Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of the top-down approach in offender profiling?
What is the primary purpose of the top-down approach in offender profiling?
Which type of criminal is characterized as being organized according to the top-down approach?
Which type of criminal is characterized as being organized according to the top-down approach?
What is one of the initial steps in constructing an FBI profile?
What is one of the initial steps in constructing an FBI profile?
What is a significant limitation of the top-down approach in offender profiling?
What is a significant limitation of the top-down approach in offender profiling?
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How does the top-down approach categorize offenders?
How does the top-down approach categorize offenders?
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Which of the following is true about disorganized criminals?
Which of the following is true about disorganized criminals?
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Which aspect does crime scene classification focus on during the profiling process?
Which aspect does crime scene classification focus on during the profiling process?
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What might be a consequence of relying too heavily on typologies in the top-down approach?
What might be a consequence of relying too heavily on typologies in the top-down approach?
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What is the main influence on drinking and drug behavior among adolescents according to the survey findings?
What is the main influence on drinking and drug behavior among adolescents according to the survey findings?
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Which aspect of the superego can lead to an individual struggling to distinguish right from wrong?
Which aspect of the superego can lead to an individual struggling to distinguish right from wrong?
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What is the primary aim of incapacitation in custodial sentencing?
What is the primary aim of incapacitation in custodial sentencing?
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How does retribution in custodial sentencing function?
How does retribution in custodial sentencing function?
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What percentage of UK offenders reoffend within a year of their release?
What percentage of UK offenders reoffend within a year of their release?
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What is a key feature of restorative justice as opposed to custodial sentencing?
What is a key feature of restorative justice as opposed to custodial sentencing?
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Who are the three main stakeholders involved in the model of restorative justice proposed by Wachtel and McCold?
Who are the three main stakeholders involved in the model of restorative justice proposed by Wachtel and McCold?
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What aspect differentiates individual deterrence from general deterrence in the context of sentencing?
What aspect differentiates individual deterrence from general deterrence in the context of sentencing?
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What process may occur before or after a trial as an alternative to prison for young offenders?
What process may occur before or after a trial as an alternative to prison for young offenders?
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What is the main goal of the restitution process in restorative justice?
What is the main goal of the restitution process in restorative justice?
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What is a primary advantage of the bottom-up approach in profiling?
What is a primary advantage of the bottom-up approach in profiling?
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How does the bottom-up approach link seemingly unrelated offenses?
How does the bottom-up approach link seemingly unrelated offenses?
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What does the bottom-up approach prioritize when building a profile?
What does the bottom-up approach prioritize when building a profile?
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What limitation does the bottom-up approach face regarding offender behavior?
What limitation does the bottom-up approach face regarding offender behavior?
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What challenge does the complexity of analyzing behavioral evidence present to the bottom-up approach?
What challenge does the complexity of analyzing behavioral evidence present to the bottom-up approach?
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Why might the bottom-up approach produce partially speculative profiles?
Why might the bottom-up approach produce partially speculative profiles?
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What makes the bottom-up approach adaptable compared to the top-down approach?
What makes the bottom-up approach adaptable compared to the top-down approach?
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What is a significant consequence of the bottom-up approach's reliance on past behaviors?
What is a significant consequence of the bottom-up approach's reliance on past behaviors?
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Which psychologist's research supports the concept of consistent behaviors in offenders?
Which psychologist's research supports the concept of consistent behaviors in offenders?
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What does the objective and scientifically credible nature of the bottom-up approach reduce?
What does the objective and scientifically credible nature of the bottom-up approach reduce?
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How does the bottom-up approach enhance the reliability of offender predictions?
How does the bottom-up approach enhance the reliability of offender predictions?
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What is the primary focus of the bottom-up approach in forensic psychology?
What is the primary focus of the bottom-up approach in forensic psychology?
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What is an implication of the bottom-up approach being effective in specific cases?
What is an implication of the bottom-up approach being effective in specific cases?
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What does the neural explanation emphasize in understanding criminal behavior?
What does the neural explanation emphasize in understanding criminal behavior?
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How can a better understanding of neural underpinnings improve treatment for criminal behavior?
How can a better understanding of neural underpinnings improve treatment for criminal behavior?
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What major criticism is leveled against the neural explanation for criminal behavior?
What major criticism is leveled against the neural explanation for criminal behavior?
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What is a significant issue with asserting correlations between brain abnormalities and criminal behavior?
What is a significant issue with asserting correlations between brain abnormalities and criminal behavior?
