Criminal Psychology Trait Theory Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of schizophrenia that may contribute to criminal behavior?

Hearing voices (correct)

Increased strength

Enhanced memory

Lack of empathy

What does the conventional view say about the relationship between mental disorders and violence?

No strong association exists. (correct)

There is a strong association between them.

Mental disorders always lead to criminal behavior.

Most individuals with mental disorders are violent.

Which combination is found to significantly increase the risk of violence in individuals?

Psychosis and substance abuse (correct)

High IQ and mental disorder

Depression and social withdrawal

Low resilience and stress

What is one of the primary functions of psychological trait theory in relation to behavioral issues?

To provide a basis for treatment programs Signup and view all the answers

What type of program targets issues before they lead to criminal behavior?

Primary prevention programs Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the major criticisms of biological theories concerning crime?

They can perpetuate racist ideologies. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the psyche is associated with moral standards and values in the psychodynamic perspective?

Superego Signup and view all the answers

According to the psychodynamic perspective, what can a weak ego indicate?

Immaturity and dependence Signup and view all the answers

What concept from Skinner's operant conditioning explains behavior change through reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to the psychological predisposition to commit antisocial acts due to an id-dominated personality?

Latent delinquency Signup and view all the answers

Which theory suggests that human actions are primarily developed through learned experiences?

Behavioral theory Signup and view all the answers

In the behavioral perspective, how do people learn aggressive behavior?

Observing rewards for violent acts Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the ID in the psychodynamic perspective?

It represents primitive desires. Signup and view all the answers

What is a reported link between Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and crime involvement?

FASD is associated with substance abuse among indigenous populations. Signup and view all the answers

What does Trait Theory suggest about the origins of criminality?

It is a result of abnormal biological and/or psychological traits. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following neurotransmitter levels is associated with aggressive behavior?

Abnormal levels of various neurotransmitters. Signup and view all the answers

What does arousal therapy suggest about individuals’ brain functioning?

Sensation seekers require higher levels of stimuli to feel comfortable. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between personal traits and environmental factors according to contemporary trait theory?

Crime occurs when traits and environmental factors interact. Signup and view all the answers

What is one indication of the relationship between parental deviance and children's delinquent behavior?

37% of youths with criminal fathers became chronic offenders. Signup and view all the answers

What role do hormonal influences play in criminality according to the biological trait theories?

Higher hormone levels are linked to aggression and impulsivity. Signup and view all the answers

What evidence is presented in studies comparing MZ (monozygotic) and DZ (dizygotic) twins regarding criminal behavior?

60% of MZ twins shared criminal behavior compared to 30% of DZ twins. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is identified as a potential influence on behavior that can lead to criminality?

Exposure to environmental contaminants. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects the evolutionary view of gender differences in crime?

Aggressive males are more likely to mate frequently. Signup and view all the answers

Which biological or chemical issue is linked to various psychological problems and potentially criminal behavior?

Low levels of essential minerals and chemicals. Signup and view all the answers

How prevalent is Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among children?

3% of children. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), what behavior is associated with youth?

ABI can elevate risk behaviors in affected youths. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion can be drawn from adoption studies related to biological parenting and children’s behavior?

Biological parental behavior can significantly predict offspring behavior even without contact. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key assertion of the sociobiology theory regarding behaviors and traits?

Biological and genetic conditions shape social behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the uniqueness of offenders as stated in contemporary trait theory?

Every offender has a unique combination of traits. Signup and view all the answers

What does social learning theory suggest may lead to aggressive behavior?

Modeling from family, media, and influential individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT mentioned as contributing to aggressive or violent behaviors in social learning theory?

Physical strength of the individual Signup and view all the answers

What personality traits did Eysenck associate with antisocial behavior?

Extroversion and introversion, stability and instability Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the relationship between intelligence and criminal behavior?

All criminals have high intelligence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following perspectives focuses on how individuals perceive and mentally represent their world?

Cognitive theory Signup and view all the answers

What role does low IQ play in relation to criminal behavior according to recent studies?

It may contribute slightly but is generally negligible Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following traits is linked to personality deficits noted in the criminal population?

Hyperactivity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best characterizes impulsivity as it relates to personality and crime?

A common trait in criminals that leads to erratic behavior Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Trait Theory

Criminality is a product of abnormal biological and or psychological traits.
Focuses on the idea that individuals are predisposed towards crime due to their biological makeup and psychological traits.

