Lecture 4: Understanding Criminal Behaviour P2 Flashcards
What do biological theories say about crime? [1]
They suggest crime is influenced by biological factors, like genetics or prenatal substance use.
Why are biological theories limited? [1]
They focus on fixed traits and don’t offer many ways to change behaviour.
What do psychodynamic, learning, and social theories focus on? [1]
They focus on things that can change, like emotions, thoughts, and social influences.
What does the psychodynamic theory say about crime? [1]
Unresolved inner conflicts (between the id, ego, and superego) can lead to criminal behaviour.
What is the Theory of Maternal Deprivation (Bowlby)? [1]
Lack of consistent maternal care can lead to trouble forming healthy relationships and even crime.
Why is Bowlby’s theory criticized? [2]
- It ignores the role of fathers
- Studies later showed effects aren’t always permanent.
What did Glueck & Glueck find about criminal behaviour? [1]
It’s influenced by multiple factors: family, emotions, intelligence, and parenting.
What [4] parenting traits were common in justice-involved youths?
- Less supervision
- neglect
- family conflict
- criminal family history.
Hirschi’s Social Control Theory - Why don’t people commit crimes? [1]
They have strong bonds to society, like relationships, commitments, and beliefs.
What are the [4] elements of Social Control Theory?
- Attachment – Connection to people (family, friends) prevents crime.
- Commitment – Risking losing good things (job, education) discourages crime.
- Involvement – Being busy with positive activities leaves no time for crime.
- Belief – Respect for rules makes people less likely to break them.
Hirschi & Gottfredson’s Self-Control Theory [1]
People with low self-control (impulsive, thrill-seeking) are more likely to commit crimes.
At what age is self-control “set” according to this theory? [1]
By age 8-10, but this idea is debated since people can learn self-control later.
What’s a problem with the Self-Control Theory? [1]
It only explains 19% of criminal behaviour, so other factors must be involved.
Learning Theories - What do learning theories say about crime? [1]
Crime isn’t natural—it’s learned like any other behaviour.
Learning Theories - What is Operant Conditioning (Skinner)?
Behaviour is shaped by rewards and punishments.
Operant Conditioning - [4] types
- Positive Reinforcement (+ +)
- Negative Reinforcement (- +)
- Positive Punishment (+ -)
- Negative Punishment (- -)
Operant Conditioning - Positive Reinforcement (+ +) [1]
adding something good to increase behaviour
Getting money for doing chores.
Operant Conditioning - Negative Reinforcement (- +) [1]
removing something bad to increase behaviour
removing a child’s chore for good behaviour
Operant Conditioning - Positive Punishment (+ -) [1]
adding something bad to decrease behaviour
Teacher calls you out for talking in class.
Operant Conditioning - Negative Punishment (- -) [1]
removing something good to decrease behaviour
Losing phone privileges for misbehaving.
The effectiveness of operant conditioning depends on what [3] factors?
- Immediacy: The sooner the conditioning follows the behaviour, the better.
- Consistency: The more often conditioning follow the behaviour, the more effective.
- Intensity: The stronger the conditioning the more effective.
Sutherland’s Differential Association Theory [1]
Crime is learned from friends, family, and social groups.
Differential Association Theory - Normative Conflict [1]
Different groups have different ideas about right and wrong and how the law should be viewed.
Differential Association Theory - Differential Association [1]
The more you’re around criminal behaviour, the more likely you are to do it.
Differential Association Theory - Differential Group Association [1]
Some communities support crime, while others fight against it.
Differential Group Association - Extent of organization [2]
- Social disorganization: inability of a community to solve its issues and achieve shared values.
- Social organization in favour of crime: organization and structures fostering criminal behaviour (Mafia)
Akers’ Social Learning Theory - What does this theory add to Differential Association? [1]
It explains how crime is learned through rewards and punishments.
Akers’ Social Learning Theory - How do people learn what’s “good” or “bad” behaviour? [1]
By watching and imitating those around them.
Personal, Interpersonal, and Community Reinforcement (PIC-R) Theory - What are the [3] main influences on criminal behaviour?
- Personal – Traits (like impulsivity) affect behaviour.
- Interpersonal – Social influences (like peer approval).
- Community – Environment (like poverty, crime rates).
PIC-R - What determines if someone commits a crime? [1]
If criminal rewards are stronger than prosocial rewards.
