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Psychology GCSE

GCSE Psychology: Criminal Psychology Guide

Explanations for criminal behaviour and how psychology is applied in criminal justice, for GCSE Psychology.

Defining crime

What counts as a crime can vary between cultures and over time, as laws reflect the social and moral standards of a particular society at a particular point in history.

Biological explanations

Some theories suggest a biological predisposition towards criminal behaviour, such as genetic influences or differences in brain structure and function, though these alone rarely fully explain criminal behaviour.

Social and cognitive explanations

Social explanations suggest criminal behaviour can be learned through role models and upbringing. Cognitive explanations focus on how offenders think, such as moral reasoning or distorted thinking patterns that justify their actions.

Dealing with criminal behaviour

Approaches include punishment intended to deter future crime, and rehabilitation programmes aimed at addressing the underlying causes of offending behaviour to reduce reoffending.

Common mistakes

  • Presenting only one explanation for criminal behaviour rather than considering multiple factors.
  • Assuming a biological predisposition guarantees criminal behaviour will occur.
  • Confusing punishment (consequence-focused) with rehabilitation (change-focused) approaches.
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