Exam section A - Question 2 Flashcards
According to the evolutionary theory of crime, what is inherited?
Behavioural characteristics
Natural selection results in what?
Traits of the fittest, strongest, and cleverest human beings is passed from one generation to the next
Why are some behaviors passes from one generation to the next
If they confer some evolutionary advantage
What type of adaptations will be inherited
Those allow for survival
What are some individual traits of criminal behaviour that persist?
Impulsiveness
Aggression
Lack of empathy
How does the evolutionary theory of crime account for the criminal behaviours that persist?
They are strategies that people can use to outwit and compete for resources and mates
Strategies of exploitation
The exploitation strategy seen in psychopaths is what?
A special adaptation evolved to achieve success in manipulating others for personal gain
How does the evolutionary theory of crime account for sexual violence
An aberrant strategy to attempt reproductive success, with the goal being, sexual activity
According to neuro-psychological theories of crime, there are higher rates of what among criminals, especially juveniles
Head injuries
Criticism of neuropsychological theory (chicken or egg)
Do head injuries lead to increased criminal behaviour
or do those who engage in crime, have more chance of getting a head injury?
Correlations between criminality and what are weak?
IQ
What alternative social factors alongside IQ can contribute to criminal activity
Poor educational attainment
Poor basic social skills
Increased levels of unemployment
Increased likelihoods of arrest
How much lower in general is IQ in offenders compared to non-offenders
8 points lower
Low IQ in sex offenders is linked to what?
Low impulse control
IQ combined with what social factors is more likely to lead to increased/decreased criminality
Reward and punishment
Reward - repeat behaviour
Punishment - deterrent
Who is known for social learning theory
Bandura
What is the basic premise of social learning theory
Behaviour is learned through imitation
What is differential reinforcement
Reinforced by reward - excitement or acquisition
Reinforced by not being caught
Children who develop within a criminal environment will see criminal behaviour as what?
Normal
How does differential reinforcement work
The pattern of reinforcement causes the behaviours to become internalised
What is control theory?
Needs/desires of individuals/groups can more easily be satisifed by crime
What are the mechanisms behind control theory
More to lose - less likely to engage in behaviour
Less to lose - more likely to engage in behaviour
What is rational choice theory
Choice to commit crimes which hold a specific purpose for the criminal
It is a cost -reward decision-making process
Psychodynamic theories of crime postulate…….
Strong ID, coupled by a weak super-ego, leads to inability to inhibit impulses and the person seeks immediate gratification
