital fingerprint images in a database, organizing them for quick and efficient retrieval.
Search and Matching: When a new fingerprint is input, the AFIS system compares it against the stored fingerprints in its database. The goal is to find a match or identify the individual associated with the fingerprint.
Identification: If a match is found, the system provides information about the identified individual, which can be crucial in solving crimes or verifying a person’s identity.
why is it important for a human fingerprint expert to make the final decision on a fingerprints identity rather than AFIS
because AFIS can potentially make errors, and it can also only analyze ridge endings and bifurcations so there may be numerous matches and human needs to identify the best match
What is the core of a fingerprint
The center of the fingerprint
What is the delta of a fingerprint
a triangular configuration of ridges that appear in one or both of the lower corners of a fingerprint
What are the 3 types of fingerprints left behind at a crime scene
- Visible: Prints that are conspicuous and made by fingers that have been left behind and been soiled by materials such as ink, paint or blood
- Latent: The most common prints left behind, they are invisible, and are made by fingers from body parts such as the scalp or sweat that has been secreted from the pores of the fingerprint
- plastic: Prints that are visible as impressions in substances that are soft such as chewing gum or wax
What are class characteristics
Class characteristics are those characteristics that are common to a group of objects. EX: Hammer has a distinctive shape and typical size
What are individual characteristics
they are characteristics that which are unique to a given object. They are generally the result of wear and tear.
EX: You purchase a new pair of shoes and as time passes and you wear the shoes, the soles will get worn out and get unique distinctive scratches.
What are static tool impressions
they are made when a tool is pressed unto a softer material and leaves an impression
What are Dynamic tool mark impressions
They are made when a tool slides or scratches across a surface. For example a key being dragged along the side of a car
what are cutting tool mark impressions
They result from pressure being applied at both sides of an object and are often associated with scissors, wire cutter or shears.
What are Multi-stroke tool mark impressions
they are caused by a repetitive action such as a saw moving back and forth
What is trace evidence
trace evidence refers to small bits of material that are transferred during the commission of a crime. These tiny bits can be physical substances such as hair, fibers, paint, glass, or even gunshot residue. Trace evidence is important in investigations because it can link a person, object, or location to a crime scene.
What are the 3 types of shoe print impressions
- Patent (Visible) - Most common type, usually left on contrasting surfaces (blood, grease, mud)
- Plastic (3D) - occurs when footwear steps into a soft surface like snow, mud, and wet sand. Allows people to see depth which can help gather intel like a suspects weight.
- Latent (invisible/hidden to naked eye) - needs powders and chemicals and forensic light to see
What are the 3 types of fingerprint classes
- Arches (No deltas) - ridges enter on one side and exit on the other side (plain arches and tented arches)
- Loops (Most common) (1 delta) - ridges enter on one side and exit on the same side. (Radial Loops, Ulnar Loop)
- Whorls (2 deltas) - Consists of circles, more than one loop or a mixture of pattern types. (Plain whorl, double loop whorl, central pocket whorl, accidental whorl)
Name as many of the 12 ridge characteristics that you can
- core
- ending ridge
- short ridge
- dot or island
- fork or bifurcation
- hook
- eye
- delta
- bridge
- enclosure
- specialty
- crossover
What are the 3 different types of evidence
- Testimonial: Eyewitness accounts of a crime
- Physical Evidence: any tangible items that were found at the scene
- Trace: physical evidence that is found at a crime scene in small but measurable amounts
What is some evidence that could be found at a crime scene
- Paint
- glass
- explosives
- ballistics
- body fluids (Blood, saliva, sweat, urine)
- DNA (Hair, fingernails, bone, teeth, body fluids)
- Impression Evidence (tire, shoe, bite, tool)
- Fingerprints
- wounds
- skeletal remains
What can skeletal remain tell us
gender - can be determined by looking at the pelvis, humorous, and femur
Age & Stature - can be determined by teeth, bone growth, length of bones
Race - can be determined by looking at the skull for characteristics
What can wound analysis tell us
wounds can often be matched to weapons or tool marks on the weapon. Investigators may also be able go determine the weapon size, shape and length.
How did bowlby use the term maternal deprivation
Bowlby used the term Maternal Deprivation to refer to:
-Failure of a child to develop an attachment to a mother figure
-Significant separation from a mother during the first five years of life
-Loss of a mother during the first five years of life
he did hypothesize that continual disruption of the attachment between infant and primary caregiver (i.e. mother) could result in long term cognitive, social, and emotional difficulties.
He proposed that the long term consequences of maternal deprivation might include: delinquency, reduced intelligence, increased aggression, depression, affectionless psychopathy.
