Forensic Psychology

Question 1

What are 3 factors of inaccurate eyewitness testimony that can lead to false convictions?

Answer 1

1. Stress during the event
2. Suggestive questioning
3. Poor visibility conditions.
   These factors can distort memory recall and lead to misidentification.

Question 2

What is the value of the person conducting a line-up or photospread being ‘blind’ to the suspect?

Answer 2

Reduces unintentional cues and biases that may influence eyewitness identification. This helps ensure a more reliable identification process.

Question 3

Why should the suspect not stand out in the line-up or photospread?

Answer 3

To avoid bias in the selection process. Fillers should resemble the suspect to prevent leading the eyewitness.

Question 4

Define crime.

Answer 4

An act or the commission of an act that is forbidden or punishable by law. Examples of crime differ globally, e.g., drug use may be legal in some countries but illegal in others.

Question 5

Why is it important to measure crime?

Answer 5

To understand the extent of criminal activity and inform policy decisions. Factors impacting reporting include fear of retaliation, mistrust of authorities, and social stigma.

Question 6

Contrast the top-down and bottom-up approaches to offender profiling.

Answer 6

Top-down: Based on pre-existing theories and categorization
Bottom-up: Based on evidence and data from the crime scene.
Each approach offers different methodologies for understanding criminal behavior.

Question 7

Explain one genetic example that reflects genetic criminality.

Answer 7

Twin studies showing higher concordance rates for criminal behavior in identical twins compared to fraternal twins. This suggests a genetic influence on criminality.

Question 8

What role do serotonin and dopamine play in criminality?

Answer 8

Serotonin: Low levels linked to impulsivity
Dopamine: High levels associated with risk-taking behavior.
Both neurotransmitters can influence aggression and criminal actions.

Question 9

What are Eysenck’s personality traits underpinning criminality?

Answer 9

1. Extraversion: a personality trait characterized by outgoingness and sociability
2. Neuroticism: a personality trait characterized by a tendency to experience negative emotions like anxiety, worry, and sadness
3. Psychoticism: a personality type that is prone to take risks, might engage in anti-social behaviors, impulsiveness, or non-conformist behavior
   These traits can contribute to an individual’s propensity to offend.

Question 10

Outline the 4 cognitive distortions displayed by people who offend.

Answer 10

1. hostile attribution bias (interpreting the actions of others as being hostile)
2. minimalisation (playing down the severity of the circumstances that you are in).
3. egocentric bias: to overthink a person’s own perspective and thoughts. This often leads to an unrealistic view of reality and results in it being difficult to understand others’ viewpoints.
4. casual attribution bias: when people guess the reason why something happened, but they get it wrong in a predictable way.

These distortions help offenders rationalize their behavior.

Question 11

What are the aims of custodial sentencing?

Answer 11

1. Deterrence
2. Rehabilitation
3. Public protection
4. Retribution
   Each aim addresses different aspects of justice and offender management.

Question 12

Discuss the effects of custodial sentencing.

Answer 12

1. Impact on mental health
2. Risk of reoffending
3. Social reintegration challenges
   Custodial sentences can have long-term consequences for offenders and society.