Psychological Explenations, Cognitive Explenations

Question 1

Levels of moral reasoning

Answer 1

-Kohlberg suggests that people’s decisions and judgements on what’s right and wrong can be summarised in stages of moral reasoning
-Khokberg used the Heinz dilemma to show how violent youths have lower levels of moral reasoning compared to non criminals

Question 2

Kholbergs criminal moral reasoning

Answer 2

Kohlberg’s model classified criminals as having pre conventional moral reasoning (stages 1 and 2)
-stage 1 is associated with the likelihood of punishment
-stage 2 is associated with the need to avoid punishment and gain reward, the levels of self interest
-This is identified by being more egocentric and displaying poorer social perspective taking skills compared to non offenders who exhibit more sympathy and honesty
-Non criminals are placed in conventional moral reasoning and beyond

Question 5

Cognitive distortions

Answer 5

-Biases or faulty processing in people’s information processing characterised by faulty thinking
-linked to the way criminals justify their own actions

Question 6

Hostile attribution bias

Answer 6

-The tendency to misinterpret the actions of other people
-Misreading non aggressive cues or seeing ambiguous situations as being threatening
-Even being looked at can lead to a disproportionate, violent response

Question 7

Minimilisation

Answer 7

-Down playing the significance of the offence to reduce a personal sense of guilt
-Burglurs are just supporting their family