Psychological theories - revision

Neuropsychology theories

Look at structure and activity of brain

E.g. abnormalities have been found in brains of criminal subgroups inc. murderers, rapists and paedophiles

Stalenheim (1997)

Lower levels of enzyme platelet monoamine oxidase found in psychopaths, although levels of the enzyme weren’t associated with amount of crime committed - shows problems in these types of studies e.g. difficult to determine causation

Williams et al. (2015)

Traumatic brain injury is 3x more common in those who engage in violent crime compared to those who don’t.

Argues that brain injury affects regions of brain associated with judging what is acceptable social behaviour (e.g. amygdala, prefrontal cortex).

Fishbein (1990)

Found that 'a decrease in serotonic activity may produce disinhibition in both brain mechanisms and behaviour and result in increased aggressiveness'. Hormones as well may have an effect on aggressive levels and therefore crime, but this hasn't been studied much.

Eyesenck’s 3-dimensional personality theory

3 dimensions of personality that criminals score more highly on than non-criminals:

1. Extraversion

2. Neuroticism

3. Psychoticism

Extraversion

Crave excitement and do not effectively learn from punishment, low cortical arousal which fuels sensation-seeking behaviours

Neuroticism

Emotionally unstable and seek variety

Psychoticism

Do not care for others and feel unaffected by danger - similar to psychopathy

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body.

It’s especially good at showing soft tissues like the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and organs.

Does not use any radiation.

Computed Tomography (CT)

Use X-rays taken from different angles to create cross-section images of the body.

These scans are fast and are often used to look at bones, chest, abdomen, and injuries.

Involve exposure to a small amount of radiation.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Show how the body’s cells are functioning.

Before the scan, you’re given a small amount of radioactive sugar, which highlights areas of high activity.

Often combined with CT scans and are useful in detecting cancer, brain disorders, or checking how treatment is working.

They involve a small amount of radiation.

Dark Triad - Paulhus & Williams (2002)

Describes 3 personality traits that are antisocial in nature:

1. Machiavellianism

2. Narcissism

3. Psychopathy

Machiavellianism

Self-interested with ruthless lack of morality and tendency to be manipulative

Narcissism

Grandiose and egocentric, desire for admiration and attention

Psychopathy

Callous, cunning and manipulative, lacks empathy and remorse