Forensic Psychology

Question 1

What is crime?

Answer 1

An action or omission which constitutes an offense and is punishable by law.

Question 2

Biological Theory

Answer 2

A theory proposing that criminals are predetermined through their DNA, suggesting differences in brain structure and function.

Question 3

Pre-frontal Cortex

Answer 3

Brain region responsible for higher-level mental functions; often cited in biological theory as underdeveloped in criminals.

Question 4

Limbic System

Answer 4

Brain region responsible for emotions and motivations; found to be more active in criminals according to biological theory.

Question 5

Environmental Theory

Answer 5

Theory suggesting that individuals become criminals due to their upbringing and environment, including factors like poverty and crime-ridden neighborhoods.

Question 6

Criticism of Biological Theory

Answer 6

Pointing out diversity in crimes and the lack of a single gene responsible for criminal behavior

Question 7

Stalking

Answer 7

Persistent attempts to impose unwanted communications or contact, causing fear or distress.

Question 8

Criminality of Stalking

Answer 8

In all Australian states and territories, stalking is a crime. In Victoria, punishment includes up to 10 years in prison and covers cyber stalking.

Question 9

Rejected Stalker

Answer 9

Experienced a breakup; refuses to accept the end of the relationship.

Question 10

Erotomanic Stalker

Answer 10

Suffers from erotomania; believes someone is in love with them.

Question 11

Intimacy-Seeker Stalker

Answer 11

Inappropriately tries to establish a relationship; sees punishment as the price for love.

Question 12

Predatory Stalker

Answer 12

Seeks sexual gratification and control; rarely approaches victim openly.

Question 13

Incompetent Suitor Stalker

Answer 13

Lacks social skills; uses inappropriate methods to maintain contact.

Question 14

Resentful Stalker

Answer 14

Obsessed with victim over a real or imagined insult; stalks to “get even.”

Question 15

Psychological Impacts of Stalking (3)

Answer 15

Powerlessness, severe stress, anxiety, nightmares, guilt, anger, social isolation.

Question 16

Lifestyle Impacts of Stalking (3)

Answer 16

Moving houses, avoiding places, reducing social outings, changing employment, adopting security measures.

Question 17

Physical Impacts of Stalking (3)

Answer 17

Severe sleep disturbance, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, worsening medical conditions.

Question 18

Criminal Profiling

Answer 18

Technique to aid in identifying and apprehending criminal offenders. Useful for repeated crimes or serial offenders.

Question 19

Offender Signature

Answer 19

Pattern of distinctive behaviors reflecting emotional and psychological needs. Includes signature aspect and signature behavior.

Question 20

Behavioral Evidence Analysis (BEA) Steps

Answer 20

1. Analyze equivocal forensic evidence.
2. Analyze the victim’s characteristics.
3. Analyze the crime scene characteristics.
4. Develop a criminal profile.
5. Apprehension.

Question 21

Serial Killer

Answer 21

Killed on at least three occasions with an emotional cooling-off period between murders.

Question 22

Visionary Serial Killer

Answer 22

Driven by voices or visions.

Question 23

Mission-Oriented Serial Killer

Answer 23

Kills to eliminate a specific sub-population.

Question 24

Hedonistic Serial Killer

Answer 24

Kills for pleasure or personal status enhancement.

Question 25

Power/Control Serial Killer

Answer 25

Kills for pleasure of control and dominance.

Question 26

Mass Murderer

Answer 26

Kills four or more victims in one location during a single incident.

Question 27

Spree Killer

Answer 27

Murders at two or more locations within a short period.

Question 28

Expert Witness

Answer 28

Provides professional opinion on matters outside ordinary experience.

Question 29

Eye Witness

Answer 29

Provides observations about the crime but cannot offer opinions.

Question 30

Actus Reus

Answer 30

The physical act of committing a crime.

Question 31

Mens Rea

Answer 31

The mental intention to commit a crime.

Question 32

Dangerousness

Answer 32

Likelihood of committing a serious act of violence with little provocation.

Question 33

Assessment of Dangerousness

Answer 33

Structural Clinical Judgement (SCJ) involves professional training, interviewing skills, and risk assessment instruments.

Question 34

Psychopathy

Answer 34

Lack of emotion and conscience; diagnosis is antisocial personality disorder.

Question 35

Stages of Memory

Answer 35

1. Encoding: Information is gathered and converted. 2. Storage: Information is stored in short-term or long-term memory. 3. Retrieval: Recalling stored information.

Question 36

Problems in Memory Stages

Answer 36

1. Encoding: Distraction leads to inaccurate descriptions. 2. Retrieval: Forgetting due to decay, suppression, or lack of cues.