Analysis of Criminal Psychology Theories and Applications

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Psychology of Behaviour
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Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................3
Task 2.........................................................................................................................................4
Task 3.........................................................................................................................................8
Conclusion................................................................................................................................11
Reference List..........................................................................................................................12
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Introduction
Psychology of behaviour is to be understood by conducting this study. Factors affecting
criminal activities will be identified. Major theories, which can give proper idea about
criminal activities, will be discussed. The crimes committed in real world will be related to
various psychological theories. Psychological perspectives are to be identified, which an
individual can apply in public. Psychological perspectives of individuals are to be identified.
The application of psychology for reducing criminal behaviour is to be found at this study.
The ways psychological perspectives are applicable at different public services will be a part
of this discussion.
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Task 2
Factors that contribute to criminal activities
Genes carries some characteristics of previous generations, which are passed down on
children. If there are any criminal characteristics inside previous generation, then it may be
obtained by newborn children as a part of heritage. There are cases where parents and
families have partaken in crime and as a result, babies inherited those factors (Watts and
McNulty, 2016). Poverty can be a major factor for committing crime. People often suffer
from poverty and to end their misery they may choose the path of crime. It is an easy way out
and many criminal operations are targeted at looting money. Unemployment is another rising
cause for people turning into criminals. It is necessary for a person to satisfy their three basic
needs, which are food, shelter and clothes. If these needs are not satisfied, people may turn to
criminal deeds for surviving (Bell et al., 2018). Substance abuse can lead people to do
criminal activities, as they do not have control over their mind at that stage. A person loses
the ability to differentiate between good and evil under the control of a substance.
Racism can drive criminal activities and it is a serious issue. The rise in racist activities in
recent times can let a person of certain race face many racial abuses. Therefore, due to long
oppression and abuses from other communities, he or she may turn adopt methods for having
justice, which may be not within the law or can be classified as criminal activity
(theguardian.com, 2019). The hate crime is quite common in society and it is evident that
racism is one of the major factors channelling it. Victimisation can make a person criminal
because due to repeated accusation towards the person of crimes, which he or she may not
have committed can lead them to commit serious crimes.
Investigation of major theories related to criminal activities
The criminal activities are subjected to theories that are used to elucidate an understanding on
the criminal activities, that the help in the comprehension of crimes. There are psychological
theories of crime that incorporates the use of Bowlby and maternal deprivation, Eysenck’s
biosocial theory, rational choice theory, cognitive theory, and social behaviour theory. The
criminal activities, which are confined, are done through an analysis of the crimes. The
Bowlby and maternal deprivation states that it is a hypothetical process, which assumes that
physical activities can give in to committing crimes. As per, the scholars, it is imperative to
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make the utilisation of these theories, that suggest the problem of socialisation, which is
inherent in the world.
The theory of Eysenck’s biosocial states that the criminal activities, which are committed, are
based on the extraversion and introversion. The personality of the individual committing
crimes can be based on personality and traits of the individual (Pakes and Pakes, 2014). The
theory of rational choice elucidates that the individuals are the main person accountable for
reasoning, which weighs ends, costs and benefits. The crimes committed are not a personal
choice but a method of decision-making. The cognitive theory elucidates the perception of
people and individuals to resolve their problems. In order to study and investigate crime, the
development of moral intellectual is very helpful. The social behaviour theory argues that
people are integrated to commit crimes as per the methods other learn to conform with. This
further portrays, that the people committing crimes are not integrated to do it by birth or
through conformity.
Analyse real world crime related to psychological theory
The real world crimes that are committed can be analysed through the process of the
psychological theories. There are casual factors that influence the individuals to commit
crimes. The casual factors are generally genetic or through social pressures. The major
ways a criminal is affected are through the ongoing fashion trends, ethnicity individuals
and groups. The real world crimes such as homicide, mutilation, murder, are a product of the
social climate, victimisation, financial influences and environmental issues. The house of
psychological theory, takes into account the use of cognitive theory that states that the
individuals are subjected to commit human violence, because of racism, poverty,
unemployment and so on (Taylor, 2015). As per the perspective of the biosocial theory, it is
important to take into account the use of theories, which are viable for the business. It is
important to take into account the perspectives of the behaviour of the theorists that are
equipped to commit crimes.
Therefore, the real world crimes that are committed can be comprehended as per the moral
conscience of the individuals and their conformity to do it. As per the psychologist Kolberg,
the crimes, which are committed, are subjected to the use of six moral development stages.
As per the violence, researchers there are concepts of ‘personality’, which develops from an
early stage (Moore, 2011). This shows that certain personality can affect the criminals to
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make the use of such crimes. This portrays the nature of the heinous acts, which are practiced
and ascertained, in the branch of criminology.
