Psychology Chapter 9: Criminal Behavior

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary critique of the psychological approach to understanding crime?

It focuses mainly on offender deficits. (correct)

It ignores the concept of criminality in general.

It fully accounts for environmental factors.

It emphasizes the positive traits of offenders.

According to Farrington, what is essential in understanding criminality?

Only biological factors play a role.

Criminality is strictly a result of poverty.

The relationship between offenders and non-offenders. (correct)

The binary classification of individuals into criminals and non-criminals.

What defines the individual level in community psychology?

Criminal behavior is viewed as an organization’s failure.

Social problems are identified through individual deficits. (correct)

Social structures influence individual behavior.

Social problems arise from group interactions.

What recent trend has emerged regarding the psychological approach to crime?

Increasing recognition of situational factors in behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of criminal behavior does Farrington suggest needs to be understood?

The situational triggers of delinquent acts. Signup and view all the answers

At the small group level in community psychology, how are social problems analyzed?

They are linked to deficiencies in group dynamics. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a level of analysis in community psychology?

Cultural level. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key motivational factor for delinquent acts identified in the psychological theories of crime?

A longing for material goods. Signup and view all the answers

Which assumption suggests that something is psychologically wrong with the offender?

Assumption of offender deficit Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the traits that differentiates offenders from non-offenders according to psychological theories of crime?

Impulsivity Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological theory is specifically focused on the moral progress and understanding of right and wrong?

Moral development theory Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'antisocial personality' refer to in psychological perspectives on criminality?

A personality that is characterized by a disregard for social norms Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Antisocial Personality Disorder from psychopathy?

Psychopathy includes emotional deficits, while Antisocial Personality Disorder focuses on behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following theories emphasizes learning through observation of others?

Social learning theory Signup and view all the answers

Which theory focuses on the effects of punishment and reinforcement in shaping behavior?

Operant conditioning theory Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of mental illness is linked to crime according to contemporary theories?

Certain mental illnesses may increase the likelihood of engaging in criminal activities Signup and view all the answers

What does evolutionary theory primarily attribute to the higher rates of criminal behavior in men compared to women?

Differences in reproductive strategies Signup and view all the answers

Which critique of evolutionary theory suggests that it gives a limited view on the possibility of change in criminal behavior?

It normalizes and excuses criminal behaviour Signup and view all the answers

According to Jean Piaget, moral reasoning progresses through what initial stage characterized by egocentrism?

Preconventional Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of men's behavior, as explained by evolutionary theory, particularly during their formative years?

Engagement in aggressive acts Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of moral development, as proposed by Kohlberg, is primarily focused on understanding societal morals as 'do's' and 'don'ts' associated with punishment?

Preconventional Signup and view all the answers

What common misconception about criminal behavior does evolutionary theory challenge regarding gender differences?

Women commit violent crimes as often as men Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of moral development suggests that individuals progress through stages at varying paces and can become 'stuck'?

Kohlberg's theory Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best represents a fundamental limitation of the evolutionary theory of criminal behavior?

It lacks a comprehensive understanding of early human behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of operant conditioning in relation to behavior modification?

Using rewards to reinforce positive behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an indicator of Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD)?

Impulsive and irresponsible behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Psychopathy Checklist developed by Hare?

To evaluate traits and behaviors associated with psychopathy Signup and view all the answers

In a token economy system, what is a consequence of disruptive behavior?

Loss of points as punishment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary factor affecting delinquent behavior according to social learning theory?

Fear of legal sanctions Signup and view all the answers

At what age does the severity of Antisocial Personality Disorder traits typically begin to diminish?

Around the age of 30 Signup and view all the answers

What type of behavior marks the onset of Antisocial Personality Disorder during childhood?

Lying, stealing, and fighting Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the prison inmate population in North America is estimated to fit the category of Antisocial Personality Disorder?

15 to 25% Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of psychopaths regarding their responses to negative experiences?

