forensic psychology

What is a nurture-based factor in forensic psychology?

• It's an environmental cause of criminal behavior

• Examples: upbringing, trauma, peer pressure

• Life experiences can shape how someone acts

What is a nature-based factor in forensic psychology?

• It's a biological cause of criminal behavior

• Examples: genetics, brain structure, hormones

• Some people may be more likely to offend due to how their brain or body works

Types of Crimes


-White-collar crime

-Moral crime

-State crime

-Technological crime

-Individual crime

White Collar Crime

When a crime is committed or behalf of a company

State crime

A crime committed by the government or its officials

Moral Crime

A crime that goes against society’s moral values (e.g. drug use, prostitution)

Individual Crime

• A crime committed by one person against another (e.g. theft, assault)

What is deindividuation?

• When people in a group feel anonymous and act without thinking of consequences

What is conformity?

• Changing your behavior to match a group, even if you disagree

Social Identity Theory 


People get part of their identity from groups. Being in a gang can lead to crime to fit in with the group.

Sociopaths 


-Often quick to get angry and defensive when confronted

-May have legal issues and unstable personal lives

-persons environment can play a large role in becoming a sociopath

-Weak 'conscience

What is a psychopath?

• -Normally doesn't explode under pressue

  -Can 'underreact' in dangerous or stressful situations

  -Usually avoids developing relationships

  -Uses people for their own gain

  -genetics and biology play a large role in psychopaths

What are 3 limitations of polygraphs?

• Can’t always tell lies from stress

• Some people can cheat the test

• Not accepted as proof in many courts

Nature

• It's a biological cause of criminal behavior

• Examples: genetics, brain structure, hormones

• Some people may be more likely to offend due to how their brain or body works

Nurture

• It's an environmental cause of criminal behavior

• Examples: upbringing, trauma, peer pressure

• Life experiences can shape how someone acts