Biological and Psychological Views

Lombroso was an early proponent of biological explanations for crime.
Sociobiology theory suggests that biological and genetic factors shape how individuals learn and perceive social behaviors.
Contemporary trait theory emphasizes the unique physical and mental characteristics of each offender.
Crime is seen as an interaction between personal traits and environmental factors.

Biological Trait Theories

Chemical and mineral influences: Imbalances in essential minerals and chemicals can lead to mood disorders, cognitive issues, and abnormal behavior.
Hormonal influences: Hormones, particularly testosterone, are linked to aggression and impulsivity, and some argue that differences in crime rates between genders are due to innate biological predispositions.
Environmental contaminants: Exposure to environmental contaminants has been linked to behavioral and emotional problems.
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): People with ADHD can have difficulty with attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity, often leading to poor school performance and behavioral issues.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can result in physical and behavioral problems.
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI): Brain injuries can contribute to risk-taking behavior.
Neurophysiological conditions: Focuses on how brain chemistry and functioning influence behavior.
- Neurotransmitters: Abnormal levels of neurotransmitters can be linked to aggression and impulsivity.
- Arousal theory: Individuals seek to maintain an optimal level of arousal, and those who seek high levels may engage in risky behavior.
Genetics and crime:
- Parental deviance: Studies suggest a link between parental criminality and children's delinquent behavior.
- Twin behavior: Research on identical (MZ) and fraternal (DZ) twins is helpful in understanding the relative roles of genetics vs environment.
- Adoption studies: These studies examine criminal behavior patterns in adopted children compared to the biological and adoptive parents.
Evolutionary views of crime:
- Evolution of gender and crime: Differences in mating strategies between men and women are suggested to influence aggression and crime rates.
- "Cheater theory": Some men, genetically predisposed towards lower parental involvement, may engage in deception and risky behavior.
Evolution of biological trait theory: Critics argue that biological theories can be racist and dangerous, and that they don't fully account for social and environmental factors.

Psychodynamic Perspective

It suggests that our childhood experiences and unconscious mental processes shape our personality and behavior.
Key concepts:
- ID: The primitive part of the personality, driven by instincts and desires.
- Ego: The rational part of the personality, mediates between the ID and superego.
- Superego: Represents internalized moral standards and values.
Criminality is seen as a product of an aggressive and frustrated personality stemming from early childhood events.
Aichorn: Societal stress can contribute to criminality, and a strong ID can predispose individuals to antisocial acts.

Behavioral Perspective

Behavior theory: People learn from experiences and interactions with others.
Skinner: Operant conditioning emphasizes the role of reinforcement in shaping behavior.
Social learning theory: Emphasizes the importance of observation and imitation in learning.
Behavioral modeling: People learn aggressive behaviors by observing others.
Four factors that contribute to aggressive behavior:
- Arousal
- Aggressive skills
- Expected outcomes
- Consistency with values

Cognitive Perspective

Focuses on how people think and process information.
Information processing theory: Examines how individuals gather, process, and store information, suggesting that faulty processing can contribute to criminal behavior.

Personality and Crime

Personality is a relatively stable pattern of thoughts, feelings and behaviors that distinguish individuals.
Traits linked with criminality: impulsivity, hostility, and aggression.
Eysenck proposed that extroversion and instability are associated with antisocial behavior.
Personality deficits that may be linked to crime: hyperactivity, impulsivity, short attention spans, conduct disorders, anxiety, depression, lack of empathy, and shortsightedness.
These personality traits can contribute to antisocial personality disorders.

Intelligence and Crime

Early criminologists believed that criminals had lower intelligence.
Debate continues about the role of intelligence in crime.
Low IQ can lead to poor school performance, which can increase the risk of delinquency and later criminality.

Mental Disorder and Crime

Mental disorders such as schizophrenia are often associated with crime.
Most people with mental disorders are not criminals.
While there's no strong association between mental disorder and violence in general, individuals with serious mental illness may be at a higher risk for violence, especially when combined with substance abuse.

Evaluation of Psychological Trait Theory

Provides a foundation for treatment programs aimed at addressing problem behavior.
Some critics argue that research findings contradict each other.
The counterargument is that trait theories recognize the individual as the starting point in understanding behavior.

Primary prevention programs include substance abuse clinics and mental health services.
Secondary prevention programs utilize psychological counseling for youth and adults.

Exam Review

Chapters 1-5 for exam preparation.

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Description

Test your knowledge of trait theory in criminal psychology. This quiz covers the biological and psychological perspectives that suggest inherent traits may predispose individuals to criminal behavior. Evaluate your understanding of key concepts and theories presented by early proponents like Lombroso and modern interpretations of criminality.