6.2.2 Cognitive Theories

Cards (59)

  • Cognitive theories in criminology examine how an individual's thought processes and beliefs influence their likelihood of committing criminal behavior.
  • People have internal mental representations of the world.
  • Cognitive distortions and moral reasoning play significant roles in criminal behavior.
  • Cognitive distortions are flawed thinking patterns that justify criminal behavior.
  • Minimization is a cognitive distortion that downplays the impact of criminal actions.
  • Externalization involves attributing behavior to external factors to avoid blame.
  • Blame attribution is a cognitive distortion where offenders believe others are responsible for their actions.
  • Moral reasoning is the cognitive process of evaluating right and wrong actions.
  • Order the three levels of Kohlberg's theory of moral development.
    1️⃣ Preconventional
    2️⃣ Conventional
    3️⃣ Postconventional
  • At the preconventional level, moral reasoning is focused on consequences to oneself.
  • At the postconventional level, moral reasoning is based on universal ethical principles.
  • Psychologists can understand the motivations behind criminal behavior by examining an offender's level of moral development.
  • People have internal mental representations of the world.
  • Cognitive distortions and moral reasoning play significant roles in criminal behavior.
  • Internal mental representations affect how individuals interpret situations.
  • The cognitive distortion theory focuses on distorted thought patterns.
  • Moral reasoning theory emphasizes stages of moral development.
  • An example of minimization is thinking "I only stole a small amount, it's not a big deal."
  • Externalization involves attributing blame to external factors.
  • What are the three levels in Kohlberg's theory of moral development?
    Preconventional, Conventional, Postconventional
  • The postconventional level in Kohlberg's theory focuses on universal ethical principles
  • Criminals often exhibit lower levels of moral reasoning, particularly at the preconventional and conventional stages.
  • Match each Kohlberg's stage with its focus:
    Preconventional ↔️ Consequences to oneself
    Conventional ↔️ Maintaining social order
    Postconventional ↔️ Universal ethical principles
  • An individual at the preconventional stage might steal to avoid starving
  • Moral reasoning refers to the cognitive processes used to evaluate whether actions are right or wrong.
  • Stages of moral reasoning according to Kohlberg's theory:
    1️⃣ Preconventional
    2️⃣ Conventional
    3️⃣ Postconventional
  • Piaget's theory of cognitive development includes the sensorimotor stage, where learning occurs through senses and actions.
  • What is the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) in Vygotsky's theory?
    Potential learning area
  • Vygotsky's theory emphasizes social interaction and cultural context in learning.
  • Match each cognitive development theory with its key idea:
    Piaget ↔️ Stages of cognitive growth
    Vygotsky ↔️ Social interaction, ZPD, scaffolding
  • In which stage of Piaget's theory does a child learn to count by manipulating physical objects?
    Concrete operational
  • Cognitive behavioral interventions (CBI) are based on principles of cognitive behavioral therapy.
  • Cognitive restructuring involves changing negative thought patterns to correct distorted beliefs about offending.
  • Match each CBI technique with its application:
    Cognitive Restructuring ↔️ Correcting distorted beliefs
    Relapse Prevention ↔️ Avoiding high-risk situations
    Social Skills Training ↔️ Improving interpersonal interactions
  • What is one of the benefits of CBI for offenders?
    Reduced recidivism rates
  • Cognitive theories in criminology suggest that distorted thinking patterns influence criminal behavior.
  • Cognitive distortions and moral reasoning play significant roles in criminal behavior according to cognitive theories.
  • Match each cognitive theory with its focus:
    Cognitive Distortions ↔️ Minimization, externalization
    Moral Reasoning ↔️ Stages of moral development
  • How can blaming others for one's actions lead to criminal behavior according to cognitive theories?
    Reduces guilt
  • Cognitive distortions are flawed thinking patterns that allow offenders to justify their criminal behavior.