They do not learn fear responses. Signup and view all the answers

According to Heilbrun's study, how can highly intelligent psychopaths be distinguished?

They attain a high level of education. Signup and view all the answers

What role do psychopaths often play in the corporate world, according to Babiak and Hare?

They are often seen as charismatic during the hiring process. Signup and view all the answers

What criticism is often aimed at the construct of psychopathy?

It oversimplifies human behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is the current understanding of the relationship between crime and mental illness?

Most reject the idea that crime is linked to mental illness. Signup and view all the answers

What has contributed to the increased involvement of those with mental illness in the criminal justice system?

Deinstitutionalization of individuals with mental illness. Signup and view all the answers

What condition is most associated with the needs of inmates in Canadian prisons?

Substance use disorders. Signup and view all the answers

Why might it be misleading to expect all individuals labeled as psychopaths to be violent or impulsive?

Some psychopaths may have professional success. Signup and view all the answers

How do recidivism rates compare between mentally disordered offenders and offenders without a history of mental illness?

Mentally disordered offenders show lower recidivism rates. Signup and view all the answers

What has research indicated about the likelihood of mentally ill individuals becoming victims of crime?

They are more likely to be victims of crime. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested by the theories of criminal behavior regarding the presence of mental illness?

The mentally ill make up only a small proportion of criminals. Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological theory emphasizes the role of the ego and superego in criminal behavior?

Psychoanalytic theories Signup and view all the answers

In the context of police training, what is generally observed concerning their ability to deal with mentally ill individuals?

Police training varies greatly and is often minimal. Signup and view all the answers

What focal area does Kohlberg's theory of moral development address?

Stages of moral reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by Borum's findings on mental disorders?

Mental disorders are a risk factor for violent recidivism. Signup and view all the answers

What integration approach is exemplified by Conger’s theory concerning crime?

Merging social control and social learning theories. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 9: Psychological Perspectives on Criminality

Psychological theories examine criminal behavior through personality or learning theories, explaining behavior in specific situations.
Most theories assume either an offender deficit (psychological issues with the offender) or discriminating traits (differences in impulsivity and aggression between offenders and non-offenders).
Critiques of the psychological approach highlight a lack of emphasis on positive offender characteristics, ignoring situational and environmental factors. The "criminal vs. non-criminal" binary is unreliable, as criminal behavior is pervasive.
Farrington emphasizes understanding differences between offenders and non-offenders, recognizing social and psychological risk factors motivating criminal acts. These acts can stem from desires for excitement or material goods.
Community psychology examines social problems from different levels of analysis: individual, small group, organizational, and institutional/community. This recognizes the influence of peers (such as drug-abusing friends); organizations (like law enforcement lacking sufficient resources); and societal laws creating problems for individuals.
Haney (2002) argues for a situational approach to understanding criminal behavior, emphasizing the impact of situational pathologies and environmental stresses on individual psychological states.

Psychoanalytic Theory

This theory focuses on individual-level variables, exploring how personality is comprised of the Id, Ego, and Superego.
Id represents biological drives, Ego acts as a reality tester, and Superego is the conscience.
Conflict resolution in these stages of development influences future behavior. Crime may result from an ego/superego unable to manage primitive, aggressive or antisocial Id instincts.
Criminality is linked to failure to progress satisfactorily through developmental stages, resulting in an inadequately developed or deficient superego.
Psychoanalytic theory is not considered a rigorous explanation for criminal behavior due to the untestable, unobservable underlying constructs it relies upon. Not all criminals suffer from guilt or anxiety.

Evolutionary Theory

This theory explains human behavior in terms of natural selection and reproductive fitness.
High rates of crime among young men are linked to reproductive fitness variance, where men commit more crime, particularly violent crime (due to reproductive strategies).
Differences in reproductive strategies (women’s limitations in pregnancy and child-rearing lead to emphasis on safety and stability, while men’s success is more dependent on attracting partners) influence criminal behavior rates and peaks (adolescence and early adulthood). Men may commit violence against each other to support these strategies.
Critiques of this theory include its inherent normalization of criminal behavior, too deterministic, and the hypothetical nature of explanations relying on knowledge of early human behavior.

