Psychology

criminal psychology [unit 1- paper one]:

·       types of crime

·       measuring crime

·       social learning theory - explanation and evaluation

·       Copper and Mackie study 1986

·       Eysencks criminal personality theory

·       Heaven 1996

·       punishment and deterrents 

·       rehabilitation

types of crime:

- drug related = use or trade of illegal substances

- acquisitive = including capital or illegally acquired belongings e.g. fraud or burglary

- anti-social = causing distress to others or harassment e.g. public urination or drunk and disorderly

- violent = resulting in physical harm (GBH) or death e.g murder / assault

- sexual = when victims are forced to submit or commit a sexual act against their will e.g. **** / ***********

Criminal behaviour is said to be subjective - opinion based - seeing it can be legal in one but not another country, it is also a social construct. This means it is a concept existing due to people interacting within society [consent 16 in UK but 12 in Mexico]. This shows society determines which activities are deemed criminal by norm (social standards) and deviation from the norm (act against societal standards) is viewed criminal.

measuring crime:

official crime stats are usually collected by the government HOWEVER not always accurate seeing as not all crimes are detected or reported.                                                                 

this can be combated with a SELF REPORTING SURVEY:                                                                

- public confidentially asked about criminal activity                                                                         

-convicted criminals asked about additional than charged for                                                            

-victims asked about crimes they experienced but didn’t report.

social learning theory:

SLT = learning behaviour via observation and imitation  

Subjective belief that one can successfully perform behaviour has been termed self-efficacy.                                                              

ROLEMODEL  

person we look up to and respect

IDENTIFICATION 

 aligning and deciding we want to be like them

OBSERVATION 

pay attention to behaviour and retain in memory

IMITATION

 recall and copy behaviour

DIRECT REINFORCEMENT                                        VICARIOUS REINFORCEMENT  

 for rewarded for behaviour more likely to copy               observe others reward, want it so they imitate

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