Criminal Psychology and Offender Profiling
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of organized crime?

  • Victim fits the criminal's 'type'
  • Evidence of pre-meditated planning
  • Little evidence of clues left behind
  • Impulsive nature of the attack (correct)

Disorganized criminals tend to have a higher than average IQ.

False (B)

What type of lifestyle do disorganized criminals typically lead?

They tend to live alone.

In organized crime scenes, the ____ is usually left at the crime scene.

<p>body</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the characteristic to the type of crime scene:

<p>Evidence of pre-meditated planning = Organized Crime Tends to live alone = Disorganized Crime Victim fits the criminal's 'type' = Organized Crime History of failed sexual relationships = Disorganized Crime</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the classifications in the top-down approach to offender profiling?

<p>Methodical (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The modus operandi (MO) of a criminal can change from crime to crime.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of approach to offender profiling originated in the US in the 1970s?

<p>Top-down approach</p> Signup and view all the answers

The __________ approach focuses on building profiles based on evidence from crime scenes rather than preconceived classifications.

<p>Bottom-up</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following elements of offender profiling with their definitions:

<p>Modus Operandi (MO) = How a criminal commits a crime Top-down approach = Classifies behavior based on evidence Organized criminal = Planned and methodical in their crimes Disorganized criminal = Impulsive and chaotic in their actions</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these crimes is NOT considered suitable for the top-down approach?

<p>Burglary (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The top-down approach is based on an outdated model of personality that assumes offender behavior is stable.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the four types of serial killers identified in the evaluation of the top-down approach?

<p>Visionary, mission, hedonistic, control/power</p> Signup and view all the answers

The profiling method of the top-down approach was developed from _____ murders in the USA.

<p>100</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following characteristics with their descriptions:

<p>Organized = Behaviors tell a consistent, planned profile Disorganized = Impulsive and chaotic behaviors Visionary = Kills under the influence of delusions Hedonistic = Motivated by pleasure and thrill</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of research methods does the nomothetic approach primarily utilize?

<p>Quantitative methods (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The idiographic approach seeks to formulate general laws that apply to all individuals.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one characteristic of the idiographic approach.

<p>Emphasis on unique personal experiences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The nomothetic approach aims to establish __________ based on the study of large groups of people.

<p>general laws</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following approaches with their characteristics:

<p>Nomothetic = Uses quantitative methods to analyze large groups Idiographic = Focuses on case studies and personal experiences Radford and Kirby's Nomothetic Approach = Classifies people based on behaviors Idiographic Research = Does not seek to generalize findings</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Lombroso, which of the following features is characteristic of murderers?

<p>Bloodshot eyes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Lombroso believed criminals are fully responsible for their actions based on their biology.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term did Lombroso use to describe criminals as genetic throwbacks?

<p>Atavistic Form</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Lombroso, criminals possess features such as a narrow, sloping brow and a strong, prominent _____ .

<p>jaw</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each type of criminal with their corresponding characteristics according to Lombroso:

<p>Murderers = Glaring eyes, swollen fleshy lips, projecting ears Sexual deviants = Bloodshot eyes, long ears, curly hair Fraudsters = Thin lips</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one strength of Lombroso's approach to criminology?

<p>He emphasized scientific influences and genetic factors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Lombroso did not support the idea of criminal profiling.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant finding of Goring's study in 1913 regarding criminals?

<p>There was no evidence that offenders form distinct groups.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Lombroso's work has been criticized for its association with __________, which promoted racial science.

<p>Eugenics</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the weaknesses of Lombroso's theories with their explanations:

<p>Scientific racism = Racial features were wrongly attributed to criminality. Contradictory evidence = No distinct groups of offenders were identified. Poor control = Learning difficulties may have biased the sample. Attributable features = Were often found in specific ethnic populations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key characteristics of Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) as observed in criminals?

<p>Reduced emotional responses (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder show increased volume of grey matter in the prefrontal cortex.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage reduction in the volume of grey matter in the prefrontal cortex is noted in individuals with antisocial personalities?

<p>11%</p> Signup and view all the answers

Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) is characterized by a lack of activity in the ________ cortex.

