Psychology - Forensic psychology

What is the top-down approach to profiling?

An FBI-developed method used primarily for serious crimes (e.g., murder, rape) that categorises offenders as either organised or disorganised based on evidence at the crime scene.

In the bottom-up approach, what is Investigative Psychology?

A statistical profiling method developed by Canter that applies psychological theory to the analysis of crime scenes to establish patterns of behaviour that coexist across many different offences.

What is Geographical Profiling within the bottom-up approach?

The study of the locations of a series of crimes to determine the offender's home base (the centre of gravity) and distinguish between marauders (operating close to home) and commuters (travelling from elsewhere).

What is the atavistic form proposed by Lombroso?

A biological explanation suggesting that criminals are evolutionary throwbacks, or a primitive sub-species, possessing specific physical features such as high cheekbones, large jaws, and dark skin.

Which two genes have been linked to offending behaviour in genetic explanations?

The MAOA gene, which controls dopamine and serotonin and is linked to aggressive behaviour, and the CDH13 gene, which has been linked to substance abuse and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

What do neural explanations suggest about the brain of an offender?

Research by Raine found that individuals with antisocial personality disorder (APD) show reduced activity and volume in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for emotional regulation and impulse control.

Describe Eysenck’s criminal personality.

A personality type scoring high on Extraversion (E), Neuroticism (N), and Psychoticism (P). Eysenck argued these traits were innate and made individuals harder to socialise through conditioning.

What are the two most common cognitive distortions in offenders?

1. Hostile attribution bias: Misinterpreting the ambiguous actions of others as being aggressive. 2. Minimalisation: Downplaying or underplaying the seriousness or impact of their own criminal actions.

What is Kohlberg’s theory regarding moral reasoning in offenders?

Offenders are more likely to be at the pre-conventional level, where morality is based on self-interest and avoiding punishment, rather than the more mature conventional or post-conventional levels.

What is Differential Association Theory?

Sutherland’s theory that offending behaviour is learned through social interaction. Individuals acquire criminal values, attitudes, and specific criminal techniques from those they associate with.

What are the three types of inadequate superego in psychodynamic theory?

1. Weak superego: Absence of a same-sex parent. 2. Deviant superego: Internalising the values of a criminal parent. 3. Over-harsh superego: Excessive guilt leading to a desire for punishment through offending.

How does a token economy work in custodial sentencing?

Based on operant conditioning, desirable behaviours are rewarded with tokens (secondary reinforcers) which can be exchanged for rewards like extra visit time or food (primary reinforcers).

What are the three stages of Anger Management?

1. Cognitive preparation: Reflecting on past triggers. 2. Skill acquisition: Learning techniques like relaxation or communication. 3. Application practice: Role-playing scenarios to test new skills.

What is the aim of restorative justice?

A system of rehabilitation that involves a supervised meeting between the offender and the victim (survivor), allowing the victim to explain the impact of the crime and the offender to see the consequences of their actions.

Which researcher proposed the biological theory of the atavistic form?

Cesare Lombroso, who suggested that criminals are evolutionary throwbacks with specific primitive physical features.

Which researcher is credited with developing Investigative Psychology?

David Canter, whose bottom-up approach applies statistical theory to identify patterns of behaviour across crime scenes.

Which researchers identified the MAOA and CDH13 genes in violent offenders?

Tiihonen et al. conducted a study in Finland linking these genetic markers to extremely violent offending behaviour and ADHD.

Which researcher studied the brain structure of offenders with antisocial personality disorder (APD)?

Adrian Raine found that these individuals show a 11\% reduction in grey matter volume in the prefrontal cortex.

Who proposed that the criminal personality consists of high levels of Extraversion (E), Neuroticism (N), and Psychoticism (P)?

Hans Eysenck, who argued these biological traits make individuals more difficult to socialise via conditioning.

Which researcher developed the theory of moral reasoning levels in offenders?

Lawrence Kohlberg, who found that offenders tend to be at the pre-conventional level of moral development.

Who is the founder of Differential Association Theory?

Edwin Sutherland, who proposed that criminal behaviour and attitudes are learned through social interaction and associations.

Which researcher identified the three stages of Anger Management for rehabilitation?

Novaco developed the therapeutic framework involving cognitive preparation, skill acquisition, and application practice.

Which researchers provided empirical support for the use of token economies in correctional facilities?

Hobbs and Holt demonstrated a significant increase in positive behaviour among young offenders using operant conditioning.

Which researcher outlined the three types of inadequate superego in psychodynamic criminology?

Ron Blackburn, who proposed that the weak, deviant, and over-harsh superego types lead to criminal offending.