What is affectionless psychopathy
Affectionless psychopathy is an inability to show affection or concern for others. Such individuals act on impulse with little regard for the consequences of their actions. For example, showing no guilt for antisocial behaviour.
Explain Mary Ainsworth infant Mother Attachment
Mary Ainsworth’s study of child development has become the groundwork for our understanding of mother-infant separation and how it influences interactions later in life.
the environment resembled a living room in a home but had a one way glass mirror so psychologists could observe and take notes. They are interested in:
Child’s reactions to the caregiver’s leaving and especially the nature of attachment displayed upon the caregiver’s return.
How much exploration the child does, both while the caregiver is there and absent.
What were the results of mary ainsworth’s experiment
70% had a secure attachment - had consistent support and care
20% had an avoidant attachment - received less reliable care, caregiver is rejecting
10% had resistant attachment - received inconsistent care, at times the caregiver is very responsive at other times rejecting.
What is a Psychopath according to robert hare
A psychopath, according to Hare (who developed a reliable and valid instrument to assess psychopathy, PCL) involves poor emotional intelligence, a lack of conscience and an inability to feel attached to people.
What is a psychopath
Psychopaths are incapable of empathy and forming loving relationships. Psychopaths also have no conscience or moral compass, so they do not feel guilt. They are often highly intelligent and can channel their tendencies into lawful behaviour. Psychopaths are also more likely to commit more planned out crimes, and attempt to make sure little evidence is left behind. (EX: Jeffrey Dahmer)
What is a sociopath
Sociopaths, on the other hand, are capable of empathy and guilt. While sociopaths are impulsive, hot-tempered and erratic, they may form attachments to some people or groups. They tend to live on the fringes of society. Sociopaths are more likely to leave clues, and act on impulse, with excessive risk taking. (Ted Bundy)
what is Anti Personality Disorder
APD focuses on the individual conduct (behaviour) rather than the personality characteristics.
Generally it involves a pattern of disregard for the rights of others, from childhood to adulthood.
Examples: Lying, stealing, fighting, irresponsibility, aggressive sexual behaviour, substance abuse, poor/inconsistent work performance, unlawful behaviour.
Those considered psychopaths may function in society without breaking laws and may not qualify as having APD and many with APD are not considered psychopaths. For example, highly intelligent psychopaths may channel their tendencies into simply being ruthless in business dealings and maybe a successful CEO with a family
Explain Behavior Theory
humans are passive beings who are influenced by a controlling environment. Behaviour is the key to understanding criminality, not personality.
When linked to crime, if criminal behaviour elicits more positive reinforcement than punishment the behaviour will persist. Factors linked to the consequences of behaviour such as certainty (sureness), intensity (severity) and promptness (quickly) can either promote or discourage the behaviour.
E.G. Speeding - has little to do with the personality of the driver, moreso on the certainty, intensity and promptness of the punishment VS. the extent to which driving fast is rewarding to the driver, if this behaviour has been more often positively reinforced, it will continue
Whether individuals engage in criminal behaviour depends on the balance of reward vs. punishment they have received.
Explain Social Learning Theory
This theory is based on the idea that behaviour is the product of one’s life experience.
According to theorist Albert Bandura learning may proceed through:
Learning vicariously: People learn behaviours by watching and then imitating others, aggressive acts are said to be modelled after three main sources - the family, community and the mass media.
Direct Personal experience: We learn through trial and error, we remember the past and use its lessons to avoid future mistakes, we want favourable
What is criminal profiling
An investigative tool, that infers offender characteristics from the analysis of the offenders behaviour, their interaction with the crime scene and victim and their choices during the crime.
individuals who examine evidence from the crime scene, victims and witnesses in an attempt to construct an accurate psychological (psychopathology, personality and behaviour) and demographic description of the individual who committed the crime.
it is NOT the goal of profiling to identify a particular person or to give a specific identify, moreso to produce a list of potential characteristics for a perpetrator of a crime and to narrow down a list of suspects.
What is the aim of criminal profiling
To gain as complete an understanding as is possible of the motives, characteristics and likely future behaviour of the perpetrators of crime.
Information from the crime scene is key to the profiling process.
Added to this, is information from interviews with the victim(s), if possible, and his or her friends and aquaintances, the results of forensic examinations, as well as experience drawn from previous cases of a similar nature.
explain what kind of evidence would go in what kind of evidence packaging (bio stuff, ballistics, liquids,)
Different types of evidence may require specific packaging materials. Common examples include:
Paper bags or envelopes for biological samples to allow them to breathe.
Plastic containers or bags for dry or non-biological items.
Airtight containers for preserving volatile substances.
Glass containers for liquids.
Explain Social Conflict Theories
View society as marked by conflict between social groups, this leads to one group being characterized as deviant.