<p>prefrontal</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms related to neural explanations to their descriptions:

<p>APD = Condition characterized by reduced emotional responses Prefrontal Cortex = Region of the brain with reduced activity in crime-related disorders Grey Matter = Type of brain matter that may be decreased in criminals Adnan Raine = Researcher who studied the biological basis of APD</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of retribution in custodial sentencing?

<p>To ensure offenders pay for their actions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Incapacitation aims to ensure offenders reform while in prison.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recidivism rate of UK offenders within 1 year?

<p>87%</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the ego in the context of psychodynamic theory?

<p>To mediate between the Id and Superego (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The psychological impact of custodial sentencing includes higher rates of ______ and self-harm.

<p>suicide</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

<p>Deterrence = Sends a broad message to society against reoffending Rehabilitation = Provides opportunities and activities for reform Incapacitation = Removes offenders from society for public safety Psychological Impacts = Includes depression, anxiety, and PTSD</p> Signup and view all the answers

A weak superego can lead to feelings of guilt and anxiety that promote criminal behavior.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to a deviant superego?

<p>Internalization of a deviant superego from parents or an overly harsh superego.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential outcome of failing to form a healthy bond with a mother figure, according to Bowlby's theory?

<p>Affectionless psychopathy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

All 44 juvenile thieves in Bowlby's study showed signs of affectionless psychopathy.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The lack of same-sex parental figures during the phallic stage may result in a _______ superego.

<p>weak</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

<p>Inadequate Superego = Weak or deficient superego that may lead to criminal behavior Deviant Superego = Internalization from deviant parents or overly harsh punishment Weak Superego = Resulting from lack of same-sex parental figures Ego = Balances the Id and Superego</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one criticism of Bowlby's Maternal Deprivation Theory regarding evidence?

<p>There is little evidence to suggest that children raised without a same-sex parent are less law-abiding as adults.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Bowlby, __________ separation from the mother during infancy is linked to affectionless psychopathy.

<p>prolonged</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts related to Bowlby's theory with their descriptions:

<p>Affectionless psychopathy = Lack of guilt and remorse for others Prolonged separation = A contributing factor to negative outcomes Gender bias in Freud's theory = Claims women are less moral than men Electra complex = Counterpart to the Oedipus complex focused on female development</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Top-down Approach

A method of criminal profiling that starts with a broad understanding of criminal types and then narrows down to specific characteristics.

Bottom-up Approach

A method of criminal profiling that focuses on the specific details of the crime scene and victim to develop a profile of the offender.

Modus Operandi (MO)

The specific way a criminal commits a crime, usually consistent across multiple offenses.

Typologies

A criminal profiling approach that categorizes offenders based on their level of organization and planning.

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Organized Offender

A classification of criminals based on a high degree of planning and control in their crimes.

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Organized crime scene

A crime scene that shows evidence of planning and control.

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Victim selection (Organized crime)

The offender carefully selects their victim, often fitting a specific pattern.

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Disorganized crime scene

A crime scene that lacks planning and shows signs of impulsivity.

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Body disposal (Disorganized crime)

The body is typically left at the scene, indicating lack of planning.

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Crime scene reconstruction

The process of piecing together the events of a crime by analyzing evidence and classifying the crime scene.

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Nomothetic Approach

Approach to studying human psychology that establishes general laws and principles based on large groups of people.

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Idiographic Approach

Approach to studying human psychology that focuses on unique individual experiences.

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Quantitative methods (Nomothetic)

Methods used to study human behavior using quantitative data and analysis.

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Qualitative methods (Idiographic)

Methods used to study human behavior using qualitative data and analysis.

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Classifying People (Nomothetic)

Uses observations and techniques to group individuals based on shared characteristics or behaviors.

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Top-down approach in criminal profiling

A method of criminal profiling that focuses on identifying specific characteristics and behaviors of the offender based on the details of the crime scene.

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Atavism

Lombroso's theory that criminals are genetically different from non-criminals and are essentially "throwbacks" to a more primitive evolutionary stage.

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Suitability of top-down approach

The top-down approach is best suited for crimes with specific patterns, like rape, arson, or cold killings, where the crime scene provides valuable insights into the offender's personality.

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Atavistic Form

A term used by Lombroso to describe physical characteristics that he believed were associated with criminal behavior, such as a narrow brow, strong jaw, and facial asymmetry.

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Outmoded personality model

The top-down approach assumes that offenders have consistent and unchanging behavior patterns across different situations, which may not be accurate.

