Forensic 2

LEARNING OUTCOMES

  • Compare different perspectives on crime.
  • Critically discuss theories of crime.

CRITICAL THINKING

  • Definition: Clear, reasoned judgements based on evidence interpretation (Burns, 2016).
  • Bloom's Taxonomy:
    • LOWER-ORDER
    • Remembering: Recall facts.
    • Understanding: Grasp meaning.
    • Applying: Use information in similar situations.
    • HIGHER-ORDER
    • Analyzing: Identify relationships.
    • Evaluating: Make judgments.
    • Creating: Develop new information.

EVALUATING THEORIES

  • Predictive Accuracy and Scope: Can it account for findings?
  • Internal Coherence: Can it be falsified?
  • External Consistency: Alignment with other theories.
  • Unifying Power: Links aspects of research.
  • Fertility/Heuristic Value: Generates new predictions.

THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES ON CRIME

  • Individual, group, locality, and societal theories address causes of crime.

NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES

  • Research indicates brain structure/function linked to violent behavior (Miller, Yang, Raine).
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) connected to criminal behavior (Williams et al., Timonen et al.).
  • MAOA gene linked to aggression (Brunner syndrome, Caspi, McDermott).

EYSENCK’S BIOSOCIAL THEORY

  • Criminal behavior due to personality traits (Extraversion, Psychoticism, Neuroticism).
  • Genetic and socialization factors interact in influencing delinquency.

PARENTAL ATTACHMENT

  • Attachment to caregivers crucial for moral development (Bowlby).
  • Maternal deprivation linked to delinquency (Bowlby’s 44 thieves study).

SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

  • Children imitate behaviors (Bandura).
  • Observational learning impacted by attention, retention, motivation.

GENERAL STRAIN THEORY

  • Strain from negative experiences can lead to deviance (Agnew).
  • Forms of strain: objective vs. subjective.
  • Negative emotions can mediate deviant responses.

COMPARING THEORIES

  • Various theories highlight complexities in understanding criminal behavior.
  • Integration of multiple perspectives may enhance treatment and understanding of offenders.