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Flashcards in What is Forensic Psychology? Deck (12)
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1
Q

What is Forensic Psychology?

A

The application of psychological knowledge or methods to a task faced by the legal system.

2
Q

List at least 4 roles of Forensic Psychologists

A
Basic scientist of the law
Policy evaluator
Forensic evaluator
Treatment provider
Correctional Psychologist
Trial Consultant
3
Q

List theories of crime

A

Societal or macro-level theories
Community or locality theories
Group or social influence theories
Individual or difference theories

4
Q

What are the 5 principles of the 18th century Classical school of thought?

A
Rationalism
Hedonism
Punishment
Human rights
Due process
5
Q

Psychological theories of crime (Psychodynamic)

A

Early childhood experiences impact behaviour later - Mary Ainsworth attachment theory

6
Q

Biological theories of crime

A
Genetic vulnerabilities (twin and adoption studies)
Brain injury (pre-frontal cortex)
Physiological Abnormalities (testosterone)
7
Q

Psychological theories of crime (Cognitive)

A

Individuals move through stages of moral development in which their thinking about moral problems changes. Criminals are proposed to have a lower level of reasoning

8
Q

Psychological theories of crime (Behavioural)

A

Children learn about aggressive behaviour from parents - social learning theory

9
Q

Psychological theories of crime (Personality)

A

Crime is due to personality defects, such as psychopathy, characterised by callousness, lack of empathy, and aggression.

10
Q

Psychological theories of crime (Intelligence)

A

Low intelligence might indicate poor learning skills and this was once linked with criminal behaviour. (No support for this theory)

11
Q

Sociological theories of crime (General strain theory)

A

strain refers to a relationship in which others are not treating the individual as he/she would like to be treated.
Categories of strain:
- failure to achieve positively valued goals
- removal of positively valued stimuli
- presentation of negatively valued stimuli

12
Q

Sociological theories of crime (subcultural theory)

A

Conflict between norms held by different groups causes criminal behaviour.
Gangs enforce behavioural norms about how to behave, which is as odds with larger society