Crime Flashcards

Question

What are some examples of candidate genes?

Answer 1

MAOA and CDH13

Answer 2

Nicknamed the 'warrior gene', it is a genetic variant of the MAOA gene that is linked to aggressive and antisocial behaviour. **Brunner et al (1993)** analysed the DNA of 28 male members of a Dutch family with a history of impulsive and violent criminal behaviour (rape and attempted murder). The men shared mutation in the MAOA gene - leading to low levels of MAOA.

Answer 3

Cadherin 13 (CDH13) is a gene involved in neural connectivity. It is unclear how the dysfunction f the CDH13 gene leads to violent behaviour - but it also has links to ADHD, depression, substance misuse an ASD. **Tiihonen et al (2015)** studied 900 Finnish offenders. They found evidence of low MAOA activity and also low activity from the CDH13 gene. They estimated 5-10% of all violent crime in Finland is due to abnormalities in these two genes.

Answer 4

Diathesis Stress Model Inherited predisposition to develop a disorder + Traumatic life event ---> Psychological disorder

Answer 5

**Caspi et al (2002)** used data from 1000 people born in the 70's. Anti-social behaviour was assessed at age 26 and found that 12% of men ho had MAOA gene mutation had experienced maltreatment in childhood AND were responsible for 44% of violent behaviours.

Answer 6

-Brief intro: What is meant by inherited criminality? -Outline evidence suggesting that criminal behaviour is inherited (twin/family/adoption) -Outline candidate genes identified with associations to criminal behaviour (MAOA/CDH13) -Outline modern understanding of genetic contribution (Diathesis Stress)

Answer 7

+ve Supporting evidence P: One strength of the inherited criminality explanation is that there is evidence to support it. E: Any of the family/twin/adoption studies - what it shows. C: However... (criticism of the study - methodological issues, concordance not 100%, etc) L: Therefore, even though there is supporting evidence, the explanation may not be entirely useful because... -ve Biological reductionism P: One weakness of the inherited criminality explanation of criminal behaviour is that the theory is reductionist. E: Too simple o suggest all crime is caused just by genetics - what other factors are being ignored? C: However, biological reductionism is beneficial, because it allows candidate genes such as MAOA to be studied in more depth, allowing a deeper understanding of how genetics DO play a role in criminality. L: Therefore... (bring points together - why is reductionism both a strength and a weakness for explaining crime?) -ve What about non-violent crime? P: One weakness of the inherited criminality explanation of crime is that the focus is towards violent and aggressive crimes. E: Example - MAOA gene, CDH13, Finnish study. E: What does the research fail to explain? Example? L: This is a weakness of the explanation as it fails to explain crime in a wider sense, giving an incomplete explanation of criminal behaviour. Conclusion: Useful? Why/why not?

Answer 8

The amygdala influences behaviours involved in emotion and motivation. It also plays a major role in how we perceive and respond to threats in environment. Criminals with amygdala dysfunction may respond to threats more emotionally or perceive certain stimuli as more threatening than they actually are, resulting in more aggressive behaviours.

Answer 9

A personality disorder involving severe disruption in moral behaviour accompanied by pronounced deficits in emotion. Emotion is argued to be a critical component of moral behaviour.

Answer 10

**Glenn (2009)** conducted an fMRI scans on 17 pps with varying degrees of psychopathy. They found that pps with higher psychopathy scores showed reduced activity, specifically in the amygdala during emotional moral decision-making. Findings demonstrate that amygdala functioning is disrupted during moral decision-making in psychopathy.

Answer 11

The amygdala is thought to respond to cues indicating distress in others. Reduced amygdala functioning in more psychopathic individuals suggests reduced responsiveity to the thought of causing harm to others when contemplating personal moral dilemmas. Without such amygdala activation, individuals may be undeterred from conning and manipulating others, predisposing to them to impulsive behaviour, irresponsible decisions and engaging in criminal behaviour without feeling guilt or remorse.

