PSYCHOLOGY SEMINAR: 1

PSYCHOLOGY SEMINAR: 1. Group Members: Aminah Ali- 00066973 Rhiana Samlal- 00070149 Amy Mohammed- 00065349 Ruan Saunders-Noray- 00003594.

CRIME AND DEVIANCE.

Introduction. Questions to consider: Why do crime rates vary from time to time and from culture to culture? Why are some individuals more prone to committing crime than others? Why do crime rates vary across different ages, genders, and racial/ethnic groups? Why are some harmful acts criminalized and not others? Why are some seemingly innocent acts considered to be a crime? What can we do to prevent crime? What is crime?.

Introduction: Defining Crime and Deviance. Deviance is “any behavior that differs significantly from what is considered appropriate or typical for a social group” (American Psychological Association, 2020). DEFINITIONS OF CRIME A legalistic view of crime maintains that a crime is a crime because the law of a given society defines it as such . LEGALISTIC DEFINITION: Crime is “an intentional act in violation of the criminal law committed without defense or excuse, and penalized by the state” (Tappan, 1947). N.B. Only the state is able to define crime..

Introduction. The normative approach considers the complex realities surrounding the concept of crime. Crime is a social construction, (Siegel, Welsh, Senna, 2006). These contextual factors include: The particular society Cultural influences of a given society The time period The social and psychological theoretical perspective(s) from which the crime is being considered NORMATIVE DEFINITION: Crime is deviant behavior that violates prevailing norms and standards which specify how persons should behave in a given society (Hayes & Prenzler, 2015)..

Theoretical Perspectives of Crime & Deviance. “Crime” and “deviance” are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences such as committing a crime violates social laws, while deviant behaviour violates social norms and rules. However, deviant behaviour can also tiptoe over the line of criminal behaviour (National University, 2021) What Influences Behaviour in Criminals? – There are 4 theories we can look at such as ; Psychodynamic theory Behavioral theory Cognitive theory Social Learning theory.

Psychodynamic Theory - · Centers on a person’s early childhood experience and how it influences the likelihood for committing crime ("Criminology Theories | Three Psychological Concepts of Criminal Behavior", 2021). It also involves the conflict of Sigmund Freud’s; the id, ego and superego..

Behavioural Theory - · · The Behavioral theory focuses on how perception of the world influences behaviour it further focuses on human behaviour that develop their behaviour through experience and their reaction of their behaviour from those around them. ("Criminology Theories | Three Psychological Concepts of Criminal Behavior", 2021 ). It is also presents a form of conditioning, where behaviour is learned and reinforced by rewards or punishment..

Cognitive Theory - · · Cognitive theory focuses on how people manifest their perceptions that can lead to a life of crime. There are 3 levels in this theory such as the pre-conventional, conventional and postconventional that breaks down moral development. ..

Social Learning Theory - · The social learning theory highlights when people engage in crime it is because of their association with others who engage in crime, (Crossman, 2021). Three mechanisms by which individuals learn to engage in crime such as - Differential reinforcement, Beliefs Modeling..

Ethical Issues and Dilemmas in Crime and Deviance:.

The role of Ethics in Crime and Deviance (Kramer, 2020). Defines bad behaviour. Determines punishment for criminals and compensation to victims. Builds trust between citizens and authorities. Allows law enforcement to be impartial when handling criminal cases. Enables policy makers to create policies that meets the needs of the entire population..

Ethical Issues and Dilemmas in Crime and Deviance:.

Juveniles and Deviance. Questions to consider : Should Juveniles be convicted as adults? Can punishment prevent crime and deviance in adulthood? Juvenile delinquency refers to deviant or antisocial behaviour in children (Juvenile Delinquency in Trinidad and Tobago Example, 2020). In Trinidad and Tobago, juvenile delinquency refers to offences committed by children under the age of eighteen years. The young person and offenders act. The probation of offenders act..

The potential risk of antisocial behaviour in adulthood (Jevtic, 2014). Therefore consequences of deviant behaviour and criminal activity seeks to not only punish but also to re-educate youths (Jevtic, 2014). Though a high level of moral development is a prerequisite for morally and ethically acceptable behaviour, it does not guarantee such behaviour (Jevtic, 2014). In Trinidad and Tobago, the are homes such as St Judes or St. Michael’s school for boys (Juvenile Delinquency in Trinidad and Tobago Example, 2020). Juveniles found guilty are usually sent to such places by court order so as to reform them however there has been less than favorable results at these facilities..

Drug Use and Deviance. There are conflicting views between traditional teachings and modern societal views relating to drug use. This often results in crime and/or deviant behavior. Questions to consider include (Steiner, n.d.): Should society be allowed unrestrained self-indulgence? Should drugs be used even in the absence of illness? Does an individual possess the right to decide his/her medical needs? Should there be policies to punish someone who has not done harm to themselves or others while using drugs?.

