Criminal psychology aims to define crime and the explanations for behaviours which cause it. It also looks at different methods for treating offenders, for example through token economy or anger management. The judgements of criminals are also studied, as well as the accuracy of eyewitness testimony. - getrevising.co.uk
What does this application of psychology involve?
- An introduction to criminal psychology
- Social Learning theory as an explanation of crime
- Violence in the media
- Self-fulfilling prophecy as an explanation of crime
- Treating offenders
- Eyewitness testimony (the key issue of A2 criminal psychology)
- Loftus and Palmer 1974 (key study)
- Yuille and Cutshall 1986 (key study)
- Yarmey 2004 (example of a field study)
Introduction to criminal psychology
Criminological Psychology includes aspects of crime and anti-social behaviour. The practise ranges from defining and studying the causes of crime to identifying criminals, making judgements, and treating them.
It shows the role of Psychology in understanding the causes of crime, helping with the criminal justice process, and providing interventions.
As society and legal processes define crime it is often seen as socially constructed. What's considered a crime varies in different cultures, although some things are universally considered crimes.
Most theories on the causes of crime can be split into nature and nurture arguments.
It shows the role of Psychology in understanding the causes of crime, helping with the criminal justice process, and providing interventions.
As society and legal processes define crime it is often seen as socially constructed. What's considered a crime varies in different cultures, although some things are universally considered crimes.
Most theories on the causes of crime can be split into nature and nurture arguments.
Definitions of key terms
Crime
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The term referring to actions which are deemed punishable by those in power.
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Recidivism
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Repeating a particular criminal behaviour despite previous punishment or treatment for it.
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Anti-social behaviour
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Behaviours which don’t necessarily break laws but are viewed negatively by society, usually because they disadvantage other members of society.
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Modus Operandi
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A method of procedure. In regards to criminals, it is a distinct pattern or method of operation that indicates/suggests the work of a single criminal in multiple crimes.
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Stereotyping
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Expecting particular behaviours from someone based on aspects such as appearance without knowing the person personally.
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Prejudice
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An unjustified attitude towards an individual based on their membership of a social group.
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Self-fulfilling prophecy
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A prediction that causes itself to come true due to the fact that the prediction was made. It’s an example of our beliefs influencing our actions (similar to stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination).
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Eyewitness testimony
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The statement of a witness of a crime.
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Weapon focus
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Weapon focus is a term that describes the effects on the ability of witnesses to describe the circumstances surrounding a crime due to their focusing on the weapon. They can miss important details of their attacker etc as they’re preoccupied with the weapon.
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Marauder
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A marauder is someone who roams around looking for things to steal.
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