PSYCHOCRIMINOLOGY Chapter 1 Flashcards
Just-world Hypothesis.
Things do not happen to people without reason that is not closely related to their own actions.
2 Types of just-worlders.
- belief in personal just-world
- belief in general just-world
Belief in PERSONAL just-world.
Belief that you usually get what you deserve.
Belief in GENERAL just-world is associated with…
Less compassion for others, or victims of crimes.
Scientific theories are based on 2 things.
Logic and Research.
Define scientific theory.
A set of interrelated concepts, definitions, and proportions that present a systematic view of phenomena by specifying relations among variables, with purpose of explaining and predicting the phenomena.
A scientific theory of CRIME should thus…
Provide a general explanation that connects many social, economic, and psychological variables to criminal behaviour.
What is the process of theory testing known as?
Theory Verification.
Differentiate between Theory Verification & Falsification.
- Theory verification is when propositions of a theory are tested through observation and analysis.
- Falsification is the result if any proposition of a theory is not verified.
What is the primary purpose of theories of crime?
It is to determine the causes / precursors of criminal behaviour so that criminal behaviour can be reduced or controlled.
Explain what is meant by “MODEL” in terms of crime theory.
Researchers use a graphic representation of a theory / concept to enhance its understanding.
Explain Classical theory.
Emphasizes free will as a core concept. People are masters of their own fate.
Explain Deterrence theory.
People will avoid committing crime if the punishment is severe enough.
Punishment should be… (3)
- swift
- certain
- severe enough
Explain Positivist theory.
Argues that prior experiences or influences (antecedents) determine present behaviour.
ABC’s of behaviour.
What are the 3 theoretical perspectives on human nature?
- The Conformity perspective
- The Nonconformist perspective
- The Learning perspective
What does the conformist perspective believe?
That people are born good and generally try to do the right thing.
What theory falls under the conformity perspective?
Strain theory.
Explain Strain Theory.
Crime and delinquency is the result of strain between desires/ goals, and the availability of it.
What does the Nonconformist perspective believe?
That human beings will try to get away with ANYTHING, including illegal conduct, unless social controls are imposed.
What theories fall under the Nonconformist perspective?
- Social control theory
- General theory of crime
Explain Social control theory.
Crime and delinquency occur when a persons ties to the normative standards of a society is weak/ nonexistent
Who proposed the social control theory?
Travis Hirschi.
Explain General theory of crime.
Crime and delinquency can be explained by deficits in self-control and self-regulation.