Explain how psychological perspectives can be applied by individuals in the public
services
Psychological perspectives are applied by individuals operating in the public services in
various ways in order to enhance their operational success in their job roles. Individuals are
able to apply various styles of communication in their job roles within the public service in
order to communicate efficiently with the other officers and users of various public services.
The individuals can integrate different forms of communication style in their operations such
as submissive communication technique to understand the opinion of the other party.
According to the opinion formed by Hook et al. (2016), communication is an essential aspect
in public services as it provides the users to communicate with the service providers
efficiently. Individuals in the public service can apply assertive and passive forms of
communication in order to gather relevant information from different service users. Such
communication methods are beneficial for the officers involved with criminals as well since
it allows them to communicate and dominate mentally unstable criminals effectively. The use
of aggressive communication is beneficial for the individuals dealing with rough criminals as
well.
Individuals can apply different learning styles in their job roles within the public service as it
provides them with the opportunity to reflect on their actions and generate better outcomes
through their operations. The application of Kolb learning cycle enhances the ability of the
individuals operating in the public services to reflect on their activities and generate better
outcomes of their activities. The implementation of Honey and Mumford learning style
within their job role of public services enhances their ability to perform within the designated
job specification. Implementation of Fleming learning style allows public service officers to
enhance their learning while performing their job roles in the industry. The need for applying
effective learning styles within the job specification enables the public service officials to
develop better strategies in their job roles (Schmidt et al., 2018).
According to the views generated by Patterson et al. (2017), it can be stated that social
learning perspectives are essential in the operational tactics of the individuals within public
service. The officials within the sector can gain information about their operatives and skills
through the application of Bandura’s social learning. People learn in groups by observing
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the behaviours of other within the setting. As per the tenets of Rotter’s social learning
theory, it is essential for the service operators to develop better activities. In strict adherence
to the tenets of Kearsley’s social learning attributes it can be stated that the public service
officers need to evaluate the types of functional operations they perform within their job
setting. By learning through group behaviour, individuals would be able to develop new
skills.
In accordance to the views generated by Iqbal et al. (2015), it can be suggested that
application of effective leadership perspectives enhance the occupational ability of the
individuals in managing the employees at public service entities. Effective leadership styles
of Maslow hierarchy of needs provide the managers and leaders at any public service office
to motivate their employees efficiently. The aspects of Roger’s leadership style is
implemented within the job role of a leader in public service through proper intimation with
the employees regarding the ways employees can perform their activities specific to their
positions within the institution.
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Task 3
Application of how psychological perspectives by individuals and team in publics
Application of how psychological perspectives by individuals and team in publics
Psychological perspectives differ from individual to individual because their thinking power
is different. In addition to that, five major perspectives in psychology are biological,
psychodynamic, cognitive, humanistic and behavioural. Each perspective innovate new roots
because of different thinking power. Further, psychological perspectives can be
implemented with the help of plethora of theories (Arnold et al., 2005). On the other hand,
psychological perspectives can be implemented through communication between individuals.
Some of communication styles that can be implemented among individuals have been
discussed below:
Submissive
Individuals who implement this communication style have a tendency to please the opponent
party in order to mitigate conflict between the two individuals. An individual who is
submissive in nature behaves as per the requirement of the listeners so that they both can
have cordial relationship among them. Submissive people have less chance to get involved in
criminal activities because they speak in soft tone so that other person does not get
aggressive.
Assertive
Assertive form of communication is considered most effective because the speaker has the
capability to convenience the listener On the other hand; they can easily convenience the
listener through oratory skills. This form of communication motivates other people because
the speaker is confident about himself (Dovidio et al., 2017)
Aggressive
Aggressive form of communication states that speaker’s needs are the most important
because individual’s success depends upon them.
To understand the importance psychological perspective Kolb is learning cycle can be
implemented
Kolb's learning cycle helps to improve the learning process so that holistic development can
be implemented. It also looks after the cognitive development of an individual. Learning
process helps to develop analysis power of an individual sol that they can differentiate
between good and bad. For instance, if an individual can understand the harmful effect of
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crime then its rate can be reduced in future. As per Kolb's cycle, harmful effect of crime can
be analysed if an individual has experienced it. There must be a relation between experience
and understand in order to understand advantages and challenges of an event. Present trend of
crime rate can be analysed by looking at the past. In order to develop active experimentation
real world analysis need to be done. Bandura's theory has been that we can learn by observing
and imitating others. Physiological development can take by observing and imitating others
(Gross, 2015)
Assess how psychology is practically applied by the public services to reduce criminal
behaviour
Family plays an important role in nurturing the psychology of an individual. For instance,
family members need to motivate an individual during childhood so that the individual does
not get indulge in criminal activities. Peers also play an important role in developing
psychology of an individual. For instance, they should explain the advantages and
disadvantages of crime to the individual. Moreover, in the case Maslow theory can be
implemented in order to motivate criminals so that they do not take part in crimes. Provision
of employment can also reduce crime rate in society.
