Intro to Criminal Psych
What does criminal psychology study?
The thoughts, emotions and intentions contributing to criminal behaviour.
Psychological tests
What is the first step in criminal profiling?
Compare the crime to similar past crimes.
What does biological consideration refer to?
Impacts on behaviour caused by genetics, substances, brain structures or hormones.
What percentage of male prisoners report a history of head trauma?
47%
How does criminal psychology differ from criminology?
Criminal psychology focuses on the thoughts, feelings and behaviours of criminals, while criminology studies the causes of crime and prevention.
What is one reason criminal psychologists analyse deception cues?
To gain insight into a suspect's truthfulness.
What does victimology analyse?
The life, habits, and connections of the victim.
Head trauma, methamphetamine use, or warrior gene.
What is the impact of methamphetamine use on crime rates?
It is linked to 95% of armed robberies and up to half of all murders.
Name one focus of criminal psychologists when working with offenders.
Evaluating mental capacity, determining legal competence, or creating criminal profiles.
What type of reports do criminal psychologists consult when profiling offenders?
Police reports, autopsy reports, and other criminal profiles.
What is the ultimate goal of criminal profiling?
To predict and profile the characteristics of unknown offenders.
What substance is associated with an increased in armed robberies and murders?
Methamphetamine
What is Chronic Trauma Encephalopathy?
A condition caused by repeated head trauma that can only be confirmed post-mortem.
What is the biopsychosocial model?
A framework that considers biological, psychological, and social factors in analysing behaviour.
What does analysing the crime scene help criminal psychologists determine?
The offender's characteristics and potential motivations.
Approximate age, personality traits, and possible occupation.
How does head trauma influence criminal behaviour?
It can impair decision-making and impulse control, increasing the risk of criminal behaviour.
What are some symptoms of CTE?
Memory loss, mood changes, confusion, and difficulty thinking.
Why is the biopsychosocial model important in criminal psychology?
It provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing criminal behaviour.
What is one key challenge in criminal profiling?
How does analysing the motivation for the crime assist in profiling?
It provides insight into why the offender committed the act, aiding in narrowing the profile.
Why is it significant that not all people with biological risk factors commit crimes?
It highlights that biological factors alone do not determine behaviour; environmental and psychological factors also play a role.
Why is understanding head trauma important in criminal psychology?
It helps explain how brain injuries can lead to changes in behaviour, potentially resulting in criminal acts.