Answer 12

-Reduced in left and increased in right amygdala -Less activity in prefrontal lobe

Answer 13

-Asymmetric amygdala activity leads to unusual emotional responses, such as a lack of fear, empathy, remorse and guilt. -Reduced prefrontal lobe activity leads to being able to suppress socially unacceptable behaviours, i.e. impulsive emotional outbursts. Also affects the ability to make appropriate decisions between good and bad. -Dysfunction of amygdala + reduced PFC activation = highly intense negative emotions, but a reduced ability to control the emotions = criminal behaviour

Answer 14

-Brief intro: what is the amygdala responsible for? How is amygdala dysfunction linked to criminality? -Explain psychopathy, using an example, e.g. Glenn's research -Explain Raine's research and how this also links to psychopathy

Answer 15

+ve Supporting evidence P: One strength of the role of the amygdala explanation is that there is evidence to support it. E: Pardini (2014) did a longitudinal study of 503 males that had been a part of a previous study at 5/6 years old. 20 years later, Pardini identified 56 males who had shown aggressive behaviour since the first study. fMRI scans measured the amygdala volume of the pps and found that aggressive behaviour was linked with lower amygdala volumes. E: This suggests that differences in amygdala volume could be used to predict future aggressive or criminal behaviour. L: Therefore... -ve Cause and affect P: One weakness of the role of the amygdala explanation is that it cannot be said that the amygdala causes criminal behaviour. E: The amygdala (as well as other areas of the brain) have been identified as neural correlates for violent/criminal behaviour. E: Neural correlates do not suggest cause and effect. It could be that committing crimes causes changes in activity and no the other way around. L: This is a weakness of the explanation as we know that the amygdala plays a role in criminal behaviour, but we cannot draw causal conclusions from the evidence at this time. -ve What about non-violent crimes? P: Another weakness of the role of the amygdala explanation is that it doesn't provide a holistic explanation of all criminal behaviour. E: Glenn found that psychopaths has reduced amygdala activity during emotional moral decision-making, which suggests that psychopaths will feel reduced or no level of guilt or remorse when it comes to engaging in criminal activity or harming others. E: The findings of reduced activity in the amygdala can provide a sound explanation for violent crimes, such as murder or sexual offences, but fail to provide an explanation for non-violent crimes, such as robbery, etc. L: Therefore... Conclusion: Useful? Why/why not? How can this explanation be improved?

Answer 16

Amygdala dysfunction = Electromagnetic Brain Stimulation (EBS) If research suggests that amygdala dysfunction is a cause of criminal behaviour due to a lack of empathy and disrupted moral reasoning, then targeting the amygdala could help to reduce criminal behaviours.

Answer 17

Cognitive factors and Eysenck's criminal personality

Answer 18

The cognitive factors explanation explores moral reasoning, and is heavily based off of Kohlberg's developmental research.

Answer 19

Moral reasoning is the study of how people think about right and wrong and how they acquire and apply moral rules.

Answer 20

1. Pre-conventional (Stage 1/2) 2. Conventional (Stage 3/4) 3. Post-conventional (Stage 4/5)

Answer 21

Basic moral reasoning skills - will break the law if they believe the reward outweighs the cost, or if they think they can get away with it. Breaking the law is justified if punishment can be avoided or if the rewards outweigh the costs. E.g. burglary, theft, fraud, rape, etc.

Answer 22

Less likely to commit crimes - stronger moral compass, doesn’t fit typical criminal behaviour. Breaking the law is justified if it helps to maintain relationships or society. E.g. stealing for a family member, self-defence, assault, speeding to hospital, etc.

Answer 23

Breaking the law is justified if it helps maintain human rights or further social justice. E.g. crimes related to protesting, breaking into a lab to release animal test subjects, etc.

Answer 24

The age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales is 10 years old.

Answer 25

In Kohlberg’s study, approximately 20% of 10-year-olds were in stage 1 and approximately 60% were in stage 2. This suggests that the age of criminal responsibility being 10 years old is valid, as children younger than 10 are only beginning to develop a moral compass.

Answer 26

**Chen and Howitt (2007)**: Male offenders in six youth correctional institutions in Taiwan and controls from one junior and two senior high schools participated in the study. -Pps self-reported their criminal histories, which were then classified according to their offence type, e.g. drug, violent, or theft. -Overall moral reasoning levels were lower in the offenders compared to the controls, even though the mean age of the offenders was higher. -Those who showed more advanced moral reasoning were less likely to engage in violent crimes. -This suggests that lower moral reasoning development could be a factor in criminal behaviour.

