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The Psych of Criminal Behaviour Flashcards

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1
Q

Why is crime a concern for Canadians?

A

Public confidence in corrections is low

Media portrays crime inaccurately, emphasizing sensational cases

Crime has significant social and economic impacts

Need for evidence-based approaches to reduce reoffending

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2
Q

Why is public confidence in corrections low and how can it be improved?

A

Perceived ineffectiveness in reducing recidivism

Failure to address criminogenic needs (e.g., antisocial attitudes, peers)

Media could help by portraying accurate crime data and successful rehabilitation

Public awareness of effective interventions could increase trust

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3
Q

What are the characteristics of a typical offender?

A

Poor self-regulation

Substance abuse problems

Antisocial peer relationships

Problematic family background

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4
Q

What is the interdisciplinary approach to understanding criminal behaviour?

A

Combines psychology, criminology, and sociology

Cognitive social learning theory explains behavior via internal and external factors

Meta-analyses help identify effective interventions based on key risk factors

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5
Q

How is public perception of criminal justice shaped?

A

Media often emphasizes extreme cases

Public believes corrections are ineffective

Media and education should highlight ordinary crimes and successful treatments

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6
Q

What are the current crime trends in Canada?

A

Majority of crimes are non-violent and committed by ordinary individuals

Influenced by socioeconomic and mental health factors

Effective interventions focus on addressing criminogenic needs

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7
Q

What are the financial and social impacts of crime in Canada?

A

High cost to justice system, healthcare, and victim services

Harm to individuals and communities

Targeted interventions reduce reoffending and associated costs

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8
Q

What are the key biological factors linked to criminality?

A

Genetics (e.g., MAOA gene)

Neurochemistry (e.g., serotonin, dopamine)

Hormones (e.g., testosterone)

Psychophysiology (e.g., heart rate, skin conductance)

Interactions among subsystems

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9
Q

What does Life History Theory suggest about antisocial behavior?

A

Harsh/unpredictable environments → riskier strategies

Risky behavior may increase reproductive success

Lower parental investment, more impulsivity

Explains variability across individuals/societies

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10
Q

What are the challenges of applying Life History Theory?

A

Difficult to isolate all environmental factors

Complex interactions hard to measure

More longitudinal and experimental studies needed

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11
Q

Why do people view biological explanations of crime as deterministic?

A

Genes seen as unchangeable

Evolution linked to “hardwired” traits

Less belief in rehabilitation

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12
Q

How can we reduce deterministic thinking about biological theories?

A

Emphasize gene–environment interaction

Show compatibility with social/environmental interventions

Integrate biological and traditional theories

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13
Q

Why might females have greater resilience to aggression via MAOA?

A

MAOA is X-linked

Females have two X chromosomes

One functional copy can compensate for the other

Biological buffer against aggression/crime

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14
Q

What are the basic principles of evolutionary psychology?

A

Behaviors are adaptations to ancestral problems

Evolved psychological mechanisms guide behavior

Focus on survival, mating, status, resource acquisition

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15
Q

How does evolutionary psychology explain crime?

A

Crime may be adaptive in certain ancestral contexts

Aggression/theft helped secure mates or resources

Male-male competition, dominance strategies

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16
Q

How do biology and environment interact in shaping criminality?

A

Environment shapes gene expression (e.g., prenatal exposure)

Adaptive phenotypic plasticity (response to current conditions)

Biology sets potential, environment shapes outcome

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17
Q

How are biological and evolutionary theories compatible with traditional theories?

A

Evolution explains why, traditional theories explain how

Complementary perspectives (e.g., biology + social learning)

Broader understanding when combined

Not mutually exclusive

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18
Q

What do psychodynamic theories emphasize as causes of crime?

A

Inability of internal psychic forces to control antisocial impulses

Internal psychic forces include the id, ego, and superego, which develop through stages.

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19
Q

What are the two popular control theories in psychodynamic theories of crime?

A
  1. Hirschi’s social control theory
  2. Gottfredson and Hirschi’s general theory of crime
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20
Q

What does Hirschi’s social control theory suggest about crime?

A

People don’t commit crime because of bonds with society, including attachments, commitment, involvement, and belief in rules.

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21
Q

What is Gottfredson and Hirschi’s general theory of crime based on?

A

The degree of self-control gained from effective parenting practices.

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22
Q

Define classical conditioning.

A

Learning that occurs when an unconditioned stimulus is paired with a neutral stimulus, producing a conditioned response.

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23
Q

Define operant conditioning.

A

Learning that occurs by experiencing environmental consequences caused by behavior, such as reinforcement and punishment.