Ethical dilemmas include (Steiner, n.d.) : Should certain drugs be legalized and regulated? - The dangerous drug Act. According to Robert DuPont MD. Cannabis is not a form of medicine and should not be prescribed by physicians (Ethical Issues Involving Medical Use of Marijuana, 2013) Additionally nonmaleficence must be considered when suggesting cannabis to patients. In Trinidad and Tobago as of 2019, 30 grams of cannabis was allowed to be in one’s possession (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, 2021)..

The fine was set at TT50,000.00 if that limit was exceeded (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, 2021). Smoking of cannabis is public places is an offence and individuals can have no more than four cannabis plants (Nathu, 2019). According to the policy, persons who are under the influence of cannabis and is negligent, performs medical malpractice, are in the presence of children for the purpose of education or sport, or pilots any form of vehicle or aircraft will be charged and jailed (Nathu, 2019). Cocaine is another popular drug that is illegal in Trinidad and Tobago. Cocaine worth millions of dollars are still being found by police officials even in recent times (Superville, 2021)..

Use of Alcohol and tobacco. It is not commonly considered a drug but it possesses the same characteristics of other dangerous drugs. The general public disregards this information and treats it as a form of relaxation (Fitzgerald, 2021). Statistically, alcoholism has caused 88000 deaths each year and has been a root cause for various vehicular accidents (Fitzgerald, 2021). When compared to other drugs, they are responsible for 30000 deaths (Fitzgerald, 2021). Alcohol has also been found to deteriorate health and wellness for example liver issues (Fitzgerald, 2021)..

Use of drugs in the sport industry. Steroids are another illegal drug that are mainly used by athletes. Doctors also use corticosteroids to treat injuries, inflammation and asthma (Rapaport, 2020). A lack of knowledge in sports and medicine can lead to athletes failing anti-doping exams even if they did not purposely cheat (Rapaport, 2020)..

Use of over the counter drugs and prescribed medication. Many drugs used by doctors and the ones available at the local pharmacy can also be addictive and be used to commit suicide if the wrong dosage is taken. Some of these medications can also be mind altering and impair motor skills such as (Commonly Abused Drugs, n.d.): Morphine (painkillers used by doctors) Codeine (otc painkillers) Sleep aids Benzodiazepines (sedatives used to treat anxiety).

Scientific Research Methods:. Two critical features of any discipline is it’s methodology or research methods ..

The idea that researchers should be neutral or unbiased in examining the subject matter. A researcher may occasionally find the attributes, behavior or beliefs of a group he or she is studying; however the researcher is trained not to judge but rather objectively record and to determine what meaning these findings have for the field of crime and deviance and the development of its knowledge base..

Ethics in Crime and Deviance Research: Ethical conduct and research is an individual responsibility tied into deep moral judgments. It is basic behavior that is expected in moral and ethical research. (Ronet Bachman & Schutt, 2021)..

This includes experiments, surveys, participant observation, case studies and unobstructive measures also including UCR [in the United States]. (Ronet Bachman & Schutt, 2021). Official police statistics - The uniform crime reports [UCR] The US Department of Justice has compiled national crime statistics, the uniform crime report or UCR with the Federal Bureau of investigation FBI. The UCR is divided into two index, part one crimes; the index crimes that are used to calculate the crime rate..

This is a system for determining far more detail on crime incidents that is intended to replace the UCR. (Ronet Bachman & Schutt, 2021) Alternative data gathering strategies; Qualitative techniques include less commitment to qualitative measurement on the part of the researcher, more engagement with the field and observational strategies unless direct means of obtaining information..

Experiments are research that involves various of the classic experimental designs employing equivalence pretest and post test experimental and control groups. Some examples of experiments in criminology; housing for prisoners, and also scared straight..

Surveys:. These are used to gather information in a systematic fashion by using questionnaires. Service researchers attempt to control these factors after the fact through the use of statistical procedures . Victim surveys are surveys of the general public to measure the rates and circumstances of victimization. (Ronet Bachman & Schutt, 2021).

Issues and questions in studying victim data:. Some possible problems and victim services include; The expense of compile in large samples, falls or mistake on reports, memory failure, sample in biases, over-reporting or under reporting, interviewer effects, and coding and mechanical errors..

Participant Observation. This involves a variety of strategies in which the researcher studies or observes a group through varying degrees of participation in the activities of that group. In this field of study and analysis“ uncaught criminals, organized criminals and drug addicts can be studied or identified..

Case Studies and Unobstructive Measures. Case Studies Case studies or life history is an in-depth, close up of only one or few subjects to obtain a greater understanding that a more aggregate analysis might obscure. This method may employ diaries, bibliography is an autobiography is the attempt to capture a detailed view of either a unique or a representative subject. Unobstructive Measures: Unobstructive measures are a secretive and non-reactive method of gathering data. Such techniques attempt to avoid reactivity, tendency of subjects to behave differently when they are aware that they are being studied..

