Lecture 4: Understanding Criminal Behaviour P2

Question 1

What do biological theories say about crime? [1]

Answer 1

They suggest crime is influenced by biological factors, like genetics or prenatal substance use.

Question 2

Why are biological theories limited? [1]

Answer 2

They focus on fixed traits and don’t offer many ways to change behaviour.

Question 3

What do psychodynamic, learning, and social theories focus on? [1]

Answer 3

They focus on things that can change, like emotions, thoughts, and social influences.

Question 4

What does the psychodynamic theory say about crime? [1]

Answer 4

Unresolved inner conflicts (between the id, ego, and superego) can lead to criminal behaviour.

Question 5

What is the Theory of Maternal Deprivation (Bowlby)? [1]

Answer 5

Lack of consistent maternal care can lead to trouble forming healthy relationships and even crime.

Question 6

Why is Bowlby’s theory criticized? [2]

Answer 6

• It ignores the role of fathers
• Studies later showed effects aren’t always permanent.

Question 7

What did Glueck & Glueck find about criminal behaviour? [1]

Answer 7

It’s influenced by multiple factors: family, emotions, intelligence, and parenting.

Question 8

What [4] parenting traits were common in justice-involved youths?

Answer 8

• Less supervision
• neglect
• family conflict
• criminal family history.

Question 9

Hirschi’s Social Control Theory - Why don’t people commit crimes? [1]

Answer 9

They have strong bonds to society, like relationships, commitments, and beliefs.

Question 10

What are the [4] elements of Social Control Theory?

Answer 10

1. Attachment – Connection to people (family, friends) prevents crime.
2. Commitment – Risking losing good things (job, education) discourages crime.
3. Involvement – Being busy with positive activities leaves no time for crime.
4. Belief – Respect for rules makes people less likely to break them.

Question 11

Hirschi & Gottfredson’s Self-Control Theory [1]

Answer 11

People with low self-control (impulsive, thrill-seeking) are more likely to commit crimes.

Question 12

At what age is self-control “set” according to this theory? [1]

Answer 12

By age 8-10, but this idea is debated since people can learn self-control later.

Question 13

What’s a problem with the Self-Control Theory? [1]

Answer 13

It only explains 19% of criminal behaviour, so other factors must be involved.

Question 14

Learning Theories - What do learning theories say about crime? [1]

Answer 14

Crime isn’t natural—it’s learned like any other behaviour.

Question 15

Learning Theories - What is Operant Conditioning (Skinner)?

Answer 15

Behaviour is shaped by rewards and punishments.

Question 16

Operant Conditioning - [4] types

Answer 16

• Positive Reinforcement (+ +)
• Negative Reinforcement (- +)
• Positive Punishment (+ -)
• Negative Punishment (- -)

Question 17

Operant Conditioning - Positive Reinforcement (+ +) [1]

Answer 17

adding something good to increase behaviour

Getting money for doing chores.

Question 18

Operant Conditioning - Negative Reinforcement (- +) [1]

Answer 18

removing something bad to increase behaviour

removing a child’s chore for good behaviour

Question 19

Operant Conditioning - Positive Punishment (+ -) [1]

Answer 19

adding something bad to decrease behaviour

Teacher calls you out for talking in class.

Question 20

Operant Conditioning - Negative Punishment (- -) [1]

Answer 20

removing something good to decrease behaviour

Losing phone privileges for misbehaving.

Question 21

The effectiveness of operant conditioning depends on what [3] factors?

Answer 21

• 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.

Question 22

Sutherland’s Differential Association Theory [1]

Answer 22

Crime is learned from friends, family, and social groups.

Question 23

Differential Association Theory - Normative Conflict [1]

Answer 23

Different groups have different ideas about right and wrong and how the law should be viewed.

Question 24

Differential Association Theory - Differential Association [1]

Answer 24

The more you’re around criminal behaviour, the more likely you are to do it.

Question 25

Differential Association Theory - Differential Group Association [1]

Answer 25

Some communities support crime, while others fight against it.

Question 26

Differential Group Association - Extent of organization [2]

Answer 26

• 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)

Question 27

Akers’ Social Learning Theory - What does this theory add to Differential Association? [1]

Answer 27

It explains how crime is learned through rewards and punishments.

Question 28

Akers’ Social Learning Theory - How do people learn what’s “good” or “bad” behaviour? [1]

Answer 28

By watching and imitating those around them.

Question 29

Personal, Interpersonal, and Community Reinforcement (PIC-R) Theory - What are the [3] main influences on criminal behaviour?

Answer 29

1. Personal – Traits (like impulsivity) affect behaviour.
2. Interpersonal – Social influences (like peer approval).
3. Community – Environment (like poverty, crime rates).

Question 30

PIC-R - What determines if someone commits a crime? [1]

Answer 30

If criminal rewards are stronger than prosocial rewards.