Psychological Explanations - cognitive theory Flashcards
The cognitive theory suggests
Suggests offending behaviour is caused by cognitive processes which differ from general population
2 main theories
Cognitive distortions
Moral reasoning
Cognitive distortions def
Errors or biases in individuals information processing system known as faulty thinking
Def distortion
Ways reality has become twisted
2 main distortions
Hostile attribution bias
Minimalisation
Hostile attribution bias description
When someone always attributed behaviours to negative things
Minimalisation descriptions
An individual will downplay the consequence of their behaviour
Description of moral reasoning
3 levels of moral development and people move through these stages in a fixed order
Level 1 of moral reasoning name
Preconventtional morality
Level 2 moral reasoning name
Conventional morality
Level 3 moral reasoning name
Postconventionak morality
How many stages in each level of moral reasoning
2 - 6 stages over all 3 levels
Name of stage one
Punishment orientation - rules are obeyed to avoid punishment
Stage 2 name
Instrumental orientation or personal growth - rules are obese for personal gain
Stage 3 name
Good boy or good girl orientation - rules are obeyed for approval
