Lecture Notes: Criminal Psychology in 20 Minutes

Introduction

• Goal: Cover all of criminal psychology, including theories, studies, key concepts, and applications, in 20 minutes.

Types of Crimes

1. Violent Crimes
   • Examples: GBH (Grievous Bodily Harm), Assault
2. Drug-related Crimes
   • Examples: Dealing, Supplying, Taking drugs
3. Acquisitive Crimes
   • Definition: Crimes where the perpetrator gains something.
   • Example: Theft
4. Sexual Offenses
   • Examples: Sexual assault, Rape
5. Antisocial Crimes
   • Definition: Actions against societal norms.
   • Examples: Vandalism, Public disorder, Drinking in streets

Crime as a Social Construct

• Definition: Societal creation that varies by culture.
• Example: Euthanasia is legal in some countries but illegal in others.
• Cultural differences in crime definitions (e.g., homosexuality).

Measuring Crime

1. Official Police Statistics
   • Uses reports made to police.
   • Limitations: Not all crimes are reported or solved.
2. Self-report Methods
   • Surveys asking public about their crime experiences.
   • Limitations: Can over-represent crime due to anonymity.

Social Learning Theory

• Key Concepts:
  • Observation: Learning by watching others, especially role models.
  • Vicarious Reinforcement: Observing others being rewarded.
  • Direct Reinforcement/Punishment: Personal experience of reward/punishment.
  • Internalization: Repeated behavior becomes part of personality.
• Criticism: Does not explain the origin of crime.

Study: Cooper and Mackey

• Aim: Test if video games cause violence (linked to social learning theory).
• Method: Lab experiment with 84 children.
• Findings:
  • Girls affected more by violent games.
  • Video games influenced type of toys played with.
  • Temporal validity issues due to outdated video games.
• Limitations: Low ecological validity, controlled environment.

Eysenck's Theory of Criminal Personality

• Three Traits of Criminals:
  1. Extraversion: Outgoing, thrill-seeking.
  2. Neuroticism: Anxious, emotional.
  3. Psychoticism: Lacks empathy, emotional detachment.
• Biological Basis:
  • Extraversion: Underactive cerebral cortex, needing stimulation.
  • Neuroticism: Overactive autonomic nervous system.
  • Psychoticism: Overactive dopamine reward system.
• Criticism: Ignores individual differences and role of nurture.

Study: Heaven

• Aim: Support Eysenck's theory, focus on delinquents.
• Method: Longitudinal, correlational study with 282 students.
• Findings: Positive correlation between psychoticism and delinquency.
• Limitations: Limited sample, cultural bias, social desirability in self-reports.

Applications of Criminal Psychology

• Rehabilitation:
  • Positive Role Models: Using social learning theory to change behavior.
  • Restorative Justice: Meetings between victims and criminals.
• Punishments:
  • Fines: Deterring minor crimes by financial penalties.
  • Prison: Loss of freedom for serious crimes.
  • Community Sentencing: Public service with visible consequences.

Conclusion

• Summary: Key concepts and studies in criminal psychology covered.
• Next Steps: Explore more detailed studies and theories if needed.

Note: The lecture emphasizes key psychological theories and their practical applications in understanding and reducing criminal behavior. Further study is recommended for a deeper understanding of each topic.