Component 3 — Applied Option: Criminal Psychology

Raine et al. (1997) - Biological Brain Dysfunction

Aim: Examine brain activity in murderers pleading Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI). Sample: 41 NGRIs vs 41 matched controls. Method: PET scans during continuous performance task. Findings: NGRIs had significantly reduced glucose metabolism in Prefrontal Cortex (impulse control), Parietal Cortex, and Corpus Callosum, alongside asymmetrical amygdala/hippocampus activity. Conclusion: Murderers pleading NGRI display distinct neurobiological deficits.

Farrington et al. (2006) - Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development

Aim: Longitudinal investigation of development of offending in 411 South London males (aged 8 to 50). Findings: Key risk factors predicting conviction: family criminality, low family income, poor child-rearing, low school attainment, and high impulsivity. 6% of sample accounted for 50% of official crimes.

Yochelson & Samenow (1976) - Cognition of Offenders

Aim: Investigate cognitive patterns of criminal offenders. Sample: 240 male offenders in security hospital. Method: Longitudinal interviews. Findings: Criminals display 52 distinct 'thinking errors' (e.g., lack of empathy, ownership thinking, hyper-sensitivity to criticism, failure to understand responsibility). Conclusion: Criminal behavior is driven by distorted thinking patterns rather than environment alone.

Top-Down Offender Profiling

FBI method categorizing crime scenes into 'Organized' (planned, targeted victim, intelligent) vs 'Disorganized' (spontaneous, messy, lower IQ) to infer offender characteristics.

Bottom-Up Offender Profiling

British statistical approach (Canter). Uses Investigative Psychology (smallest space analysis, consistency) and Geographical Profiling (Circle Theory: Commuter vs Marauder) to pinpoint offender location.

Fisher & Geiselman (1992) - Enhanced Cognitive Interview

Police interview technique based on cognitive principles: 1. Mental Context Reinstatement 2. Report Everything 3. Change Order 4. Change Perspective. Reduces false memories and increases correct info retrieval.

Haney, Banks & Zimbardo (1973) - Stanford Prison Study

Aim: Investigate psychological impact of prison environments. Procedure: Mock prison in Stanford basement; 24 healthy males assigned Guard or Prisoner roles. Findings: Severe pathological prisoner syndrome and guard brutality forced study termination after 6 days. Conclusion: Situational power of institutional roles drives abusive behavior.

Behaviour Modification in Prisons

Token Economy System: Operant conditioning applying secondary reinforcers (tokens) for target prosocial behaviors (tidiness, cooperation), exchangeable for primary rewards (canteen items, TV time).

Anger Management (Novaco)

Cognitive-behavioral approach in 3 stages: 1. Cognitive Preparation (identifying triggers) 2. Skill Acquisition (relaxation, self-talk, assertiveness) 3. Application Practice (roleplaying stressful scenarios).