Unit 3.1

Question 1

What theories might explain Fred West’s actions?

Answer 1

Social Learning Thoery - mother introduced him to sex.

Freudian Psychodynamic theory - insufficient moral instruction - strong ID, weak Superego and possible deviant superego.

Brain Damage - motorcycle accident at 17yrs old, damage to pre-frontal cortex might impact ability to control impulsive behavior.

Question 2

What theories might explain Robert Napper?

Answer 2

Witnessed Father’s violence against mother - SLT

Bowlby’s Attachment Theory - was placed in foster home depending on exact circumstances, Bowlby’s study might suggest a risk of affection less psychopathy.

Difficult to generalize about schizophrenia - many different manifestations, but in some cases may be related to violence.

Question 3

What theories might explain Nick Lesson?

Answer 3

Eysneck’s Personality Theoy - potentially extroverted, impulsive and thrill seeking.

Marxism - Perhaps wanted to avoid being a member of the exploited class, so went for a job making a lot of money.

He avoided detection for a very long time - Marxistts would point to the lack of policing of white collar crime.