Theories Of Crime Flashcards

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1
Q

Why is theory important

A

Allows us to classify & identify factors

Explains relationships

Helps identify prevention measures

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2
Q

Why are there multiple theories?

A

Complex interactions between a lot of factors means you need multiple theories

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3
Q

Neuropsychology

A

Defect - anatomical, biological, acquired
Can be inherited (link to genetics)
Twin studies - adoption studies
Predisposition to committing crimes
Environmental impacts (e.g. chemical)
- effects may be transitory or permanent (eg alcohol
Pros - some influence but other factors, could target biological deficits to reduce crime
Cons - incomplete understanding, not popular, difficult to isolate biological factors

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4
Q

Intelligence theory

A

Very low correlation btw intelligence and crime

Not a strong/significant factor

Must look at other factors (eg environ, beliefs, socio-economic

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5
Q

Rational choice theory

A

Balance benefits with costs

No real carefully considered
decisions (criticism)

It is a rational choice to the offender at the time (ie with different friends could make a different decision)

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6
Q

Attachment theory

John Bowlby - very influential theory

A

3 types of attachment
Secure, anti-resistant, avoidant-attachment

Insecure = assoc with delinquency, linked to aggression, dv, sexual violence, other crimes

Strong affectional bonds/ may not lead to delinquency

Importance of early life exp

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7
Q

Eysenck’s Biosocial Theory

  1. Genetics
A

XX female XY male

Considered XYY more aggressive (now defunct)

Twin studies - correlation for mono twins and crime (70% of time other twin will offend)
- lower for dizygotic twins

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8
Q

Eysenck’s Biosocial Theory

  1. Constitutional factors
A

Physical difference btw criminals and non criminals

Body types:
Endomorphs - delinquents
Ectomorphs
Mesomorphs - muscular, athletic, violent + aggressive

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9
Q

Eysenck’s Biosocial Theory

  1. Personality
A

3 components - all 3 in high levels signals possible criminality

Extraversion
Psychoticism (aggressive, cold, no empathy)
Neuroticism (high in anxiety + depression)

Argued prisoners would be low on neuroticisms but high on psychoticism

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10
Q

Social learning theory

Bandura (Bobo doll experiment)

A

Observational + modelling (takes place in family, subculture, cultural symbols)

Consequences + punishment are important to outcome

Motivations - external, vicarious, self

Main issue - oversimplistic, relies on people having no free will

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11
Q

Social construction of crime

Not as relevant to forensic psychology

A

Considers how phenomena can develop in a social context - varies over time and place

Relates to our experience and how we perceive it

Crime is socially constructed

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