Bottom-up Approach AO3

• What is the bottom-up approach in the context of investigative psychology?

  It is an approach that uses statistical techniques and computer analysis to evaluate criminal behavior.
• Why is the bottom-up approach considered scientific?

  Because it employs objective statistical techniques and computer analysis.
• What limitation is associated with the data used in the bottom-up approach?

  The data is only based on offenders who have been caught, limiting insights into unsolved crimes.
• What did Canter and Larkin (1993) study in relation to the bottom-up approach?

  They studied 45 sexual assaults to support their circle theory model.
• What was a significant finding from Canter and Larkin's study?

  91% of the cases were identified as marauders, limiting the classification's usefulness.
• What evidence supports the bottom-up approach in investigative psychology?

  • Canter & Heritage (1990) analyzed 66 sexual assault cases.
  • They used smallest space analysis to identify common patterns of behavior.
  • This supports the theory of behavior consistency central to investigative psychology.
• What was the outcome of the profile drawn up by Canter in the Railway Rapist case?

  It was very accurate, matching 12 of the 17 characteristics and leading to the arrest of John Duffy.
• What issue arose from the profiling in the Rachel Nickell case?

  There was a danger in sticking too closely to a profile, leading to the wrongful focus on Colin Stagg.
• What was the consequence of the investigation into Rachel Nickell's murder?

  The actual murderer, Robert Napper, was free to commit further crimes while the investigation focused on Stagg.
• What challenge is associated with geographically profiling commuters?

  It is difficult to accurately profile commuters due to the nature of their movements.
• What did Copson (1995) find regarding the usefulness of investigative profiling among UK police forces?

  Over 75% of police officers found profilers' advice useful, but only 3% said it helped identify the actual offender.
• How does the bottom-up approach compare to the top-down approach in terms of crime types?

  • The bottom-up approach is useful for a wider range of crimes.
  • It can be applied to everyday crimes like theft and vandalism.
  • The top-down approach focuses mainly on extreme offender behaviors such as rape and murder.
• What is a limitation of geographical profiling?

  Its success relies on the quality of data provided by the police.
• What other factors may be important in profiling offenders besides geographical data?

  Timing of the offense and the age/experience of the offender may also be important.