Answer 27

Irrational thinking, i.e. the hostile attribution bias

Answer 28

A type of cognitive bias where individuals tend to interpret the behaviour of others in various situations as threatening, aggressive or both.

Answer 29

If you see two people laughing, you immediately assume that they’re laughing at you and react violently or aggressively (punching or screaming at them). If somebody accidentally knocks into you at a bar, you’d assume that it was on purpose rather than it being an accident.

Answer 30

-Brief intro - cognitive factors explanation explores moral reasoning -How did Kohlberg explain moral reasoning (outline the three levels) -Apply to crime, e.g. at pre-conventional level they will break the law if the reward outweighs the cost -Lower level = more likely to be a criminal -Crimes can be justified at all levels but different types of crime -Age of criminal responsibility -Chen and Howitt study if needed.

Answer 31

Cognitive factors = anger management If criminal behaviour is caused by cognitive factors, then a cognitive treatment should be used. Anger management is a form of CBT aiming to address the hostile attribution bias that may lead to criminal behaviour.

Answer 32

+ve Practical applications P: One strength of the cognitive factors explanation is that it has useful practical applications, such as developing programmes for children that could prevent criminal behaviour later in life. E: If we know that people who have a pre-conventional level of moral reasoning are more likely to engage in criminal behaviour, then we can intervene while children develop to ensure that they have enhanced levels of moral reasoning. E: For example, Kohlberg suggested that grouping children into democratic groups where they were involved in making moral decisions facilitates moral development. L: This is a strength because... +ve Supporting evidence P: Another strength of the cognitive factors explanation is that there is evidence to support it. E: Chen and Howitt (2007) - explain the research and findings. E: This suggests that lower moral reasoning development could be a factor in criminal behaviour. L: Therefore... -ve Validity issues P: One weakness of the cognitive factors explanation is the way in which moral reasoning is measured. E: Kohlberg used hypothetical moral dilemmas in his research, such as the Heinz dilemma, in which the wife was dying of cancer, or starvation for pps in Taiwan. E: These scenarios may not be an accurate representation of how moral reasoning influences criminal behaviour, as they aren't real situations that the person has experienced and may not even be linked to crime. L: Therefore... Conclusion: Useful? Why/why not? How could it be improved?

Answer 33

Eysenck suggested that there are three dimensions of personality, certain combinations of which can explain criminal behaviour.

Answer 34

Introvert - extrovert Neuroticism - emotional stability Psychoticism - self-crontrol

Answer 35

Neuroticism - full of anxiety, worries and guilt

Answer 36

Aggressive, ego-centric and anti-social nature

Answer 37

Introvert-extrovert = arousal Introverts - high level of cortical excitation, so less stimulation needed for arousal (introverts shun crowds and prefer solitary activity) Extroverts - low level of cortical arousal, more stimulation needed for arousal = thrill seeking behaviours (extroverts have high energy and are outgoing)

Answer 38

Neuroticism - emotional stability = sympathetic nervous system (SNS, fight or flight) Neuroticism - SNS activated more easily for low levels of threat, may over-react to stimuli (perceive the stimuli as more threatening than it is) Emotional stability - SNS activated at higher levels of threat, stay calm in stressful situations

Answer 39

Psychoticism - self-control = testosterone levels (linked to aggressive behaviour) Psychoticism - linked to higher levels of testosterone, less empathy, aggressive, troublesome Self-control - more balanced levels of testosterone

Answer 40

**Extrovert** - more arousal needed, so seek out dangerous situations, more impulsive actions (theft, robbery, etc) **Neurotic** - unstable, over-react to stimuli, more likely to lead to criminal acts that aren't planned, come from an escalated event (crimes of passion, assault after an argument, etc) **Psychotic** - aggressive, impulsive, lack of empathy (crimes like murder, planned offences, etc)

Answer 41

Innate personality trait + socialisation = criminal behaviour

Answer 42

Eysenck and Eysenck (1977) 2070 male prisoners and 2442 male controls were administered the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, which gives scores on psychoticism, extraversion, neuroticism and lie scales. The groups were subdivided into age groups, ranging from 16-69 years old. Scores on psychoticism , extraversion, and neuroticism fell with age for both prisoners and controls. Prisoners ad higher scores than controls, as predicted, on all three scales.

