Psychological Aspects of Criminology

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Questions and Answers

How did the introduction of IQ testing impact legal procedures and sentencing?

It eliminated biases in the assessment of criminality.

It led to the consideration of psychological profiles in risk assessment. (correct)

It focused solely on social and economic conditions.

It simplified the relationship between crime and environmental factors.

What concern arose due to the integration of psychological assessments in understanding criminality?

They potentially led to biased assessments affecting sentencing. (correct)

They established fixed cognitive abilities as the sole predictor of criminality.

They improved overall rehabilitation strategies significantly.

They completely disregarded social influences on behavior.

What was a significant point of contention in the debate about the causes of criminal behavior?

The importance of fixed cognitive abilities versus environmental influences. (correct)

The reliability of IQ testing as a predictive tool.

The impact of cultural differences in psychological assessments.

The role of socioeconomic factors over psychological profiles.

In what way did the shift to psychological areas in criminology alter perceptions of criminality?

It introduced the notion that inherent intellectual deficits could be linked to criminal behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What overarching dynamic became increasingly scrutinized with the rise of psychological assessments in criminology?

The relationship between psychological factors and social influences on behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the assessment of criminality based on physical characteristics?

Physiognomy Signup and view all the answers

What concept relates to the classification of individuals based on body type?

Somatotyping Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the notion that behaviors and traits are predetermined by biological factors?

Determinism Signup and view all the answers

Which term classified individuals with low intelligence in a derogatory manner?

Imbecile Signup and view all the answers

Which individual is often referred to as the father of the Positive School in criminology?

Lombroso Signup and view all the answers

What type of temperament is associated with an endomorphic body type?

Viscerotonic Signup and view all the answers

Which temperament is characterized by aggression and extroversion?

Somatotonic Signup and view all the answers

What body type is linked to the cerebrotonic temperament?

Ectomorphic Signup and view all the answers

Individuals with which temperament are least likely to be described as happy-go-lucky?

Cerebrotonic Signup and view all the answers

The term 'viscerotonic' is best associated with which personality trait?

Jolly Signup and view all the answers

What role do environmental factors play in relation to genetic predispositions for criminal behavior?

They magnify genetic vulnerabilities. Signup and view all the answers

Which brain region is often linked to impulse control and has been associated with increased aggression when damaged?

Frontal lobe Signup and view all the answers

What is a common neurobiological factor that may contribute to aggressive and antisocial behaviors?

Deficiencies in neurotransmitters Signup and view all the answers

What type of brain structure anomaly is suggested to increase the risk of criminal behavior?

Certain brain asymmetries Signup and view all the answers

How are hormonal influences related to aggression and criminal behavior?

They may amplify underlying genetic factors. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following neurotransmitters is cited as critical for mood regulation and impulse control?

Serotonin Signup and view all the answers

What complexity exists regarding the relationship between genetic predispositions and criminal behavior?

The interplay of multiple factors makes it contested. Signup and view all the answers

Which hormonal change is sometimes explored in relation to increased aggression?

Increased testosterone levels Signup and view all the answers

What does recent research suggest about brain structure in individuals with criminal tendencies?

They may show abnormal structural features. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it inaccurate to assert that a specific gene directly causes criminal behavior?

Genetic predispositions vary widely among individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Positive School of criminology primarily emphasize as determinants of criminal behavior?

Biological predispositions and environmental factors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following early theories is NOT associated with the Positive School in criminology?

Social contract theory Signup and view all the answers

What influential theory helped pave the way for the eugenics movement and the acceptance of criminal predisposition theories?

Theory of evolution Signup and view all the answers

Which research finding supports the Positive School's perspective on criminal behavior?

Minor physical anomalies are linked to increased criminal acts Signup and view all the answers

How did body type theories contribute to the development of criminological literature?

By exploring the relationship between body types and criminality Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Shift to Psychological Areas in Criminology

IQ testing emerged as a key tool for assessing individuals' cognitive abilities and linking them to criminality.
This approach introduced the concept of inherent intellectual deficits as a risk factor for crime.
Psychological factors gained prominence, shifting focus from solely social and economic conditions.

Impact on Criminal Justice Policy

Policymakers began to consider individuals' risk for crime based on psychological profiles.
The rise of IQ testing influenced legal procedures and sentencing, leading to the potential for biased assessments.
Assessments became significant, impacting decisions about incarceration, rehabilitation, and parole.

Psychological Assessments and Criminality

Criminality was linked to certain psychological profiles or traits through assessments.
This raised the question of how psychological factors interact with environmental influences.
The debate about "nature vs. nurture" intensified with the growing use of psychological assessments.

Debate on Nature vs. Nurture

The interplay between inherent characteristics and environmental influences in shaping criminal behavior became a major point of contention.
The concept of fixed cognitive abilities (like IQ) as predictors of criminality contrasted with the understanding of environmental and social factors impacting behavior.

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Description

Explore the shift in criminology towards psychological assessments and their impact on criminal justice policy. This quiz covers the role of IQ testing, inherent intellectual deficits, and the debate between nature and nurture in relation to criminality.