Evaluate how psychological perspective is applied to the work of a range of public
services
Psychological perspective is important for public administrations. Psychological perspective
is important in the administrations to function properly. Acceptance of psychology in the
department of police has caused a cultural shift. Application of the psychological perspective
in public services will be described below:
Converting the events
Psychological approach is essential in several public service administrations. Psychological
approach is significant for the national policies and police services. Understanding the
criminal psychology in the police service is highly significant and the psychological
perspective can be recognised by the interactions between the police and the criminals
(Apa.org., 2019). Influence of the psychology is very high in the public service commission.
In the police service, understanding the criminal psychology can decrease the crime in
society. Criminals should be approached effectively and the communication could be initiated
properly. Communication of the police towards the criminals can be considered as one of the
most important approach of psychology.
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In the healthcare service, the psychological approach should be polite and careful towards the
patients. It will help to provide comfort to the patients. The effectiveness of the services
within this industry will increase with this approach. The doctors and the nurses in this
industry are trained according to this psychological approach. In the army and the defence
sector, the approach should be hard and disciplined.
Psychological perspectives are essential as it affects the behaviours of the personnel and
communication of the parties will be better by psychological approaches. The approaches
will be different for the different sectors and it will increase the efficiency of the parties in the
industries (Law.yale.edu., 2019). The industry will be grown properly with the help of
effective psychological perspective. It is important to increase the customerbvsatisfaction.
The behavioural approaches of the personnel are decided by the behaviours of them. Proper
approach will increase the clarity within the system. It is one of the biggest advantages of
knowing the proper approach of the psychology. Psychological approach helps to take the
initiative to the growth of the industry and the overall performance can be increased with the
help of internal communication. Different social issues can be dealt with the effective
psychological perspective.
From the above discussion, it can be cleared that psychological perspective is an essential
factor for the growth of the industry. Several importances of the psychological perspectives
and the evaluation of the perspective have been provided in the report.
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Conclusion
Genes can make a person criminal as criminal characteristics are passed down in the heritage.
Racism and unemployment are also major factors, which makes a person criminal.
Psychological theories have cleared the reason behind committing crime. Real world crimes
are related by these theories and gave clear perception about it. Banduras theory gave some
clear perception and it is applicable for various public services. Psychological theories have
been highlighted, which can be used for reducing criminal activities. Psychological
perspectives of individuals and in a team were also a part of this discussion and major factors
have been found from it.
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Reference List
Arnold, J., Silvester, J., Cooper, C.L., Robertson, I.T. and Patterson, F.M., 2005. Work
psychology: Understanding human behaviour in the workplace. Pearson Education.
Bell, B., Bindler, A. and Machin, S., 2018. Crime scars: recessions and the making of career
criminals. Review of Economics and Statistics, 100(3), pp.392-404.
Dovidio, J.F., Hewstone, M., Glick, P. and Esses, V.M., 2010. Prejudice, stereotyping and
discrimination: Theoretical and empirical overview. The SAGE handbook of prejudice,
stereotyping and discrimination, pp.3-29.
Gross, R., 2015. Psychology: The science of mind and behaviour 7th edition. Hodder
Education
Hook, D., Franks, B. and Bauer, M. eds., 2016. The social psychology of communication.
Springer.
Iqbal, N., Anwar, S. and Haider, N., 2015. Effect of leadership style on employee
performance. Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review, 5(5), pp.1-6.
Moore, M. (2011). Psychological theories of crime and delinquency. Journal of Behaviour in
the social environment,21, 226-239.
Pakes, F., and Pakes, S. (2014). Criminal psychology. London: Routledge.
Patterson, G.R., DeBaryshe, B.D. and Ramsey, E., 2017. A developmental perspective on
antisocial behavior. In Developmental and Life-course Criminological Theories (pp. 29-35).
Routledge.
Schmidt, R.A., Lee, T.D., Winstein, C., Wulf, G. and Zelaznik, H.N., 2018. Motor control
and learning: A behavioral emphasis. Human kinetics.
Taylor, S. (2015). Forensic psychology, Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. See Chapter 2:
Theories of criminal behaviour that help inform practice, pp. 29-63.
the Guardian. (2019). Hate crime | Society | The Guardian. [online] Available at:
https://www.theguardian.com/society/hate-crime [Accessed 5 Jun. 2019].
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