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24
Q

What does Sutherland’s differential association theory emphasize?

A

Criminal behavior is learned through interactions with others, especially with antisocial attitudes.

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25
What does Akers' social learning theory add to differential association theory?
It emphasizes operant conditioning and vicarious conditioning in the crime acquisition process.
26
What is the focus of Andrews and Bonta’s PIC-R theory of crime?
Multiple paths into crime determined by antecedent and consequent events signaling rewards and costs.
27
What are key principles of psychodynamic theories of crime?
1. Id, Ego, and Superego 2. Defense mechanisms 3. Childhood experiences
28
What is the primary predictor of crime according to Gottfredson and Hirschi's theory?
Low self-control.
29
List major predictors of crime from control theories.
* Impulsivity * Inability to manage emotions * Poor social bonds
30
Describe the principles of classical conditioning.
Learning through association where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus.
31
Describe the principles of operant conditioning.
Learning through consequences, shaped by reinforcement and punishment.
32
Identify key elements of Sutherland’s differential association theory.
* Definitions favorable to crime * Frequency, duration, and intensity of association
33
What does Akers’ social learning theory emphasize?
Criminal behavior is learned through operant and vicarious reinforcement, including cognitive definitions of crime.
34
What are the components of the personal, interpersonal, and community-reinforcement theory of crime (PIC-R)?
* Personal reinforcement * Interpersonal reinforcement * Community reinforcement
35
True or False: Aversive conditioning pairs a fetish object with a pleasant stimulus.
False.
36
Fill in the blank: According to Akers, crime is learned primarily through _______.
[differential associations with peers and social groups].
37
What is the role of peer influences in a treatment program based on Akers' theory?
Identify and alter antisocial peer groups through group therapy.
38
How does classical conditioning relate to the treatment of a foot fetish?
Creating a negative association between the fetish object and discomfort.
39
What is an example of positive punishment in the criminal justice system?
Imposition of additional sentences for misbehaving in prison.
40
What is an example of negative punishment in the criminal justice system?
Revoking privileges for disruptive behavior.
41
What was the first Canadian legislation to address juvenile offending?
The Juvenile Delinquents Act (JDA) in 1908.
42
What replaced the Juvenile Delinquents Act (JDA) in 1984?
The Young Offender’s Act (YOA).
43
What act replaced the Young Offender’s Act (YOA) in 2003?
The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).
44
What do biological theories of juvenile offending focus on?
Genetic and physiological differences between adolescent offenders and non-offenders.
45
What do cognitive theories propose about antisocial behavior?
They focus on thought processes that occur in social interactions.
46
What is a risk factor?
A variable that increases the likelihood of an undesirable outcome such as antisocial behavior.
47
List domains where risk factors occur.
* Individual (e.g., difficult temperament) * Familial (e.g., low parental involvement) * School (e.g., low commitment to school) * Peer (e.g., associating with antisocial peers) * Community (e.g., low-income neighbourhood)
48
What is a protective factor?
A variable that decreases the likelihood of an undesirable outcome such as antisocial behavior.
49
List domains where protective factors occur.
* Individual (e.g., intelligence) * Familial (e.g., supportive relationship with parent) * School (e.g., commitment to school) * Peer (e.g., associating with peers who disapprove of antisocial behavior) * Community (e.g., strong community infrastructure)
50
What are the three common disorders diagnosed in adolescent offenders?
* Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) * Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) * Conduct Disorder (CD)
51
Which disorder is a precursor to adult antisocial personality disorder?
Conduct Disorder (CD).
52
What is the purpose of instruments used to assess an adolescent offender’s risk?
To score items on a checklist related to reoffending.
53
What are the three types of intervention strategies?
* Primary intervention strategies * Secondary intervention strategies * Tertiary intervention strategies
54
What is the goal of primary intervention strategies?
To decrease the likelihood that violence will occur later on.
55
What does the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) emphasize?
Restorative justice, rehabilitation, and diversion programs.
56
What does Social Learning Theory propose?
Children learn criminal behavior from observing and imitating others.
57
What does Strain Theory suggest about juvenile delinquency?
Juveniles turn to delinquency when unable to achieve socially approved goals.
58
What does Control Theory posit?
Juveniles commit offenses when their bond to society is weak.
59
List common risk factors associated with juvenile offending.
* Parental neglect * Family conflict * Parental criminality * Association with deviant peers * Academic failure * Living in poverty
60
What are the long-term trajectories of Conduct Disorder (CD)?
Leads to continued criminal behavior in adulthood if untreated.
61
What tool is used to assess the risk of reoffending in juveniles?
The Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI).
