PSYCHOLOGICAL THEORIES IN CRIME CAUSATION Flashcards
Analyze the environmental, antecedents consequences to explain human behavior. All behaviors are learned through conditioning.
Behavioral Theory
concentrate on the impact of individual and family factors on offending. to explain the progression of offending from childhood to adulthood. emphasis of such theories is on continuity rather than discontinuity from childhood to adulthood. antisocial behavior.
Psychological Theories
contend that environmental cues influence our behavior.
Behaviorist
Observable behavior should be studied scientifically and that mental states and cognitive processes do not contribute to behavioral understanding.
Methodological Behaviorism
Based on the idea that behavior can be understood by looking at one’s past and present environment.
Radical Behaviorism
Key Concepts and Principles of the Behavioral Theory.
1.Operant Conditioning
2.Reinforcement and Punishment
3.Modelling and Imitation
4.Criminal Socialization
5.Environmental Factors
6.Routine Activities Theory
This is a fundamental concept in behavioral theory. It suggests that individuals learn to behave in certain ways based on the consequences of their actions. If a behavior is followed by a positive outcome (reinforcement), it is more likely to be repeated, Conversely, if it leads to negative consequences (punishment), it is less likely to be repeated. In the context of crime, this theory posits that criminal behavior is learned and reinforced based on its consequences.
Operant Conditioning
Behavioral theorists argue that criminal behavior can be reinforced or punished in various ways. Reinforcement can be positive (reward-based) or negative (the removal of something aversive), while punishment can also be positive (the application of something aversive) or negative (the removal of something desired). For example, if someone engages in theft and gains monetary rewards, this positive reinforcement may encourage them to commit theft again.
Reinforcement and Punishment
Individuals may observe and imitate the behaviors of others, especially when they see that these behaviors lead to desirable outcomes.
Modeling and Imitation
This concept relates to how individuals become socialized into criminal subcultures or groups where criminal behavior is the norm.
Criminal Socialization
Shaping criminal behavior. Factors like neighborhood conditions, access to criminal opportunities, and the presence of law enforcement.
Environmental Factors
Focuses on how individuals engage in criminal activities when their routine activities intersect with motivated offenders and suitable targets in the absence of capable guardianship.
Routine Activities Theory
According to the theory, learning happens through imitation, modelling, and observation and is influenced by things like attention, motivation, attitudes, and emotions.
Social Learning theory
Components and Principles of Social Learning theory.
1.Observational Learning
2.Imitation
3.Modeling
4.Reinforcement
5.Self Efficacy
6.Reciprocal Determinism
Individuals learn by observing the behavior of others. This can occur in various settings, including in person, through media, or even through stories.
Observational Learning
After observing a behavior, individuals may choose to imitate or reproduce it if they believe it will lead to favorable outcomes.
Imitation
The individuals being observed and imitated are referred to as models. Models can be real people, characters in media, or even hypothetical figures.
Modeling
Positive reinforcement, such as rewards or praise, encourages individuals to repeat behaviors. Negative reinforcement, such as the avoidance of punishment, also influences behavior.
Reinforcement
Refers to an individual’s belief in their ability to perform a specific behavior successfully.
Self-Efficacy
Bandura identified two types of models.
1.Live Models ( Actual People )
2.symbolic Models ( Depictions of behaviors in media )
Behavior is influenced by a continuous interaction between personal factors (e.g., thoughts, feelings, self-concept), environmental factors (e.g., social influences, reinforcement), and the individual’s behavior itself.
Reciprocal Determinism
Personal factors like adverse early experiences, a lack of socialization, and unfinished cognitive development can lead to criminal behavior..
Cognitive Theory
Cognitive two opposing strategies for reducing crime.
- Altering the mindset and values of offenders.
- Eliminating the opportunities for crime through situational crime prevention.
Concepts and Principles of Cognitive Theory
1.Cognitive Distortion
2.Decision making processes
3.Cognitive Script
4.Rationalization
5.Moral Disengagement
6.Self Control
7.Criminal Thinking Style.
refer to Irrational or biased ways of thinking” that can lead individuals to perceive situations, themselves, and others inaccurately. Include “minimization,” where an Individual downplays the seriousness of their actions, and “attribution bias,” where they blame external factors for their behavior while taking credit for positive outcomes.
Cognitive Distortion
Highlights how individuals make decisions based on their cognitive processes. Factors such as risk assessment, cost-benefit analysis.
Decision making processes
internalized mental representations of how events are likely to unfold. In the context of crime, individuals might develop for specific criminal activities based on their experiences, observations, and media portrayals.
Cognitive script
Involves justifying one’s behavior with plausible-sounding reasons that often mask the underlying criminal intent.
Rationalization
This concept refers to the process through which individuals disconnect their actions from their moral values. They may utilize mechanisms such as diffusion of responsibility, euphemistic labeling, and minimizing consequences to avoid feeling guilt or shame for engaging in criminal behavior.
Moral Disengagement
Can lead individuals to succumb to impulsive and immediate gratification, resulting in criminal acts.
Self Control
Refers to the specific patterns of thought associated with criminal behavior. To exhibit cognitive patterns that align with criminal norms and values.
Criminal Thinking Styles
Is primarily concerned with seeking and maintaining justice.
Moral Development Theory