Criminal psychology

• What does social learning theory state about criminal behavior?

  Criminal behavior is learnt through observation and imitation of others.
• What are the key processes in social learning theory?

  • Observation: People remember behaviors.
  • Imitation: People imitate the observed behavior.
  • Identification: Individuals align themselves with the person.
  • Role model: A person looked up to.
  • Direct reinforcement: Behavior is strengthened by positive outcomes.
  • Vicarious reinforcement: Behavior is strengthened by observing rewards.
  • Internalisation: Behavior becomes internalized through continuous reinforcement.
• What is a criticism of social learning theory regarding the role of genetics?

  It ignores the role of nature, suggesting there may be a criminal gene that could be inherited.
• Why is punishment considered ineffective according to the criticisms of social learning theory?

  Because people still commit crimes even after being punished.
• What does social learning theory fail to explain about criminal behavior?

  It does not explain the cause of criminal behavior in the first place.
• What type of experiment did Copper and Mackie conduct?

  • Type: Lab experiment
  • Design: Independent groups
  • Sample: 84 11-year-olds from New Jersey
• What were the independent and dependent variables in Copper and Mackie's study?

  IV: Type of game and whether it was played or observed; DV: Aggression levels.
• How were the children paired in Copper and Mackie's study?

  Children were paired using their sex and age.
• What were the results of Copper and Mackie's study regarding girls and boys?

  • Girls who played aggressive games chose aggressive toys.
  • Boys were not affected by the type of game played.
  • Interpersonal aggression was not affected by whether they played or observed the game.
• What is a criticism of Copper and Mackie's study regarding ecological validity?

  It lacks ecological validity as children would not typically play games in a laboratory setting.
• What is a potential bias in Copper and Mackie's study regarding age?

  There is an age bias as the study does not represent all children or adults.
• What cultural bias exists in Copper and Mackie's study?

  Results cannot be generalized to children from all cultures.
• What type of study did Heaven conduct and what were its characteristics?

  • Type: Correlation study
  • Design: Longitudinal study
  • Investigated traits: Self-esteem, extraversion, and psychoticism.
• What was the sample size and demographic in Heaven's study?

  282 adolescents from Australia.
• What method did Heaven use to assess delinquent behavior?

  Participants completed questionnaires with closed questions.
• What was the result of Heaven's study regarding psychoticism and delinquency?

  Psychoticism was positively correlated with delinquency both times.
• What is a criticism of Heaven's study regarding cultural bias?

  The results cannot be generalized to other cultures.
• What is a limitation of Heaven's study regarding cause and effect?

  It is a correlational study and does not explain cause and effect.
• What is a potential issue with social desirability in Heaven's study?

  Social desirability can affect the accuracy of responses in questionnaires.
• What did Eysenck believe about the biological basis of criminal behavior?

  • Criminal behavior is linked to high levels of:
  • Extraversion: Sociable and outgoing.
  • Psychoticism: Aggressive and antisocial.
  • Neuroticism: Emotionally unstable and anxious.
• How does Eysenck describe extraversion in relation to criminal behavior?

  Extraversion is characterized by sociability and a need for stimulation, leading to risk-taking.
• What is the role of the RAS in Eysenck's theory of extraversion?

  The RAS restricts stimuli, leading to under-arousal of the cerebral cortex, prompting risk-seeking behavior.
• How does Eysenck describe neuroticism in relation to criminal behavior?

  Neuroticism involves emotional instability and anxiety, leading to poor stress reactions.
• What is the role of the limbic system in Eysenck's theory of neuroticism?

  The limbic system is under-aroused, causing individuals to engage in behaviors to reduce anxiety.
• How does Eysenck describe psychoticism in relation to criminal behavior?

  Psychoticism is characterized by aggression, antisocial behavior, and egocentrism.
• What is a criticism of Eysenck's theory regarding the focus on nature?

  It only focuses on nature and does not consider the role of nurture in criminal behavior.
• What is a limitation of Eysenck's theory regarding personality types?

  It is unlikely that all criminals have the same personality type, ignoring individual differences.
• What is a criticism of Eysenck's theory regarding determinism?

  It is deterministic, suggesting criminals have no control over their actions, which may discourage accountability.