Answer 43

-Brief intro: explain Eysenck's criminal personality -Explain that there are three dimensions of personality -Explain which traits are linked to criminal behaviour and why (link to the bio basis of each trait) -Explain how criminality is innate personality trait + socialisation -Include Eysenck and Eysenck study if needed

Answer 44

+ve Supporting evidence P: One strength of Eysenck's criminal personality explanation is that there is evidence to support it. E: Eysenck and Eysenck (1977) compared male prisoners to controls. Found that prisoners scored higher than controls on P, E and N scales. C: However, as the evidence is Eysenck supporting his own theory... biased? L: Therefore, even though... -ve How is personality being measured? P: One weakness of Eysenck's criminal personality explanation is that the accuracy of the personality measures can be questioned. E: Eysenck's personality questionnaire (EPQ) is a self-report measure where pps answer q's that correlate to different personality traits. This is open to social desirability bias, because... C: However, Eysenck did include a lie scale in his questionnaires to help identify pps that weren't answering truthfully, so their data could be discarded. L: Therefore... +ve Nature and nurture P: One strength of Eysenck's criminal personality explanation is that it takes into account both nature and nurture. E: Eysenck explained that criminal behaviour is based on a combination of innate personality traits and socialisation. E: For example... L: This is a strength because... Conclusion: Useful? Why/why not?

Answer 45

Gender socialisation and differential association theory

Answer 46

DA is considered to be social learning theory - behaviour is learned through observation, imitation and vicarious reinforcement, e.g. Bandura's Bobo Doll

Answer 47

People vary in the frequency with which they associate with others that have more or less favourable attributes towards crime. These attitudes then influence our own behaviour.

Answer 48

Criminal behaviour is learned through communication with intimate groups, e.g. peers, family, work, school, neighbours, etc.

Answer 49

There are two elements of criminal behaviour that are learned: skills and techniques for committing crimes and definitions of crime, both favourable and unfavourable. Some skills and techniques that could be learned through intimate groups include computer fraud, insider trading, assault, purse snatching and drunk driving. A favourable definition for committing a crime could be, “Everyone cheats their taxes”, “I can drive fine after a few beers”, etc. An unfavourable definition for committing crimes include, “fraud and theft is immoral”, “If insulted, turn the other cheek” and “friends don’t let friends drink and drive”.

Answer 50

1. The person has learned the requisite skills and techniques for committing crime. 2. The person has learned an excess of definitions favourable to crime over unfavourable to crime. 3. The person has the objective opportunity to carry out the crime.

Answer 51

Differential associations may vary in frequency, duration, priority and intensity. Sutherland suggested that definitions that are presented more frequently, for a longer duration, earlier in one’s life, and in more intense relationships receive more weight in the process producing crime.

Answer 52

A child is born into a family where parents are involved in tax fraud (falsifying expenses for their family run business). Parents are always justifying their behaviour ‘everyone cheats on their taxes’, ‘we can’t afford the tax bill if we declare our actual earnings’. The child hears these reasons throughout their childhood, until they join the family business, and under state their own earnings for their self-assessment tax bill.

Answer 53

**Osborn and West (1982)** compared the sons of criminal and non-criminal fathers. They found that 13% of the sons of the non-criminal fathers had criminal convictions, compared with 40% of the sons of criminal fathers. Because they have been exposed to criminal behaviour and definitions of crime frequently for a long duration (since early childhood) and it is a more intense relationship (family), the sons of criminal fathers are more likely to be criminals themselves.

Answer 54

-Brief intro: DA is a social learning theory, nurture based -Criminal behaviour learned from 'intimate groups', e.g. family, friends, etc -What are the three conditions required to engage in criminal behaviour? Give examples with detail. -DA may vary in frequency, duration, priority and intensity. Give an example of DA, i.e. family business

Answer 55

+ve Supporting evidence P: One strength of the differential association theory is that there is evidence to support it. E: Osborn and West (1982) ... This supports the DA theory as it suggests that criminal behaviour is learned through 'intimate' parent/child relationship. C: However, as this research explores parent-child relationships and crime, it could be argued that this is a case of inherited criminality, so it could be genetics and not learned behaviour. L: Therefore... +Practical applications P: Another strength of the DA theory is that there are potential practical applications. E: If we know that criminal behaviour is learned, then it can be unlearned. The DA theory states that there are three conditions in order for there to be criminal behaviour (list the conditions). E: If we remove the conditions, then crime should reduce. For example, if a known criminal family has a child, then the child should be removed from the family. L: Therefore... -ve Are all crimes learned? P: One weakness of the DA theory is that it can only explain certain crimes. E: The DA theory can explain 'small' crimes, such as burglaries or tax fraud, as it is easy to 'learn' these skills from others and find the opportunity. C: However, the DA theory struggles to explain violent crimes such as murder or rape, as it is unlikely that people will have favourable definitions for these crimes, or that they can be learned. L: Therefore... Conclusion: Useful? Why/why not? How can it be improved?

