Offender Profiling - Typology Approach - Flashcards in A Level and IB Psychology

Created by: Gracelynn1998
Created on: 04-03-16 21:28

characteristics of an organised offender

Above average IQ, sexually socially competent, crime scene shows careful planning and has a targeted victim.

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characteristics of an disorganised offender

Below average IQ, sexually and socially inadequate, crime scene shows no signs of careful planning, any weapon found is presumed the weapon used in the attack eg:a rock or knife, victim is randomly selected.

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One criticism of methodology/sample

The approach is based on a sample of 36 offenders- too small to generalise

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Is it easy to classify offenders into categories?

Wilson et al argues that it's too simplistic because 2 classifications don't accurately justify the complex behaviour of the offender; many offenders will have characteristics of both and won't be clear cut.

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Subjective or objective?

Subjective because categorisation relies on opinions of the crime scene so opinions differ and this may mislead investigators.

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Reductionist approach? Where else can it be applied to?

Limited to only violent crimes, so neglects petty theft or burglaries, unlike geographical.

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Can it be used in multiple and singular offences?

Yes, it can be used in multiple and singular offences/one off crimes whereas geographical can only be used in multiple offences due to the nature of the method.

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Useful applications?

Challenges stereotypes; Clarke and Morley interviewed 41 convicted rapists and found contrary to the stereotype, they lived in normal family environments and often in skilled employment.

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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

characteristics of an disorganised offender

Back

Card 3

Front

One criticism of methodology/sample

Back

Card 4

Front

Is it easy to classify offenders into categories?

Back

Card 5

Front

Subjective or objective?

Back

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Offender Profiling - Typology Approach