Question 1

What is the difference between top-down and bottom-up offender profiling?

Accepted Answer

Top-down profiling, used by the FBI, starts with a typology (organised or disorganised) based on crime scene evidence and then fits the offender into that category. Bottom-up profiling, developed in the UK, builds a profile from statistical analysis of crime scene data, such as geographical profiling (e.g., Canter's circle theory). Top-down is more intuitive but less scientific, while bottom-up is data-driven and more reliable.

Question 2

How do twin studies support the genetic explanation of crime?

Accepted Answer

Twin studies compare concordance rates (likelihood both twins share a trait) between monozygotic (identical) and dizygotic (fraternal) twins. Higher concordance in MZ twins suggests a genetic component. For example, Christiansen (1977) found 35% concordance for criminality in MZ twins vs. 13% in DZ twins. However, critics argue that MZ twins share more similar environments, so it's not purely genetic.

Question 3

Why is restorative justice considered better than prison for some offenders?

Accepted Answer

Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm by bringing the victim and offender together, allowing the offender to understand the impact of their crime and make amends. Research shows it reduces recidivism (e.g., Sherman & Strang found a 14% reduction) and improves victim satisfaction. Unlike prison, which can increase criminal behaviour through exposure to other offenders, restorative justice promotes empathy and accountability.

Question 4

What are the main limitations of official crime statistics?

Accepted Answer

Official statistics only record crimes reported to and recorded by the police, missing the 'dark figure' of unreported crime (e.g., domestic violence, sexual offences). They are also affected by police recording practices (e.g., changes in counting rules) and public willingness to report. This means they may not accurately reflect the true extent of crime, leading to biased conclusions about trends and patterns.

Question 5

How does Eysenck's theory explain criminal behaviour?

Accepted Answer

Eysenck proposed that criminals have high levels of extraversion (seeking arousal), neuroticism (emotional instability), and psychoticism (tough-mindedness). These traits are linked to an under-aroused nervous system (extraverts need more stimulation) and poor conditioning, making it harder to learn moral rules. However, the theory is criticised for being culturally biased and for relying on self-report measures that may be unreliable.

Question 6

What is the 'atavistic form' in Lombroso's theory?

Accepted Answer

Lombroso's atavistic form suggests that criminals are 'genetic throwbacks' to primitive ancestors, identifiable by physical features such as a sloping forehead, prominent jaw, or large ears. He claimed these features indicated a born criminal. However, this theory has been discredited due to methodological flaws (e.g., no control group) and racial bias, but it was influential in shifting focus from moral to biological explanations.

Forensic Psychology

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