Lecture Notes on Theories of Crime
Introduction
Forensic Psychology Lecture Topic 2: Theories of Crime
Questions about Stuart's behavior and psychology's role in assisting the police, courts, and rehabilitation.
Biological Theories (Page 7-16)
Humours theory based on Hippocrates and Galen's work.
Melancholic (black bile) - sad, depressed
choleric (yellow bile) - cranky, easily upset < common assault >
Phlegmatic (phlegm) - inactive, apathetic < fencing goods >
Sanguine humoursre (blood)- changeable, temperamental. related to personality and crimes.
Phrenology by Franz Joseph Gall linked personality to skull shape.
Body Types theory by William Sheldon categorized personalities based on body types.
Modern Biological Theories include Chromosome Abnormality, Neurological Damage, Hormonal Changes, and Biochemical Reactions.
Examples like the Twinkie Defense and Subway Defense show how biological factors can be used in legal cases.
Sociological/Criminological Theories (Page 19-20)
Differential Association Theory focuses on learning criminal behavior through associations.
Strain Theory suggests crime results from socio-economic tension.
Perspectives on Human Nature (Page 21-23)
Nature/Nurture, Past/Present, Free Will/Determinism, Uniqueness/Universality, Equilibrium/Growth, Good/Evil, Rational/Irrational perspectives on human behavior.
Psychological Perspectives on Personality (Page 24-27)
Psychoanalytic Perspective by Sigmund Freud emphasizing the unconscious and psychosexual development.
Behavioural Perspective by John Watson and B.F. Skinner focusing on observable behavior.
Humanistic Perspective by Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow highlighting self-actualization and personal growth.
Cognitive Perspective by George Kelly exploring human thought processes.
Conclusion
Various theories in forensic psychology help understand criminal behavior and personality traits.
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Structures of the Mind
Ego: Acts as a "referee" between Id and Superego, exists in conscious and unconscious
Superego: Represents the quest for moral perfection, mostly unconscious
Freudian Concepts
Freudian Slips, Dreams, Rorschach Test, and the Unconscious
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Stages of Psychosexual Development
Oral Stage: Birth-2 years, emphasis on the mouth, id is the only structure
Anal Stage: 2-3 years, conflict related to defecation and social rules
Phallic Stage: 4-5 years, focus on the genital area, Oedipal and Electra Complexes
Traits
Oral traits: Gullibility, dependence
Anal traits: Cruelty, punctuality, cleanliness
Phallic traits: Feminine wiles, assertiveness
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Behavioral Perspective
Ivan Pavlov: Classical Conditioning in animals
Classical Conditioning
Association of conditioned stimulus with unconditioned stimulus elicits a conditioned response
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B.F. Skinner
Extends Watson's work to complex behaviors and reinforcement
Focuses on punishment and positive reinforcement using rat psychology
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Operant Conditioning
Goal and Direction of Intervention
Reinforcement Types: Primary, Secondary, Punishment, Positive Reinforcer
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Reinforcement Schedules
Continuous Reinforcement vs. Partial Reinforcement
Partial Reinforcement Schedules
Fixed Interval, Variable Interval, Fixed Ratio, Variable Ratio
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Applying Operant Conditioning to Forensic Psychology
SMART Model: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-Restricted
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Behaviorist Perspective on Human Nature
Nature/Nurture, Past/Present, Free Will/Determinism, Uniqueness/Universality, Equilibrium/Growth, Good/Evil, Rational/Irrational
Page 57
Basis of Personality
Defined as behaviors shaped by associations with reinforcement or punishment
Cause of Criminal Behavior
Due to strong association between criminal actions and positive reinforcement or punishment
Altering the Criminal Personality
Achieved through the Operant Conditioning Model
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Social Learning Theory by Albert Bandura
Humans learn through modeling and non-direct reinforcers
Higher cognitive capacity allows learning through threats and punishments
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Modelling
Operant conditioning applied in humans by observing others receiving reinforcement
Threats and Promises
Humans understand the connection between words and potential reinforcement
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Effective Threats and Promises
Limited use, specificity, realism, history/reputation, reciprocal impact
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Humanistic Perspective
Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow focus on peace, love, and human psychology
Page 62
Basis of Personality
Based on a healthy population, humans are inherently good
Holistic approach to personality
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Humanist (Rogers) Perspective on Human Nature
Covers nature/nurture, past/present, free will/determinism, uniqueness/universality, equilibrium/growth, good/evil, rational/irrational
Page 64
Basis of Personality
Defined by self-actualization's impact on behavior
Cause of Criminal Behavior
Abnormal response due to blocked path to self-actualization
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Altering the Criminal Personality
Growth through relationships with genuine, accepting, empathetic individuals
Active listening as an engagement technique
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Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Covers physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, self-actualization needs
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Basic Self-Human Actualization Needs
Includes creativity, problem-solving, authenticity, self-esteem, social needs, safety, and physiological needs
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Altering the Criminal Personality
Help individuals identify acceptable paths to move beyond lower-level needs
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Cognitive Perspective by George Kelly
Emphasizes thinking as the basis for personality
Humans are motivated to understand the world through logic and rational thought
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Fundamental Postulate
Individuals interpret objects/events cognitively to guide behavior and predict others' behavior
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Cognitive Perspective
Personality results from behaviors and mental processes
Cause of Criminal Behavior
Abnormal mental processes and behavioral patterns
Altering the Criminal Personality
Changes through training/learning like Cognitive-Behavioral Programs
Page 78
CBA in Corrections & Justice
Cognitive-Behavioral Approach is commonly used for intervention/rehabilitation
Components include cognitive impact, reward/punishment strategy, holistic