Answer 56

The idea that how we are socialised in terms of our gender affects our behaviour. The difference in gender socialisation is what leads to varying rates in crime.

Answer 57

The learning of socially approved behaviours, gender norms, values and attitudes that have been associated with a biological sex.

Answer 58

Children observe and imitate what is modelled before them with regard to how the genders are supposed to act. Gender socialisation starts in early childhood and occurs through the education system, in the family unit, through socialisation with peers, enforced by people of authority, and learned from consuming mass media.

Answer 59

Gendered toys, gendered career paths, gendered roles in advertising, gendered hobbies.

Answer 60

From our same-sex parents as role models. Boys learn from their fathers and girls learn from their mothers. Girls traditionally have more frequent access to their role model.

Answer 61

Because men typically were out at work, so mothers did most of the childcare. This means that boys had less frequent access to their fathers as role models.

Answer 62

Boys being socialised by their mothers tend to rebel against the feminine behaviours in search for the masculine influence that is missing due to the absent father. They seek this masculinity in all male peer groups, who reinforce masculine behaviours (aggression, risk taking, etc.)

Answer 63

Socialisation through male peer groups encourages behaviours that are likely to lead to criminal behaviours. Ann Oakley (1972) - ‘the dividing line between what is masculine and what is criminal may at times be a thin one.’

Answer 64

Boys and girls are socialised differently, meaning that boys are more likely to become criminal than girls

Answer 65

**Sutherland** identifies how girls are socialised in a manner which is far more supervisory and controlled; this limits the number of opportunities to be deviant. In contrast boys are socialised to be rougher, tougher and aggressive which makes deviance more likely.

Answer 66

**Parsons and Bales** argued that because females carry out the “expressive role” in the family which involved them caring for their children and looking after the emotional needs of their husbands, that girls grew up to internalise such values and empathy, both of which reduce the likelihood of someone committing crime simply because a caring and empathetic attitude towards others means you are less likely to harm others.

Answer 67

In 2021, 79% of individuals dealt with by the Criminal Justice System were male, and 21% were female. As of 30th June 2022, 4% of the prison population were female, while 96% were male. Of all female offenders cautioned/convicted in 2021, 35% were first time offenders (22% for males). Theft from shops accounted for 21% of all female prosecutions for indictable offences, compared to 8% for males.

Answer 68

Gender socialisation = Man Up Project If criminal behaviour is caused by the way we socialise boys, we need to address this to reduce criminal behaviour. The Man Up Project aims to challenge some of the negative stereotypes, attitudes and behaviours experienced by men as a result of the want or need to fulfil masculine stereotypes. By promoting more 'feminine' strategies for conflict management and displaying more male role models that display non-aggressive behaviour, this could influence how males perceive 'masculine behaviour'. No supporting evidence for this yet.

Answer 69

-Brief intro: define gender socialisation and explain how genders are raised differently is what affects the outcome of criminal behaviour -Explain the process of gender socialisation and same-sex parents as role models. -Why do girls have more access to their role model than boys? -How does this impact the boys development (rebel against feminine behaviours, seek masculinity through male peer groups), mention Oakley (1972) -How are boys and girls raised differently? Sutherland, Parsons and Bales. -Include crime stats if needed or if you have time

