Definition of the application

1. Definition of the Application

 

For this section you need to be able to:

(a)    Define criminological psychology, showing understanding that it is about the definition and causes of crime and the identification, judgement and treatment of criminals.

(b)  Define and use psychological terminology appropriately and accurately including the terms:

i Crime

ii Recidivism

iii Token economy

iv Anti-social behaviour

v Stereotyping

vi Modelling

vii Eyewitness testimony.

 

What is Criminological Psychology?

Criminological psychology is the application of psychological knowledge and methods to enrich our understanding of crime and criminal behaviour. This includes defining crime and suggesting possible explanations for criminal behaviour; it also focuses upon the judgement of criminals by studying courtroom procedures and eyewitness techniques. A further aspect of criminological psychology is identifying offenders and predicting future crimes using profiling techniques. Finally, an important part of criminological psychology is to suggest ways of treating offenders in an attempt to rehabilitate them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crime

 

A crime is an act that is against the law or more specifically is a behaviour that violates social norms, moral values, religious beliefs or legal boundaries. Such acts break the law and are therefore subject to punishment. For example, The Children’s Act 2004 has made smacking an offence similar to assault.

However, criminological psychology also focuses upon anti-social behaviour which is not an actual crime but may have a negative effect on people in society and could potentially become crime at some stage.

 

 

Anti-Social Behaviour

 

Anti-social behaviour is likely to cause alarm, harassment or distress to members of the public. Examples of anti-social behaviour include excessive noise, abusive language and drunken behaviour.

To tackle such anti-social behaviour ASBOs (Anti-Social Behaviour Orders) were introduced in 1998.

 

 

Recidivism

 

Recidivism is repeat offending and is used in reference to an offender who repeats a crime or a behaviour for which they have been punished or received treatment for. It means returning to and repeating behaviour that should have been extinguished.

 

 

Token Economy

 

Token economy programmes are a form of behaviour modification based on the principles of operant conditioning; specifically reinforcement. Such programmes are used in prisons to encourage pro-social behaviour and involve awarding tokens to offenders if a desired behaviour is performed. The tokens may then be exchanged for various rewards. The aim is for the desired behaviour to be repeated.

 

 

Stereotyping

 

Stereotypes are standardised and simplified conceptions of groups based on some prior assumptions. There is a tendency to think of a whole group as having certain characteristics based upon evidence from one member of the group and assuming that the same is true of all group members. For example, we may stereotype an individual who is wearing a hoody as being somebody who challenges authority and makes trouble.

 

 

Modelling

 

Modelling is a way of learning by imitating the behaviour of others. An individual will observe criminal behaviour being demonstrated (modelled) in others around them or via the media; the individual will remember this behaviour and will reproduce it if there is motivation to do so. For example, in Bandura’s study children saw an adult modelling aggressive behaviour towards a Bobo doll.

 

 

Eyewitness Testimony

 

Eyewitness testimony is an account people give of an incident they have witnessed. In criminological psychology, an eyewitness will provide police with a statement about a crime they have witnessed.