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Murderer's Physical Traits (Lombroso)

Lombroso's belief that certain physical features, like bloodshot eyes or long ears, could indicate a predisposition towards murder.

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Oversimplification of criminal behavior

The classification system used in the top-down approach is too simplistic. Offenders can exhibit traits from both organized and disorganized categories, making it difficult to fit them into a single category.

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Sexual Deviant's Physical Traits (Lombroso)

Lombroso's idea that certain facial features, such as swollen lips or projecting ears, are linked to sexual deviance.

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Inherited Criminality (Lombroso)

Lombroso's assertion that criminals were not responsible for their actions, suggesting that their criminal behavior was determined by their inherited physiology.

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Limited sample size in the original study

The original study that developed the top-down approach was based on a limited sample of 100 murders in the USA. This limited sample size raises concerns about the generalizability of the findings to other populations and situations.

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Criminal Anthropology

The study of how criminal behavior can be explained by physical traits and biological factors.

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Eugenics

A form of scientific racism that claimed to find biological differences between race and criminal behavior. Based on the assumption that certain physical traits are associated with criminality.

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Criminal Profiling

The specific characteristics or features of a criminal, such as their physical appearance, personality, and behavior.

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Goring's Study

A study conducted by Goring comparing 3000 criminals to 3000 non-criminals, finding no evidence for distinct criminal types and suggesting that offenders might have lower IQs.

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Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD)

A brain disorder characterized by a lack of empathy, disregard for others' rights, and impulsive behavior.

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Prefrontal Cortex

The part of the brain responsible for planning, decision-making, and controlling impulses.

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Neural Differences in Criminals

Reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex, particularly in individuals with APD, is linked to criminal behavior. This suggests a biological basis for criminal tendencies.

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Reduced Grey Matter in APD

A controversial claim that individuals with APD have a significantly lower volume of grey matter in the prefrontal cortex, suggesting a biological factor in criminal behavior.

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Neurons

The type of brain cell responsible for transmitting information throughout the nervous system. These cells fire when you think, feel, and act.

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Superego

The part of the personality that represents internalized moral standards and values, developed through interactions with parents and society. It serves to regulate behavior and promote socially acceptable actions.

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Inadequate Superego

A condition where the superego is either weak or absent, resulting in a lack of internalized moral values and a tendency to disregard social norms and rules.

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Deviant Superego

A superego that has internalized deviant or immoral values, leading to a conflict between personal urges and societal expectations. This can influence individuals to engage in criminal behavior.

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Weak Superego

A superego that is underdeveloped due to an absence of a same-sex parental figure during childhood, resulting in a limited capacity for internalizing moral values.

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Overly Harsh Superego

This occurs when the superego is overly harsh and demanding, leading to excessive guilt and anxiety. Individuals may seek punishment or engage in criminal acts to alleviate these feelings.

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Deterrence

The idea that prison is an unpleasant experience, designed to prevent reoffending. It aims to deter both individuals and wider society.

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Retribution

The idea that offenders should pay for their actions, suggesting an equal response to their crime.

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Rehabilitation

The idea that prison should offer programs and opportunities for offenders to reform and improve their behavior.

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Incapacitation

The practice of removing offenders from society to protect the public. It considers the severity of the crime and offender's nature.

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Recidivism

The tendency for former offenders to re-commit crimes. It's measured as a percentage of reoffending within a certain period.

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Maternal Deprivation Theory

The idea that failing to form a strong bond with a primary caregiver, especially the mother, in early childhood can have long-lasting negative consequences for the child, leading to emotional and social problems.

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Affectionless Psychopathy

A condition characterized by a lack of empathy, guilt, and remorse, often associated with a history of early childhood deprivation.

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44 Juvenile Thieves Study

A study conducted by John Bowlby examining the link between early childhood deprivation and criminal behavior in a sample of 44 juvenile thieves.

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Contradictory Evidence for Maternal Deprivation Theory

A criticism of Maternal Deprivation Theory, highlighting that there's limited evidence to support the claim that individuals raised without a same-sex parent are more likely to engage in criminal activities.

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Gender Bias in Psychological Theories

A criticism of Maternal Deprivation Theory and other theories, arguing that they often carry biases towards certain genders, particularly favoring male perspectives.

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