Evaluation (AO3)

• Limitation: Limited Sample

  • 36 - small sample size -> mostly male serial killers
  • cant generalise findings to the wider population -> lacks population validity
  • shows evidence of beta bias -> may tell us very little about the offending habits of women
• Limitation: Methodological Flaws (use of self report techniques)

  • lie, social desirability bias (may not want to admit their heinous crimes espesially if they are appealing) -> or may exaggerate for noteriety/fame
  • weakens the internal valitity of thr data and thus the validity of the theory -> questions use the judical system
• Limitation: Limited Application

  • can only be used on extreme crimes (rape + homicide) -> compare to bottom-up (can be used for all crimes)
  • may therefore be a less usefu; approach at profiling -> may lead to identification of offenders in the long-run
• Limitation: Many not fit into one specific typology

  • some criminals show signs of both
  • my therefore be a less useful technique in comparison to the bottom up app. which doesnt usw typologies + instead builds the profile based on the evidence