62
Fill in the blank: The social skills program for children includes a week dedicated to _______.
Understanding Emotions.
63
What is the objective of the study design to examine the effectiveness of the social skills program?
Test whether the social skills program reduces antisocial behavior.
64
What is the independent variable in the study design?
Participation in the social skills program.
65
What is the dependent variable in the study design?
Reduction in antisocial behavior.
66
What are the core features of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
67
What is the focus of the eight-week social skills program?
To teach children various social skills and conflict resolution strategies.
68
What is the emphasis of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) regarding young offenders?
Rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
69
True or False: Conduct Disorder (CD) is less severe than Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).
False.
70
What are the two main categories of white-collar crime?
Occupational crime: committed by individuals (usually higher social status) against businesses/government Corporate crime: committed by organizations to advance their interests
71
What distinguishes fraud from theft?
Fraud involves deceit or fraudulent means to deprive someone of property/money/services Defined under section 380 of the Criminal Code Fraud also categorized under $5000 or over $5000 thresholds
72
What are some characteristics of adolescent prostitutes compared to non-prostitute youth?
More likely to be runaways Use a wider variety of drugs Both groups may experience abuse and low self-esteem
73
How does the Criminal Code define a "criminal organization"?
Group of 3+ persons inside or outside Canada Main purpose includes facilitating or committing serious offenses Group or members receive material/financial benefit
74
What types of crimes are typically committed by organized crime groups?
Fraud (mass-marketing, intellectual property) Sex trade (prostitution, human trafficking) Drug trade (importation, distribution)
75
What intervention methods are used for different economic crimes?
White-collar crime: legislative action, corporate oversight Property crime: programs targeting attitudes, goal-setting Drug trade/prostitution: treatment courts, community mobilization, social support
76
What are the three general classes of substance abuse theories?
Disease (medical) model Social learning/choice model Self-medication model Integrated models combining elements of all three
77
What are the two main perspectives linking crime and substance abuse?
Addiction-first: addiction drives criminal conduct; treating addiction treats criminality Crime-first: criminal lifestyle precedes addiction; treat both addiction and criminal risk simultaneously (CSC approach)
78
What substance abuse assessment tool does Correctional Service Canada rely on?
CASA (Computerized Addiction Severity Assessment) Self-report tool used for screening and treatment planning
79
What is the best model to explain drug addiction according to the text?
Disease model: addiction as a chronic medical condition affecting brain function Supports medical interventions like methadone maintenance
80
How has the rate of violent crime in Canada changed since the early 1990s?
Violent crime rates have generally decreased Violence remains relatively rare in Canada
81
What is the difference between reactive and instrumental violence?
Reactive violence: impulsive, in response to provocation/threat Instrumental violence: premeditated, goal-oriented They lie on a continuum of violent behavior
82
Name four key approaches to violence risk assessment.
Unstructured clinical judgment Empirical actuarial methods (e.g., VRAG) Mechanical methods Structured professional judgment Actuarial tools often more accurate than unstructured clinical judgment
83
What are some key violent recidivism risk assessment instruments?
SAQ (Self-Report Assessment Questionnaire) VRAG (Violence Risk Appraisal Guide) HCR-20 (Historical, Clinical, Risk Management-20) These combine static and dynamic factors for prediction
84
What are the main types of intimate partner violence (IPV)?
Physical abuse Sexual abuse Financial abuse Emotional abuse
85
What are some gender-specific motives for engaging in dating violence?
Men: desire for power/control, antisocial/psychopathic traits, substance abuse, impulsivity Women: psychological distress, past abuse, attachment insecurities, self-defense or emotional response
86
What factors might encourage or discourage abused women from using shelters?
Encourage: safe environment, counseling, legal/housing support, public awareness Discourage: fear of perpetrator, distrust of institutions, shame/stigma, economic dependence, lack of social support
87
How does social learning theory explain intimate partner violence?
IPV learned by observing violence in family Children witnessing IPV more likely to be future perpetrators/victims Violence reinforced if rewarded or unpunished
88
Describe the ecological model of family violence in relation to IPV risk factors.
Multiple levels: individual (mental health, substance abuse), relationship (conflict, power dynamics), community, societal (cultural norms, poverty) All levels interact to increase IPV risk
89
What are the three main typologies of male batterers?
Family-only: low violence, few psychopathological traits Generally violent/antisocial: high violence, antisocial traits, violence outside home Dysphoric-borderline: severe violence, mood disorders, borderline personality features
90
What are common co-occurring mental disorders among offenders, and how do they impact risk?
Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression Antisocial personality disorder (APD) Substance abuse disorders Increase impulsivity, aggression, poor impulse control Heighten risk of violence and recidivism if untreated
91
How are police changing their approach to mentally disordered persons in conflict with the law?
Adoption of mental health diversion programs Divert offenders to treatment before court involvement Early mental health assessment and support Reduce incarceration and hospitalization costs Prevent further criminalization of mental illness
92
Which risk assessment approach is recommended prior to releasing a mentally disordered offender (MDO), and why?
Use HCR-20V3 (Historical Clinical Risk Management) for violence risk Use SAPROF (Structured Assessment of Protective Factors) to identify strengths Combines risk and protective factors for balanced, comprehensive assessment Improves predictive accuracy for recidivism and safety
93
What is psychopathy and how does it differ from related labels?
Personality disorder with manipulativeness, lack of empathy, deceitfulness, impulsivity Overlaps with Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD), but broader diagnosis Sociopathy often viewed as environmental vs. psychopathy as biological Psychopathic traits exist on a continuum, not always full disorder Callous-Unemotional (CU) traits describe similar traits in youth
94
What are the main theories and biological findings on the etiology of psychopathy?
Neurobiological: Amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex abnormalities Genetic: ~50% variance in psychopathic traits due to genetics, environment also key Learning theory: Negative environments (abuse, neglect) contribute Brain differences impact emotion regulation, impulse control, empathy
95
What is the general profile of sexual offence victims and offenders?
Minority of population are victims Most offenders male Younger people more likely victims and offenders Offenders usually know victims (friends, family, acquaintances)
96
What are some key theories explaining sexual offending?
Biological (genetics, neurodevelopmental issues) Psychodynamic (childhood trauma, attachment issues) Cognitive-Behavioral (distorted thinking, justification) Social Learning (modeling offending behavior) Feminist (power/control in patriarchal society)
97
How do girls’ and women’s crime rates and types compare to boys’ and men’s?
Girls/women commit less crime overall Less violent and serious crime Female crime often relational (e.g., intimate partner violence) Male crime more violent (homicide, assault, robbery)
98
What motivates female offending compared to males?
Sometimes relational or emotional (defense, intimate partner) Sometimes similar motives (restoring reputation, “saving face”) Trauma, poverty, substance abuse more common influences for females
99
What are key differences in female offenders’ assessment and treatment needs?
Women face more sexual abuse, trauma, domestic violence Parenting needs and relationship dynamics important Male-based tools may over-classify women as high risk Gender-responsive programs focus on empowerment, trauma recovery
100
How do gender-neutral risk assessment tools compare to gender-responsive tools?
Gender-neutral (e.g., LS/CMI): standardized, objective, widely used Fail to capture gender-specific needs (trauma, childcare) Gender-responsive (e.g., SPIn-W): address women’s unique risks More accurate but require more training and less widely used
101
What are pros and cons of gender-neutral vs. gender-responsive risk tools?
Gender-neutral: standardized, easy to use; miss gender-specific needs Gender-responsive: better risk capture, tailored treatment; need more training, less used
102
What are the four common explanations for Aboriginal overrepresentation in the criminal justice system
Higher Aboriginal offending rates Aboriginal crimes more likely to result in prison Criminal justice policies impact Aboriginals due to socio-economic conditions Differential processing/discrimination in the justice system
103
What historical and social factors contribute to Aboriginal overrepresentation?
Colonization impacts Residential schools trauma Intergenerational trauma Loss of cultural identity Poverty, substance abuse, violence in communities Systemic discrimination in justice system
104
What key legal decision mandates consideration of Aboriginal offenders' unique circumstances in sentencing?
The Gladue ruling (R. v. Gladue, 1999) Requires judges to consider alternatives to incarceration Encourages restorative justice and culturally specific interventions
105
How do Aboriginal healing lodges support offenders?
Provide culturally relevant programs based on Aboriginal traditions Holistic focus: physical, emotional, mental, spiritual healing Include Elders, ceremonies, spiritual teachings Aim to reconnect offenders with culture and reduce recidivism
106
What does the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (1992) require regarding Aboriginal offenders?
CSC must provide Aboriginal-specific correctional programs Programs integrate cultural practices (Elders, ceremonies) Respect Aboriginal learning and healing approaches
107
Should non-Aboriginal offenders have access to the same culturally specific sentencing options as Aboriginal offenders?
Aboriginal offenders face unique historical and cultural challenges Programs address specific needs (trauma, cultural loss) Non-Aboriginal offenders generally do not need the same culturally based programs Equality before law balanced with culturally appropriate responses

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