Criminal Behaviour Study Guide Module 2 PDF

CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR STUDY GUIDE MODULE 2: THEORIES OF CRIME Key Biological Theories of Crime Who was Phineas Gage? / Why does he matter? o He was a 19th-century American railroad construction foreman. o He was famous for surviving a severe b...

CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR STUDY GUIDE MODULE 2: THEORIES OF CRIME Key Biological Theories of Crime Who was Phineas Gage? / Why does he matter? o He was a 19th-century American railroad construction foreman. o He was famous for surviving a severe brain injury in 1848 and that had significant implications for the understanding of brain function and personality. o First documented case showing that the brain is linked to personality and behaviours. o Involved in a workplace incident. What do twin and adoption studies tell us about the hereditability of crime? / To what extent is crime due to heredity and/or the environment? o Robert Lange. o Provided significant insights into the heritability of crime by helping researchers understand the extent to which genetic and environmental factors contribute to criminal behavior. o Monozygotic (MZ) = Identical twins o Dizygotic (DZ) = Fraternal twins o Twin studies, especially those comparing monozygotic (identical) twins with dizygotic (fraternal) twins, suggest a genetic component to criminal behavior. o Higher concordance rates for criminal behavior in identical twins indicate a stronger genetic influence compared to fraternal twins. o Identical twins show higher concordance rates for criminal behavior compared to fraternal twins, and adopted children are often more similar to their biological parents in terms of criminal behavior than their adoptive parents. What are the limitations of twin studies? o MZ twins are treated more alike by parents than DZ twins. o MZ twins usually share one placenta and DZ twins usually have two. o Monozygotic (MZ) twins often share more similar environments than dizygotic (DZ) twins, which can confound results. Explain hereditability coefficients / what they represent now? o Provide insights into the genetic and environmental contributions to criminal behavior. o Statistical measures that estimate the proportion of variation in a particular trait within a population that can be attributed to genetic differences among individuals. o The heritability coefficient ranges from 0 to 1 (or 0% to 100%). o A coefficient of 0 = Genetics does not contribute to the variation in the trait; all differences are due to environmental factors. o A coefficient of 1 = All the variation in the trait is due to genetic differences; there are no environmental influences. Difference between shared and non-shared environment o Shared environment refers to environmental factors that are experienced by both individuals in a family or group, leading to similarities between them. o Non-shared environment refers to environmental factors that are unique to each individual, leading to differences between them, even if they share the same family or household. o Shared Environment leads to similarities between individuals due to common experiences, while non-shared environment contributes to differences due to unique individual experiences. 1  CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR STUDY GUIDE MODULE 2: THEORIES OF CRIME What type of research does the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene research fall into? o The MAOA gene primarily falls under the fields of behavioral genetics, molecular genetics, and psychology. What is the MAOA gene? / What is its function? o MAOA is referred to Monoamine oxidase gene. o It is responsible for metabolizing brain neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine. Who are Stephen Mobley & Bradley Waldroup? / Why do they matter? o Stephen Mobley: A man involved in a legal case related to the defense of criminal behavior based on genetic factors. o Bradley Waldroup: A man whose case gained attention due to the introduction of the MAOA gene in his defense during the trial for the murder of his wife. o They matter due to the context of legal and ethical discussions surrounding genetics and criminal behaviour. Neurotransmitter that been implicated in crime? / What is the state of the evidence? o Serotonin studied the most in crime. o Lower levels of serotonin correlates with aggression (negative correlation). Hormones that been implicated in crime? / What is the state of the evidence? o Testosterone studied the most in crime. o Higher levels of testosterone evidence of a small positive correlation with aggression. What do psychophysiologists study to understand crime? o Study the relationship between physiological responses and psychological processes to understand crime. o Uses physiology (heart rate & galvanic skin responses) to study psychological constructs. What are two theories based on psychophysiology as reviewed in class? 