Criminology 4

Psychological Factors and Criminal Behavior

Learning Objectives

• Overview of the history of IQ tests and their application in criminology.

• Examination of the research on the link between intelligence and crime.

• Exploration of the research connecting personality traits and crime.

• Discussion of criminological psychological theories focusing on intelligence and personality.

Intelligence Theories

History of IQ Tests

• Alfred Binet: Originator of the first IQ test (Binet-Simon scale) designed to assess mental age in children.

  • Aimed to determine developmental capabilities for educational placement.

• Mental Age vs. Chronological Age: IQ calculation example explained (e.g., mental age of 10 = advanced IQ for a 7-year-old).

• Binet's view on intelligence: Rejected fixed intelligence; believed it could improve through appropriate teaching methods.

American Adoption of IQ Tests

• H.H. Goddard: Administered IQ tests to inmates at a correctional facility in New Jersey.

  • Found that none had a mental age over 13; introduced the concept of "feeble-mindedness" (IQ ≤ 75).

  • Resulted in claims that most criminals were feeble-minded, with significant percentages reflecting low IQs.

• Eugenic implications: Goddard’s belief in preventing procreation among feeble-minded individuals.

  • Later softened stance recognizing potential for educational improvement in later years.

Shifts in Understanding by the 1960s

• Arthur Jensen: Published article attributing 80% of individual IQ differences to genetics over environmental factors.

• Linkage of race, IQ, and delinquency introduced, though now outdated views.

• Contemporary research rejects direct connections between low IQ and criminal behavior.

  • Consideration of alternative explanations such as socio-economic factors.

Critiques of IQ as A Predictor

Key Questions Raised

• Is there a causal relationship between low IQ and crime, or do academic challenges contribute to delinquency?

• Possible influence of low verbal IQ on cognitive skills like moral reasoning and empathy.

• Investigating environmental factors affecting IQ such as school performance and socio-economic status.

Emerging Explanations

1. Innate Problem-Solving Abilities: IQ reflects inherited abilities affecting life choices.

2. Cultural Bias in IQ Tests: Critique of test design, questioning relevance for diverse backgrounds.

   • Example of shoe-tying analysis revealing cultural disparities in skill assessment.

3. Environmental Influence on IQ: Emphasis on improved environments leading to better IQ outcomes; supported by studies showing significant IQ gains after better educational experiences.

Research Findings and Impacts

• James Flynn: The Flynn Effect observed a rise in IQ scores globally, attributed to improved living conditions and educational environments.

• Conclusion: The historical link between IQ, race, and crime is debunked; contemporary data show no significant differences in IQ among criminals vs. non-criminals.

• Emphasis on situational and social factors over innate traits in inducing criminal behavior.

Personality Theories

Definition and Background

• Personality as a complex set of emotional and behavioral attributes that are stable across situations.

• Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI): Widely used for psychiatric evaluation.

• Studies from the 1950s revealed statistically significant personality differences between criminals and non-criminals.

Key Findings on Traits Related to Criminal Behavior

• Low Agreeableness: Characteristics include hostility and self-centeredness.

• Low Conscientiousness: Traits such as lack of ambition and disregard for rules.

• Consideration of additional factors: Early experiences and surrounding environment may shape these personality traits.

Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD)

• APD defined by recurring disregard for the rights of others, beginning in youth.

• Diagnostic criteria include repeated legal violations, impulsivity, and lack of remorse.

• Connection to crime exists, but not synonymous with criminality; many with APD do not offend.

Research on Predicting Future Behavior

Reliability of Predictions

• Flaws in predicting violent behavior, as evidenced by insufficient success rates in risk assessments.

• John Monahan's research emphasized the need for context-specific evaluations of risk.

Impulsivity and Crime Connection

• Crime often viewed as inherently rewarding, stifled only by learned self-control.

• Research identifies impulsivity as linked to criminal behavior; need for intervention to change thinking patterns.

Moffitt's Life-Course Persistent Offenders

• A small segment of the population demonstrates unchanging antisocial behavior throughout life stages, linked to neuropsychological issues stemming from early life circumstances.

• A broader group might age out of delinquency, indicating that early intervention could be key.

Summary and Implications

• Both IQ and personality demonstrate limited effectiveness in predicting criminal behavior.

• Emphasis on social and environmental factors as more significant in influencing crime.

• Importance of preventative measures targeting individual and environmental improvements to reduce crime rates.