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What ethical concern arises from a strictly biological view of criminal behavior?
What ethical concern arises from a strictly biological view of criminal behavior?
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Why do individual differences challenge the neural explanation of criminal behavior?
Why do individual differences challenge the neural explanation of criminal behavior?
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Which factor is often overlooked in the neural explanation of criminal behavior?
Which factor is often overlooked in the neural explanation of criminal behavior?
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What method is commonly utilized in prisons to manage offender behaviors?
What method is commonly utilized in prisons to manage offender behaviors?
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What are tokens in the context of behavior modification?
What are tokens in the context of behavior modification?
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What happens to the reinforcement schedule in behavior modification over time?
What happens to the reinforcement schedule in behavior modification over time?
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What is the primary goal of behavior modification in a custody setting?
What is the primary goal of behavior modification in a custody setting?
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What role do primary reinforcers serve in the token economy system?
What role do primary reinforcers serve in the token economy system?
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Which of the following is NOT a component of behavior modification?
Which of the following is NOT a component of behavior modification?
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What does the involvement of both genetic and environmental factors imply about criminal behavior?
What does the involvement of both genetic and environmental factors imply about criminal behavior?
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What ethical dilemma is presented by viewing criminal behavior as genetically predetermined?
What ethical dilemma is presented by viewing criminal behavior as genetically predetermined?
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What evidence supports the genetic explanation of criminal behavior?
What evidence supports the genetic explanation of criminal behavior?
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Which brain structure is crucial for impulse control and has been linked to aggressive behavior?
Which brain structure is crucial for impulse control and has been linked to aggressive behavior?
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How is the amygdala associated with criminal behavior?
How is the amygdala associated with criminal behavior?
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What is the role of serotonin in relation to criminal behavior?
What is the role of serotonin in relation to criminal behavior?
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Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the brain's reward system and could influence criminal acts?
Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the brain's reward system and could influence criminal acts?
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What characteristic of mirror neurons is significant in understanding empathy in criminal behavior?
What characteristic of mirror neurons is significant in understanding empathy in criminal behavior?
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What were the findings of Raine et al. (1997) regarding violent offenders?
What were the findings of Raine et al. (1997) regarding violent offenders?
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What is one strength of the neural explanation for criminal behavior?
What is one strength of the neural explanation for criminal behavior?
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What technology has been used to explore the connection between brain structure and criminal behavior?
What technology has been used to explore the connection between brain structure and criminal behavior?
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How can the biological perspective on criminal behavior aid in interventions?
How can the biological perspective on criminal behavior aid in interventions?
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Which factor is often seen as a potential drawback of genetic explanations for criminal behavior?
Which factor is often seen as a potential drawback of genetic explanations for criminal behavior?
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What is the primary function of the prefrontal cortex in relation to behavior?
What is the primary function of the prefrontal cortex in relation to behavior?
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What is a major ethical concern associated with Lombroso’s theory of criminality?
What is a major ethical concern associated with Lombroso’s theory of criminality?
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What role do twin studies serve in the understanding of criminal behavior?
What role do twin studies serve in the understanding of criminal behavior?
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Which gene is specifically associated with the regulation of mood and impulsivity in relation to criminal behavior?
Which gene is specifically associated with the regulation of mood and impulsivity in relation to criminal behavior?
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What is the initial step in anger management therapy based on cognitive-behavioral techniques?
What is the initial step in anger management therapy based on cognitive-behavioral techniques?
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What does the diathesis-stress model emphasize in explaining criminal behavior?
What does the diathesis-stress model emphasize in explaining criminal behavior?
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Which aspect of personality does Eysenck's Criminal Personality Theory suggest is linked to criminal behavior?
Which aspect of personality does Eysenck's Criminal Personality Theory suggest is linked to criminal behavior?
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In the context of behavior modification, what does consistent application of rules ensure?
In the context of behavior modification, what does consistent application of rules ensure?
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What finding was reported in adoption studies regarding criminal behavior?
What finding was reported in adoption studies regarding criminal behavior?
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What is a key feature of short-term behavior management in prisons?
What is a key feature of short-term behavior management in prisons?
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What common misconception does the genetic explanation of criminal behavior often overlook?
What common misconception does the genetic explanation of criminal behavior often overlook?
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Which statement best reflects a strength of genetic explanations of criminal behavior?
Which statement best reflects a strength of genetic explanations of criminal behavior?
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Which cognitive distortion is targeted during the cognitive preparation stage of anger management?