Theories of Moral Development

Criminal behavior can be understood through moral development and responsibility.
Piaget (1932) found moral development to occur in stages, beginning with egocentrism and progressing to cooperation.
Kohlberg posited that everyone progresses through stages to develop morality and that the pace of development varies.
Preconventional moral reasoning involves understanding rules as punishment-based.
Conventional reasoning is built on societal values, with the self internalizing these norms.
Postconventional reasoning involves critical examination of societal norms, with individuals establishing their own principles and values.
Kohlberg's theory is criticized for bias in favour of men, as care-oriented women seldom reach the post-conventional level.

Eysenck's Theory of Crime and Personality

This theory links personality characteristics to criminal behavior through classical conditioning.
Deviant behavior is reinforcing, but conditioning can prevent it with punishment (pain or fear).
Delinquents or criminals may not develop conditioned responses due to lack of exposure to effective conditioning or vulnerabilities to conditioning.
Personality dimensions include extraversion vs. introversion, neuroticism vs. stability, and psychoticism (cold, lacking empathy, odd).
Extroverted, neurotic, and psychotic persons are more likely to be delinquent or criminal, as those with extroverted personality characteristics crave excitement, are impulsive and have weak consciences.

Cognitive functioning and the ability to think and make choices are central to this theory.
Individuals learn new behaviors through observation and experiencing the behavior of others (modeling), from family, subcultural influences, and symbolic modelling (like TV violence).
Studies suggest a connection between exposure to violence (TV violence) and aggression. Exposure to violence can desensitize, or make individuals more tolerant of it.
Important factors discouraging criminal behavior are legal sanctions, social sanctions, and self-sanctions.

Operant Conditioning

Based on Skinner's work, this theory focuses on how rewards and punishments influence behavior.
Rewards reinforce behavior, while punishment weakens it.
Operant conditioning can be used to change antisocial behavior, like in a token economy (rewards for positive behavior).

Antisocial Personality

Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) is characterized by a disregard for the rights of others, coupled with impulsive, irresponsible, and aggressive behavior.
Signs appear in childhood, like lying, stealing, aggressive behavior.
Continued into adolescence and adulthood, although extreme signs diminish with age.
Approximately 15-25% of inmates in North American prisons have APD.
Hare's Psychopathy Checklist includes 20 traits and behaviors related to psychopathy, establishing reliable assessments of psychopathy, used in research and various systems.
Psychopaths are often extroverted and do not learn fear responses, and there may be neuroanatomical reasons connected to the prefrontal cortex.
Psychopaths often fit well in social settings due to social manipulation.
The construct of psychopathy has been criticized for simplifying human behavior.

Crime and Mental Illness

Some once theorized crime to be solely due to mental illness, but this is now a contested idea.
Prevalence of mental disorders is higher among prison inmates than in the general population.
Many inmates have significant mental health needs.
Many inmates have co-occurring disorders (e.g., schizophrenia and substance abuse).
The presence and extent of mental illness in offenders, including the likelihood of recidivism and the frequency of arrests, has increased focus. In some cases, mental illness is a risk factor in predicting violence or recidivism, while in others, it can decrease the likelihood of these outcomes and these individuals may be more likely to be victims. Police training in jurisdictions varies concerning this population.
Theories of criminal behavior relying on mental illness models do not comprehensively account for the actions of most criminals. Mental illness represents a small proportion of criminal offenders.

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Explore Chapter 9's insights into psychological perspectives on criminality. This quiz delves into theories surrounding offender psychology and critiques of the conventional binaries in criminal behavior. Understand the factors influencing criminality and the importance of both individual psychology and situational contexts.