psychology forensic shit

what is a crime?

An action that breaks the law and is punishable by the state. What counts as crime depends on legal systems, not personal opinion

Why are crime statistics used?

to identify trends, guide policy, and understand evaluate crime trends

What is the biological explanation for crime?

Genetics, brain function, and hormones can affect aggression, impulsivity, and emotional control, increasing risk of offending.

What is the MAOA gene linked to?

Reduced emotional regulation and increased aggression, especially when combined with environmental stress.

does having the MAOA gene guarantee criinal behaviour?

no it increases risk but doesnt determine behaviour

how can genetics influence behaviour?

by affecting brain development, personality traits, mental illness risk, and impulse control

How does testosterone affect crime likelihood?

High testosterone is linked to increased aggression and risk-taking

What is cortisol linked to?

Stress regulation, low cortisol is linked to fearlessness and possible aggression

What did lombroso believe?

criminals are ‘born criminals’ with inherited traits, called atavistic traits.

What physical traits did Lombroso associate with criminals?

Sloping brow, large jaw, high cheekbones, large ears.

What did Sheldon believe?

Body type is linked to personality and criminal behaviour.

What did sheldon create?

somoatotypes

what are the 3 somatoypes? and who created them?

sheldon: ectomorph, endomorph and mesomorph

Mesomorphs and crime?

Mesomorphs (muscular builds) were linked to aggression and delinquency.

What is an ectomorph?

• Thin with a small bone structure and very little fat on their bodies

• This personality is anxious, self conscious, artistic, thoughtful, quiet, and private. They enjoy intellectual stimulation are introverted

What is an endomorph?

Round, sociable, relaxed, tolerant.

What is a mesomorph?

• Large bone structure, well defined muscles, broad shoulders, narrow waists, and attractive, strong bodies

• Adventurous, assertive, competitive and fearless

• Curious and enjoy trying new things, but can also be obnoxious and aggressive

Which body type did Sheldon link to crime?

Mesomorphs because high testosterone and impulisvity

What is the unconscious mind?

The part of the mind containing hidden desires, memories, and instincts.

What are Freud’s three parts of personality?

Id, ego, superego

What is the id?

Instinct-driven, seeks pleasure, impulsive.

What is the ego?

Rational part that deals with reality.

What is the superego?

Moral conscience that produces guilt.

How does Freud explain crime?

Crime occurs when the id dominates or the superego is weak, leading to poor control over impulses

What is trait theory?

Personality is made of stable traits that influence behaviour.

What is a personality trait?

A consistent pattern of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

What does trait theory aim to do?

Describe and predict behaviour.

what did eysenck develop?

the PEN model

What does PEN stand for?

Psychoticism- Impulse control

Extraversion-Introversion

Neuroticism- Emotional stability.

What is neuroticism?

Emotional instability, anxiety, moodiness.

What is psychoticism?

Aggression, coldness, lack of empathy.

What did Eysenck say about criminals?

They score high on P, E, and N.

What is Bowlby’s main idea?

Early attachment to caregiver is essential for healthy development.

What happens if early attachment is disrupted?

increased risk of delinquency, aggression, depression.

How long should early care be continuous?

First two years of life.

What causes crime according to self-control theory?

Low self-control is developed in childhood.

What leads to low self-control?

Poor parenting.

What is psychopathy?

Personality disorder involving lack of empathy, remorse, and impulse control.

Key traits of psychopaths?

Manipulative, impulsive, cold, narcissistic.

Are psychopaths mentally ill?

No, it is a personality disorder

What is the “warrior gene”?

Gene linked to aggression and impulsive behaviour.

Key difference between psychopaths and sociopaths?

Psychopaths lack empathy; sociopaths may still feel some empathy. psychopaths are born. sociopaths are made

What is the DSM?

Diagnostic manual used to classify mental disorders.

What is psychopathy classified as in DSM?

Antisocial Personality Disorder.

What is forensic victimology?

Study of victims to understand crime and offender behaviour.

Why study victims?

To help reconstruct crime and understand offender motives.

What is lifestyle exposure?

Risk of victimisation due to lifestyle choices and environment. such as careers, afflictions, and personal traits.

What is situational exposure?

Risk based on time, place, and immediate environment.

What does a polygraph measure and track?

Physiological arousal, not lies. heart rate, breathing, blood pressure and galvanic skin response

whats galvanic skin response?

skin conductivity caused by sweating.

Name some social determinants of crime.

Poverty, homelessness, poor education, Indigenous status, drug use, unstable housing.

How does environment influence crime?

It increases exposure to risk factors and limits opportunities.

What is forensic psychology?

Application of psychology to the legal system.

biopsychosocial: BIOLOGICAL

• Genetics- MAOA Gene, testoserone 

• Explaining the link between genetics and criminality 

• Lombroso theory- physical characteristics. 

• Sheldon theory- body type.

biopsychosocial: psychological

• Psychopathy - causes and common traits. 

• Freuds theory- Id, ego and superego and how it might be used to explain criminal behaviour. 

• Eysencks trait theory- 3 continuums used to measure personality. Extraversion-Introversion. Psychoticism- Impulse control. Neuroticism- Emotional stability. 

biopsychosocial: social

1. having been in out of home (foster) care

2. receiving a poor school education

3. being Indigenous

4. having early contact with police

5. having unsupported mental health and cognitive disability

6. problematic alcohol and other drug use

7. experiencing homelessness or unstable housing

8. coming from or living in a disadvantaged location