Which cognitive distortion is targeted during the cognitive preparation stage of anger management?
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What does the research by Brunner et al (1993) indicate about the MAOA gene?
What does the research by Brunner et al (1993) indicate about the MAOA gene?
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What is one of the primary goals of long-term behavior change programs in the criminal justice system?
What is one of the primary goals of long-term behavior change programs in the criminal justice system?
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Which training aspect is critical for staff implementing behavior modification programs?
Which training aspect is critical for staff implementing behavior modification programs?
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What does a higher concordance rate in monozygotic (MZ) twins compared to dizygotic (DZ) twins suggest?
What does a higher concordance rate in monozygotic (MZ) twins compared to dizygotic (DZ) twins suggest?
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What percentage of Finnish severe violent crimes is attributed to the MAOA and CDH13 genes according to Jari Tiihonen et al (2015)?
What percentage of Finnish severe violent crimes is attributed to the MAOA and CDH13 genes according to Jari Tiihonen et al (2015)?
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What is the purpose of scoring systems in behavior modification?
What is the purpose of scoring systems in behavior modification?
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In Eysenck's theory, what personality traits are associated with psychoticism?
In Eysenck's theory, what personality traits are associated with psychoticism?
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Which of the following negatively impacts the genetic explanation of criminal behavior's validity?
Which of the following negatively impacts the genetic explanation of criminal behavior's validity?
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In what way does childhood maltreatment relate to the MAOA gene?
In what way does childhood maltreatment relate to the MAOA gene?
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What is one of the strategies taught in the skill acquisition phase of anger management?
What is one of the strategies taught in the skill acquisition phase of anger management?
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What is one limitation of Lombroso’s biological theories concerning criminal behavior?
What is one limitation of Lombroso’s biological theories concerning criminal behavior?
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Which characteristic does Eysenck associate with extraversion?
Which characteristic does Eysenck associate with extraversion?
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What factor may trigger genetic predispositions to criminal behavior according to the diathesis-stress model?
What factor may trigger genetic predispositions to criminal behavior according to the diathesis-stress model?
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Which of the following describes a limitation of using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire?
Which of the following describes a limitation of using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire?
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How does behavior modification utilize reinforcement?
How does behavior modification utilize reinforcement?
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What is a key strength of Eysenck’s personality theory regarding criminality?
What is a key strength of Eysenck’s personality theory regarding criminality?
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Which of the following represents the lowest level of moral reasoning in Kohlberg’s stages?
Which of the following represents the lowest level of moral reasoning in Kohlberg’s stages?
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What is one major limitation of Kohlberg's theory of moral reasoning?
What is one major limitation of Kohlberg's theory of moral reasoning?
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What does hostile attribution bias in cognitive distortions refer to?
What does hostile attribution bias in cognitive distortions refer to?
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According to Sutherland's differential association theory, criminal behavior is mainly learned through:
According to Sutherland's differential association theory, criminal behavior is mainly learned through:
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What did the Cambridge study by Farrington et al. reveal about offenders?
What did the Cambridge study by Farrington et al. reveal about offenders?
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Which stage of Kohlberg's moral reasoning is characterized by obeying rules to avoid punishment?
Which stage of Kohlberg's moral reasoning is characterized by obeying rules to avoid punishment?
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What is a common application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) regarding criminal behavior?
What is a common application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) regarding criminal behavior?
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How does the differential association theory explain white-collar crime?
How does the differential association theory explain white-collar crime?
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What is one method through which associations impact criminal behavior according to differential association theory?
What is one method through which associations impact criminal behavior according to differential association theory?
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Which of the following statements about the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) is correct?
Which of the following statements about the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) is correct?
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What does minimization in cognitive distortions entail?
What does minimization in cognitive distortions entail?
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Which stage of moral development comes last in Kohlberg's model?
Which stage of moral development comes last in Kohlberg's model?
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What is a key strength of the top-down approach in criminal profiling?
What is a key strength of the top-down approach in criminal profiling?
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Which factor demonstrates a significant limitation of the top-down approach?
Which factor demonstrates a significant limitation of the top-down approach?
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What is one of the main weaknesses of the top-down approach regarding its sample size?
What is one of the main weaknesses of the top-down approach regarding its sample size?
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How does the top-down approach contribute to understanding offender motives and traits?
How does the top-down approach contribute to understanding offender motives and traits?
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What feature makes the bottom-up approach different from the top-down approach?
What feature makes the bottom-up approach different from the top-down approach?
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What does the circle theory, proposed by Canter, suggest about offenders?
