Criminal Behavior and Psychological Theories

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to criminal behavior, psychological theories, and their historical contexts.

Positivism

A criminological perspective that applies the scientific method to the study of crime, proposing that both external and internal factors influence criminal behavior.

Biological Positivism

The theory that biological factors, such as genetics and physiological abnormalities, contribute to criminal behavior.

Atavism

A concept by Cesare Lombroso suggesting that criminals are evolutionarily inferior individuals with physical features linked to earlier stages of human development.

Somatotypes

William Sheldon's classification of body types (endomorph, mesomorph, ectomorph) that he believed correlated with personality traits and behaviors.

Psychopathy

A personality disorder characterized by lack of empathy, manipulativeness, and often antisocial behavior.

Eugenics

A movement aimed at improving the genetic quality of a population by encouraging reproduction among people with desired traits and discouraging those with undesirable traits.

Criminaloid

A type of criminal defined by Cesare Lombroso characterized by opportunistic crime rather than a strong predisposition to crime.

Functionality of IQ Testing

Originally developed to identify slower learners and provide educational assistance, but often criticized for labeling children's intellectual potential.

Lobotomy

A surgical procedure that was used to treat mental disorders by severing connections in the brain; often resulted in significant personality changes.

Defensive Mechanism

Psychological strategies used by individuals to cope with reality and maintain self-image, including repression, denial, and projection.

Freudian Slip

An unintentional error in speech or writing that is believed to reveal a person's unconscious thoughts or feelings.

NCR (Not Criminally Responsible)

A legal designation that a defendant was unable to understand the nature of their acts or wrongfulness due to mental illness.

Melancholia

A state of deep sadness or depression classified by Philippe Pinel in his classification of mental illnesses.

Mantenance of Social Order

The principle that emphasizes maintaining societal norms and values, often in the context of punishment and rehabilitation.

Social Darwinism

The application of Darwin's theory of evolution to social policies, suggesting that some groups are more evolved than others, justifying inequality.

Environmental Factors

External influences that affect an individual's behavior and can contribute to criminality, such as social conditions or upbringing.

Antisocial Behavior

Actions that violate societal norms and can harm others, often associated with personality disorders like psychopathy.