Answer 70

-ve 'The chivalry factor' P: The 'chivalry factor' argues that women don’t necessarily commit less crime, but they are treated less harshly when they do. E: CJS is male-dominated (police, judges, etc), and men are socialised to have protective attitudes towards women. This leads to lesser sentences and less chance of conviction or prosecution in comparison to male offenders. C: However, an argument against the chivalry factor states that when women commit crimes ‘against their gender role’ they are more harshly punished. Carlen (1997) - women perceived as ‘good mothers’ were less likely to be imprisoned than a mother with children in care. L: Therefore, gender expectations do have an impact on crime, but perhaps not on the amount of offences, but rather on the amount of convictions. +ve Practical applications P: Another strength of the gender socialisation theory is that if we know the way we socialise boys is leading to higher rates in crime, then we can change the way we socialise them. E: The Man Up Project (explain what it is) E: This intervention in the way males are taught to express their emotions allows for much healthier coping mechanisms, which would reduce the amount of emotional outbursts and the want to engage in thrill-seeking or impulsive behaviour, as it would allow for improved self-control. L: Therefore... -ve Ignores nature P: One weakness of the gender socialisation theory is that it ignores nature entirely. E: The gender socialisation theory only takes into account nurture - how we are raised by our same-sex role models, gender norms, limited access to fathers, etc. C: However, there could be biological factors that predispose males to be more likely to commit crimes, such as higher testosterone levels and evolutionary influences. L: Therefore... Conclusion: Useful? Why/why not?

Answer 71

Restorative justice and anger management

Answer 72

A system of dealing with criminal behaviour which focusses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims by giving them a ‘voice’.

Answer 73

To restore the situation to what it was before the crime was committed.

Answer 74

Restorative justice has to be voluntary for all parties and seeks a positive outcome - it isn’t degrading for either offender or victim. RJ can be offered to the offender as an alternative to prison, but only if the victim agrees.

Answer 75

-A face to face encounter with statements from both sides, a letter or a video conference with the presence of an impartial facilitator -Offender may give financial restitution to the victim for the damage caused -Service with the community to reflect the nature of the crime

Answer 76

Rehabilitation of offenders, acceptance of responsibility and atonement for wrongdoing

Answer 77

An opportunity for the victim to explain the impact of the crime (impact statements). This allows the offender to understand the effect of the crime on the victim. Understanding the perspective may lead to a reduction in reoffending.

Answer 78

Offender is encouraged to tale responsibility for the crime in hopes that it will effect future behaviour. This active involvement in their rehabilitation may lead to a change in attitude towards crime.

Answer 79

Offenders may offer concrete compensation (money). But the ‘atonement’ should mainly be psychological (guilt for what they have done). This could also be shown in empathy for the victim. Victim’s perspective - it can reduce victimisation by giving them a voice. It may help them understand why the offender committed the crime, making them feel less victimised.

Answer 80

-**UK restorative justice council (2015)** 85% satisfaction from victims who had face to face meetings with their offenders. The reports covered a range of different crimes -**Avon and Somerset** with police recorded 92.5% victim satisfaction for those experiencing violent crime. Victims claim greater sense of satisfaction from RJ in comparison to mainstream court.

Answer 81

-Brief intro: define restorative justice and explain what its purpose is. -Explain the process of restorative justice (face-to-face meeting or video call, impact statement from victim, presence of impartial facilitator, etc). -Explain what the three aims of RJ are in detail. Provide an example for each where necessary.

Answer 82

+ve Supporting evidence P: One strength of restorative justice is that there is evidence to support its effectiveness. E: UK RJ council or Avon and Somerset. Very effective. C: However, stats only focus on victims and not the offender, perhaps offenders don't have as good of an experience with RJ compared to victims? L: Therefore, although RJ is evidently incredibly beneficial for victims, there should also be research conducted to see whether it is beneficial for offenders, too, as it is likely that they experience immense feelings of embarrassment and guilt during RJ. However, it could be argued that the feelings of the victim are more important than the offender's. +ve Positive social implications P: Another strength of RJ is that it has positive economic implications. E: Sherman and Strang (2007) reviewed 20 studies of face to face RJ in the US, UK and Australia. All studies showed reduced reoffending. The UK restorative justice council report 37% reoffending rate from RJ. E: This shows that due to RJ, reoffending rates have significantly reduced in western cultures. This is economically beneficial, as less money is spent on court hearings for trials, and fewer people are returning to prison, meaning less money is spent on caring for prisoners, too. L: Therefore... -ve Appropriate for all crimes? P: One weakness of RJ is that although the restorative justice council argue that RJ can be used with all types of crime and offenders, it is more suitable for some types of crime than others. E: For crimes like sexual or domestic violence, the victim may not feel comfortable meeting with the offender, as it would be traumatic to have to be face-to-face with them again. E: As well as this, the offender also needs to accept responsibility for the crime in order for RJ to be successful, and for certain crimes, the offenders may not want to admit guilt. L: Therefore, although RJ is incredibly effective for smaller scale crimes, such as burglary or petty theft, larger and more personal crimes may not be suitable for RJ. Conclusion: Useful? Why/why not? Could it be improved?

