FORENSIC PSHYCHOLOGY - Introduction Flashcards
What is “Top Down” profiling?
The Top Down method for profiling is where typologies are used to fit the evidence at a crime scene. Interviews and profiles from real criminals are used to make these typologies. By finding the right typology for the crime, the likely characteristics for the offender are found.
What is “Bottom Up” profiling?
A data driven approach based off of the statistical data from similar crimes. By extrapolating the data from the crime scene, one can work out certain likely characteristics which can then be used to try and find the offender.
Who proposed the idea of Investigative Psychology and what is it?
David Canter proposed that profiling can and should be based off of psychological research.
What are some of the key assumptions of Investigative psychology?
Interpersonal Coherence, Time and Place and Criminal Characteristics.
What is Interpersonal Coherence?
The concept that the way in which offenders interact with their victims has some form of correlation with their everyday life.
What is Geographical Profiling?
The idea that one can estimate where a criminal is located based on the geographical locations of their crimes.
What are Offender Characteristics?
Traits used to discriminate an offender from non-offenders to better pinpoint them.
What does Geographical Profiling tell us about offenders?
We map out the area where each crime has taken place. This can be used to determine if certain areas need more patrols, and who lives in close proximity, important if the offender is suspected to be a marauder.
What are the traits of an Organized Offender?
Premeditation, Toolkits, Similar Victims and an attempt to clean up the crime scene / remove evidence.
What are the traits of a Disorganized Offender
Impulse offence, no toolkit, seemingly random victims and no attempt to clean the crime scene/ remove the evidence.