What does the circle theory, proposed by Canter, suggest about offenders?
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What is a weakness of relying on the top-down approach for profiling?
What is a weakness of relying on the top-down approach for profiling?
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What is the bottom-up approach's primary focus when constructing an offender profile?
What is the bottom-up approach's primary focus when constructing an offender profile?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of organized offenders according to the top-down approach?
Which of the following is a characteristic of organized offenders according to the top-down approach?
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Which aspect demonstrates the practical utility of the top-down approach?
Which aspect demonstrates the practical utility of the top-down approach?
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How did the top-down approach fare in the apprehension of Arthur Shawcross?
How did the top-down approach fare in the apprehension of Arthur Shawcross?
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What limitation arises from the top-down approach's assumption of binary offender classification?
What limitation arises from the top-down approach's assumption of binary offender classification?
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What is the key advantage of geographical profiling in the bottom-up approach?
What is the key advantage of geographical profiling in the bottom-up approach?
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What aspect reduces the reliability of the top-down approach?
What aspect reduces the reliability of the top-down approach?
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What is a significant limitation of the bottom-up approach in forensic psychology?
What is a significant limitation of the bottom-up approach in forensic psychology?
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Which of the following correctly describes Lombroso's theory of atavism?
Which of the following correctly describes Lombroso's theory of atavism?
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What statistical finding did Lombroso claim based on his studies of criminals?
What statistical finding did Lombroso claim based on his studies of criminals?
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How did Lombroso classify 'occasional criminals'?
How did Lombroso classify 'occasional criminals'?
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What was a key criticism of Lombroso's deterministic perspective on criminal behavior?
What was a key criticism of Lombroso's deterministic perspective on criminal behavior?
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What aspect of Lombroso's methodology has drawn significant criticism?
What aspect of Lombroso's methodology has drawn significant criticism?
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Which of the following is NOT a physical characteristic Lombroso associated with criminals?
Which of the following is NOT a physical characteristic Lombroso associated with criminals?
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What did Lombroso's research lead to in terms of criminological study?
What did Lombroso's research lead to in terms of criminological study?
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What term describes individuals Lombroso classified as having a genetic and biological predisposition to crime?
What term describes individuals Lombroso classified as having a genetic and biological predisposition to crime?
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How did Lombroso's view of criminal behavior change the perception of criminality in his time?
How did Lombroso's view of criminal behavior change the perception of criminality in his time?
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What did Lombroso suggest about the physical appearance of murderers?
What did Lombroso suggest about the physical appearance of murderers?
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What is one reason the bottom-up approach may lack replicability?
What is one reason the bottom-up approach may lack replicability?
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Who is primarily credited as the father of modern criminology?
Who is primarily credited as the father of modern criminology?
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What does the deterministic view overlook according to critics of Lombroso's theory?
What does the deterministic view overlook according to critics of Lombroso's theory?
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Study Notes
Offender Profiling: Top-Down Approach
- Used in criminal psychology to identify offender characteristics from crime scene evidence.
- Aims to create a profile of an unknown criminal to narrow down suspects.
- Developed by the FBI (US), primarily used for violent crimes.
- Top-down approach categorizes offenders into 'organized' and 'disorganized'.
- Organized offenders: Planned crimes, intelligent, socially competent, stable backgrounds, minimal evidence at the scene.
- Disorganized offenders: Impulsive, messy crime scenes, socially/sexually inadequate, potentially mentally ill, unstable backgrounds.
-
FBI profile construction:
- Data assimilation: Collect all available information.
- Crime scene classification: Categorize as organized/disorganized.
- Crime reconstruction: Develop hypotheses about events.
- Profile generation: Create a profile including offender characteristics.
-
Evaluation (limitations):
- Inaccurate predictions: Relies on typologies that aren't universal.
- Subjectivity: Relies heavily on the profiler's interpretation.
- Limited sample: Developed from a small, unrepresentative sample of 36 primarily white male serial killers.
-
Evaluation (strengths):
- Practical value: Helpful in narrowing suspect lists.
- Structured framework: Provides a systematic approach for analysis.
Bottom-Up Approach
- Data-driven method focused on analyzing crime scene evidence to build an offender profile.
- Employs statistical analysis and patterns from past crimes.
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Geographical profiling: Plots crime scenes on maps to identify patterns and hotspots.
- Circle theory: Offenders operate within a geographical area (e.g., commuters vs. marauders).
- Environmental context: Considers environmental factors impacting the crimes.