Answer 83

Anger management is a type of CBT

Answer 84

Novaco believed that anger has physiological, behavioural and cognitive aspects to it.

Answer 85

-Reduces emotional response (anger) by reconceptualising it using CBT skills -Focusses on offenders with violent behaviour that has become out of control (violent crimes) -Anger management in general uses strategies such as identifying what triggers anger and learning to control those triggers

Answer 86

-In short-term it reduces anger and aggressions in prisons -In the long-term it reduces the re-offending rate and promotes rehabilitation

Answer 87

Suggests that criminals have a tendency towards irrational thinking, i.e. the hostile attribution bias -The negative interpretations from the hostile attribution bias lead to increased anger and potential violence.

Answer 88

1. Cognitive restructuring - having greater self-awareness and control over cognitive triggers 2. Regulation of arousal - learning to control the physiological state 3. Behavioural strategies - including problem solving skills, strategic withdrawal and assertiveness

Answer 89

A form of CBT - giving offenders a form of coping before the problem arises (a way of protecting them like a vaccination protects against disease)

Answer 90

1. Cognitive preparation 2. Skill acquisition (and rehearsal) 3. Application

Answer 91

-The offender learns about anger and analyse their own anger patterns to identify situations that provoke their own anger so they can recognise when an aggressive outburst might occur. -The offender’s thought patterns are challenged, for example by questioning their hostile attribution bias. -The offender considers the negative consequences of their anger on others.

Answer 92

Offenders are taught various skills to help to manage their anger. This includes: -‘Stop and think’ -Cognitive flexibility (alternative interpretations) -Learning relaxation techniques (counting) -Learning communication skills to enable them to deal with conflict assertively and constructively and not angrily

Answer 93

-Offenders apply the skills they have learnt in control situations such as through role-play -They will role play a variety of scenarios that previously made them angry and to show how they can control their anger and change their response to the situation -The offender receives the feedback from the therapist and other group members -Later, offenders try out their skills in real world settings

Answer 94

-Brief intro: What is anger management and what does it do? -How is anger management linked to the cognitive approach? -What are Novaco's three key aims of anger management? -What is the stress inoculation model? (Explain in detail, examples?)

Answer 95

-ve Effectiveness P: One weakness of AM as a method of modifying criminal behaviour is that it doesn't reduce offender's anger. E: It has been claimed that although AM reduces physical anger and teaches offenders to question their hostile attribution bias, it doesn't entirely get rid of the abuse caused by anger. E: Rather than being eradicated, the physical abuse is instead transferred into emotional and verbal abuse. L: Therefore... -ve Ethics P: Another weakness of AM as a method of modifying criminal behaviour is that it diminishes the importance of acceptance of responsibility. E: As AM is a form of CBT, it is heavily based on cognitive explanation of criminal behaviour, using certain cognitive factors, such as an immature level of moral reasoning and irrational thinking to explain the cause of an offender's anger. E: Although AM does reduce anger and promote rehabilitation, it allows offenders to blame their actions on their anger rather than teaching them to take responsibility and better themselves. L: Therefore... +ve Social implications P: One strength of AM as a method of modifying criminal behaviour is that it betters the prison environment. E: AM teaches offenders to reflect upon their anger and emotional outbursts to identify what triggers them. They are then given tools to cope and manage their anger in the future. E: This would better the prison environment, as more and more inmates will learn to control their anger and avoid situations that may trigger emotional outbursts. This means that the prison environment is safer overall for both prisoners and staff, as fights will become less frequent. L: Therefore, AM is useful as not only does it better the prison environment by making it a safer place to be in, but it also betters the prison economically too, as less money will have to be spent on medical care for prisoners. Conclusion: Useful? Why/why not? Could it be improved? How?

Crime Flashcards

All of the explanations of crime and exam question layouts/techniques (119 cards)