1. Fearlessness Theory: Some individuals don’t experience elevated heart rate or sweaty palms when stressed – more likely to take risks like crime. 2. Stimulation-Seeking Theory: Some individuals have a strong desire for the need of excitement and sensory experiences like committing criminal activity. What do we know about the brain and crime? o Brain structure and function can be linked to behaviors associated with crime. o Structural or functional damage to the prefrontal cortex area is responsible for emotional making, decision making, impulse control, cognitive flexibility. What kind of studies been performed with the brain and crime? o Neuroimaging Studies: Research method that uses imaging techniques to visualize the structure and function of the brain relating to crime. How does environmental factors (e.g., toxins) matter in explanations of crime? o Being exposed to lead especially in childhood can impact the brain development resulting in poor educational performance and attention deficits. How does diet matter in explanations of crime? o Poor diet can lead to an increase in aggressive behaviour or acting out. Why are theories important? o Implications for practice – what to treat. o Prioritize causal factors. 2  CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR STUDY GUIDE MODULE 2: THEORIES OF CRIME How do you evaluate if a theory is good or not? o Simple. o Speaks to causality, mediators, moderators. o Falsifiable. o Evidence-based. o Cross-discipline consistency. o Respectful. Evolutionary-Based Theories of Crime What is natural selection? o Originated by Charles Darwin. o Key mechanism of evolution that explains how certain traits become more or less common in a population over generations. o Organisms that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce – passing their traits to future generations. What is reproductive success? o Ability of an organism to pass its genes on to the next generation by producing successful offspring that survive and reproduce themselves. What is selection pressures? o Environmental factors that influence which individuals in a population are more likely to survive and reproduce. What is successful adaptations? o Traits that helps an organism survive and reproduce better in its environment. Environmental cues. o Signals or changes in the environment that organisms respond to, helping them adapt their behavior, physiology, or development to better survive. Mating effort. o Mating effort refers to the energy and resources that an organism invests in reproductive activities to attract mates and successfully reproduce. Parental investment. o Parental investment refers to the time, energy, and resources that parents dedicate to raising their offspring to ensure their survival and future reproductive success. What is ancestral selection pressures? o Refers to the environmental factors and challenges faced by early ancestors of species that influenced their evolution and adaptation over time. Why are sneaker salmons important in the context of evolutionary forensic psychology? o Sneaker salmons refers to a specific reproductive strategy observed in some salmon species. o Illustrate concepts related to mating strategies, reproductive success, and behavioral ecology, which are relevant to evolutionary forensic psychology. What are common criticisms against evolutionary perspectives? o Explanations focus a lot on aggression and violence VS other types of crime. o Hard to apply to certain types of crime for example, child molestation. o Lots of theorizing – not much empirical testing. 3  CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR STUDY GUIDE MODULE 2: THEORIES OF CRIME What is evolutionary psychology? o The study of how human behavior and mental processes have been shaped by evolution. o It explores how traits and behaviors that helped our ancestors survive and reproduce have influenced modern human psychology. How does evolutionary-based theories of crime work? o Examine criminal behavior through the lens of evolutionary psychology and biology. o These theories suggest that certain aspects of human behavior, including criminality, can be understood by considering the evolutionary pressures that shaped human development. Why does violence (male on male violence for example) occur from an evolutionary perspective? o Male-on-male violence can be understood through several key concepts that relate to competition, reproductive strategies, and social dynamics. What is evolutionary forensic psychology? o The study of how evolutionary principles and theories explain criminal behavior and psychological traits related to crime. o It examines the biological and psychological factors that have developed over time. o Helps to understand why certain behaviors, such as aggression or violence, may occur in individuals and how these behaviors can be influenced by social and cultural contexts. Prominent Psychodynamic Theories of Crime Why does crime happen according to Freudian theory? (Three paths) 1. Harsh Superego: Refers to an overly strict and punitive aspect of a person's moral psyche. 