- Statistical analysis: Analyzes the distance between crimes and the offender's likely residence.
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Evaluation (limitations):
- Assumes behavioral consistency: Offender behavior may vary based on circumstances.
- Complexity of analysis: Multiple factors can influence offender behavior.
- Speculative profiles: Profiles are partly speculative and may not predict future behavior.
- Limited replicability: Findings from one case may not apply to another.
-
Evaluation (strengths):
- Empirical foundation: Relies on statistical analysis, reducing bias.
- Consistent behavioral patterns: Helps link offenses to a single offender.
- Adaptability: Suitable for a wide range of crimes.
Lombroso's Theory
- Early biological approach to criminality.
- Theory of atavism: Criminals are biologically different, resembling primitive humans.
- Atavistic features: Specific physical characteristics (e.g., strong jaw, high cheekbones) indicative of criminality.
- Types of criminals: Born criminals, insane criminals, occasional criminals (categorized based on presumed physical traits).
-
Evaluation (criticisms):
- Deterministic: Assumes criminality is entirely predetermined.
- Lack of scientific rigor: Methodology based on limited sample sizes and anecdotal evidence, not empirical data (biased).
- Ethical concerns: Labelling based on physical characteristics raises bias and discrimination.
Genetic Explanations of Criminal Behavior
- Twin studies: Concordance rates for criminal behavior are higher in identical twins.
- Adoption studies: Adopted individuals with criminal biological parents have a higher risk of criminality.
- Candidate genes: Genes linked to criminal behavior (e.g., MAOA gene- aggression, CDH13 gene).
- Diathesis stress model: Interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental stressors causes criminal behavior.
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Evaluation:
- Reductionism: Oversimplifies criminal behavior by focusing solely on genetics.
- Ethical implications, determinism: Raises concerns about accountability.
- Correlation vs. Causation: Difficulty separating correlation of genes and behaviors from actual cause.
Neural Explanations of Criminal Behavior
- Brain structures: Prefrontal cortex (impulse control), amygdala (emotion regulation).
- Neurotransmitters: Serotonin (mood regulation), dopamine (reward system).
- Mirror neurons: Reduced activity in individuals with antisocial personality disorder, linked to empathy and social cues.
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Evaluation:
- Reductionism: Neglects psychological and environmental factors.
- Correlation vs. causation: Hard to establish cause-and-effect.
- Ethical concerns: Implications for personal responsibility and legal system
Behavior Modification in Custody
- Operant conditioning-based approach to modify offender behavior.
- Tokens: Secondary reinforcers for desired behaviors (e.g., attending programs, following rules).
- Reinforcement schedules: Gradual shift from continuous to partial reinforcement.
- Targeted behaviors: Specific, measurable behaviors are prioritized.
- Shaping: Gradual reinforcement as offenders progress toward the desired behavior.
- Staff training: Critical for program consistency, fairness, de-escalation.
Cognitive Distortions
- Hostile attribution bias: Negative interpretations of others' actions.
- Minimization: Underestimating the consequences of actions.
Psychological Explanations – Eysenck’s Criminal Personality Theory
- Interactionist: Personality has a genetic basis but is shaped by environment.
- Immature development: Focus on immediate gratification.
- Measurement: Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ).
- Extraversion: Sociable, thrill-seeking.
- Neuroticism: Emotional instability.
- Psychoticism: Lack of empathy.
Psychological Explanations – Kohlberg’s Moral Reasoning
- Levels of moral reasoning: Preconventional, conventional, postconventional.
- Crimes & Moral Reasoning: Offenders may demonstrate lower moral reasoning, primarily focusing on avoiding punishment or gaining personal advantages.
Differential Association Theory
- Criminality is learned through social interactions, including attitudes towards crime and techniques for committing offenses.
- Important factors: Frequency, length, and personal meaning of associations (family and peer groups).
Psychodynamic Explanations
- Inadequate or deviant superego: Lack of proper identification with parents and internalization of deviant moral attitudes.
Custodial Sentencing & Restorative Justice
- Custodial sentencing aims to incapacitate, deter, and deliver retribution, with rehabilitation as a potential goal.
- Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm to victims and the offenders' relationships with the community.
- Watchtel and McCold (2003) model: Restorative justice involving the collaboration of victim, offender, and community.
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Test your knowledge on the top-down approach in offender profiling used by the FBI. This quiz covers key concepts such as the classification of organized and disorganized criminals, and the steps involved in constructing a criminal profile. Explore the advantages and limitations of this profiling method.