Validity, Reliability and Triangulation. Validity concerns the credibility of the research. There are two types of validity which researchers are concerned with; internal and external validity. Reliability involves the consistency or stability of measurement. Triangulation on the other hand, involves the use of multiple methods in measuring the same entity. It is similar to the notion of corroborating evidence and law, (Ronet Bachman & Schutt, 2021)..

Conclusion. Criminologists and criminal psychologists try to answer the questions why do people commit crimes and what makes criminals different from the rest of us (Psychological Theories of crime: Assumptions and Weaknesses, 2014). There are many contending psychological theories seeking to explain crime and criminality. In applying any of these theories to understanding criminal and /or deviant behaviour, a full account of an individual’s behaviour should be taken into consideration..

Conclusion. The scientific study of deviance, crime and criminality may be from behavioural, psychosocial, biosocial and psychodynamic perspectives and they all suggest causes of the same. The research methodology applied to studies within each theoretical framework must demonstrate the highest standards of objectivity and ethics in an effort to produce valuable results that are reliable and valid and may be applicable in developing effective policies that meet the needs of the entire population..

References:. Commonly Abused Drugs. (n.d.). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/ss/slideshow-commonly-abused-drugs Criminology Theories | Three Psychological Concepts of Criminal Behavior. (2021). Retrieved 25 May 2021, from https://online.pointpark.edu/criminal-justice/psychological-theories-of-crime/ Crossman, Ashley. (2021, July 31). What Is Social Learning Theory? Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/social-learning-theory-definition-3026629 Ethical issues involving medical use of marijuana. (2013, September 1). 2013–09-01 | AHC Media: Continuing Medical Education Publishing | Relias Media - Continuing Medical Education Publishing. https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/63771-ethical-issues-involving-medical-use-of-marijuana Fitzgerald, K. (2021, October 12). Why Alcohol Is The Deadliest Drug. Addiction Center. https://www.addictioncenter.com/community/why-alcohol-is-the-deadliest-drug/ Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. (2021, November 30). Local laws and customs - Trinidad and Tobago travel advice. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/trinidad-and-tobago/local-laws-and-customs Integrity Ethics Module 12 Key Issues. (2018, October). UNODC. https://www.unodc.org/e4j/en/integrity-ethics/module-12/key-issues.html.

References:. Nathu, B. J. (2019, December 23). Possession of cannabis decriminalised in Trinidad and Tobago. NathuLAW. http://nathulaw.com/possession-of-cannabis-decriminalised-in-trinidad-and-tobago/ National University . (2021). Retrieved 30 November, from https://www.nu.edu/resources/sociological-theories-of-crime/#:~:text=However%2C%20deviant%20behavior%20can%20also,Conflict%20Theory%2C%20and%20Labeling%20Theory. Rapaport, L. (2020, March 3). Sports doctors may accidentally prescribe banned steroids. Reuters. https://www.google.com/amp/s/mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKBN20Q2ZW Ronet Bachman, & Schutt, R. K. (2021). Fundamentals of research in criminology and criminal justice. Sage Publications, Inc. https://uk.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-assets/110641_book_item_110641.pd Steiner, W. G. (n.d.). drug use - The nature of drug addiction and dependence. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/drug-use/The-nature-of-drug-addiction-and-dependence Superville, S. (2021, November 6). Cops find almost $5m in cocaine in Couva, 3 arrested. Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. https://newsday.co.tt/2021/11/06/cops-find-4m-in-cocaine-in-couva-3-arrested/.

References. American Psychological Association. (2020). deviance. In APA Dictionary . https://dictionary.apa.org/deviance Crime. (2017, November 25). New World Encyclopedia, . Retrieved 16:56, December 5, 2021 from https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/p/index.php?title=Crime&oldid=1007997 Hayes, H., Prenzler, T. (2015) An Introduction to Crime and Criminology . 4th ed. Pearson, Australia. Psychological Theories of Crime: Assumptions & Weaknesses. (2014, November 26). Retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/psychological-theories-of-crime-assumptions-weaknesses.html . Sherman, L.. (2005). The Use and Usefulness of Criminology, 1751-2005: Enlightened Justice and Its Failures. Annals of The American Academy of Political and Social Science - ANN AMER ACAD POLIT SOC SCI. 600. 115-135. 10.1177/0002716205278103. Siegel, L., Welsh, B., Senna, J. (2006) Juvenile Delinquency Theory Practice and Law , 9th ed. Thomson-Wadsworth, CA. Tappan, P. (1972). Crime as a Legal Concept. In D. Dressler (Ed.), Readings in Criminology and Penology (pp. 20-28). New York Chichester, West Sussex: Columbia University Press. https://doi.org/10.7312/dres92534-005.

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