2. Weak/Underdeveloped Superego: Refers to a less effective or inadequately formed moral component of an individual's personality. 3. Deviant Superego: Refers to a distorted or dysfunctional moral component of an individual’s personality that develops in a way that diverges from societal norms and ethical standards. What is Hirschi’s social control theory of crime? o Theory that focuses on why individuals do not commit crimes rather than why they do. o Theory argues that strong social bonds and relationships act as controls against deviant behavior, suggesting that when these bonds are weak or absent, individuals are more likely to engage in criminal activity. What are Hirschi’s four social bonds? 1. Attachment: One’s interest in others. Ex: Parent. 2. Commitment: Time and energy placed on conventional values. Ex: Long-term relationship. 3. Involvement: Being involved in conventional activities. Ex: Recreation. 4. Belief: Respect of societal value system. Ex: Laws, law enforcers – Police. What is Gottfredson and Hirschi’s general theory of crime? o Theory to explain all crime and all deviant behaviour. o Lack of self-control + criminal opportunities explains crime. 4  CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR STUDY GUIDE MODULE 2: THEORIES OF CRIME What are the two key elements in general theory of crime? 1. Self-Control: Individual's ability to resist immediate temptations and impulses in favor of long-term goals and interests. 2. Criminal Opportunities: Refers to the circumstances that allow individuals to commit crimes. Ex: Theft – Finding an unlocked car in a public parking. What do all psychodynamic theories have in common? o The motivation and drives that make someone commit crimes. o Unconscious mind. o Childhood experiences in relation to crime. What is the underlying question psychodynamic theories seeking to answer? o Why doesn’t everyone engage in criminal behavior? o What restraints us? Learning Theories of Crime What is classical conditioning? o Originated by Ivan Pavlov. o Learning process in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus, leading to a learned response. o Learning through conditioned stimuli. What is operant conditioning? o Originated by B.F. Skinner. o Involves modifying behavior through the use of rewards (reinforcement) and punishments. Social Learning Theories of Crime What is Sutherland’s Differential Association theory? o Originated by Edwin Sutherland. o Assumes that criminal behavior is learned through social interactions. o Learning occurs through interpersonal interactions within social environment. o People learn to commit deviant acts. What is Bandura’s social learning theory? o Originated by Albert Bandura. o Theory that emphasizes the role of observational learning, imitation, and modeling in the development of behavior. o Observational learning through family, peers, and media. What is Aker’s Social Learning theory of crime? o Originated by Ronald Akers. o Theory that emphasizes that criminal behavior is learned through social interactions and the influence of one’s environment. o Focus is on learning in group interactions. What is GPCSL theory? o General Personality and Crime Situational Learning. o Developed to understand the complex interplay between individual personality traits, situational factors, and the learning processes that contribute to criminal behavior. o Created by David P. Farrington. 5  CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR STUDY GUIDE MODULE 2: THEORIES OF CRIME What is PIC-R theory? o Personality, Identity, and Crime-Relevant Learning. o Developed to understand the interplay between personality traits, identity formation, and the learning processes that contribute to criminal behavior. o Created by J. C. Van der Laan. Compare (How Similar) & Contrast (How Different Evolutionary Based & Social Learning Theories What do evolutionary based theories of crime and social learning theories have in common? o Focus on behavior: Understanding behaviour whether it’s criminal behaviour or general human behaviour. o Environmental influences: How environmental factors influences behaviour as well as shaping behaviour. How are evolutionary based theories of crime and social learning theories of crime different? o Social learning theories: These theories are based on psychological principles – the idea that behaviors are learned through social interactions. o Evolutionary theories focus on individual characteristics. o Social theories focus on social environment characteristics. Understand Covert Aversive Conditioning vs. Overt Conditioning & Arousal Reconditioning What is covert aversive conditioning? o Involves mental imagery and negative associations to deter unwanted behaviours internally. What is overt conditioning? o Utilizes observable stimuli and direct consequences (reinforcement or punishment) to modify behaviour. What is arousal reconditioning? o Focuses on changing emotional or physiological responses to specific stimuli through new associations. 6