Forensics psychology

One limitation of cognitive explanations (level of moral reasoning) → it may not be the best predictor of offending behaviour

• Langdon et al argues that intelligence might be a better predictor

• He suggested that people with low intelligence have low moral reasoning therefore less likely to commit crime

• Contrasts Kohlberg’s theory therefore decreases validity

One strength of cognitive explanations (level of moral reasoning) → evidence for the link between level of moral reasoning and crime

• Palmer and Hollin found that when presented with a moral dilemma related questions

• E.g. not taking things that belongs to others etc

• Offenders showed less moral reasoning then non offenders

• Therefore, this supports Kohlberg’s prediction that lower levels of moral reasoning is associated with offending behaviour

One limitation of cognitive explanations (cognitive distortions) → seen more as a description rather than explanatory

• The role of minimalisation

• It describes how an offender distorts the reality of their offending behaviour but not why it leads to committed crime

• Therefore, this explanation is incomplete and inaccurate

One strength of cognitive explanations (cognitive distortions) → application to CBT

• Offenders are encouraged to face up and confront the seriousness of their actions

• This is done by establishing a less distorted view of their actions

• Harkins et al showed that reduced denial and minimalisation in therapy correlates with lower rates of offending

• Therefore, the cognitive distortion explanation provides practical value in the real world

One strength of custodial sentencing → opportunities for training and treatment

• The rehabilitation model

• Offenders may learn to become better people during their time in prison

• They have access to education and training in which may allow them to find employment after their release

• Leads to a crime free life when they go back into society

• This suggests value of rehabilitation

One limitation of custodial sentencing (psychological effect) → negative psychological effect on prisoners

• Imprisonment can be brutal, demeaning and generally devastating

• According to Ministry of Justice, a record of 119 Welsh and English prisoners killed themselves

• Increased by 32% in the next year

• A study found that 25% of women and 15% of men in prison reported symptoms of psychosis e.g. schizophrenia

• This suggests an unpleasant effect on offenders, which may cause ethical issues to arise