Criminology · Year 12 · Criminological Theories · 2.º Período

Psychological Explanations of Criminality

Examining individualistic theories of crime, including psychodynamic approaches, social learning theory, and personality traits. Students will apply these theories to real-world criminal profiles.

TL;DR:Psychological Explanations of Criminality focus on the individual's mind and personality as the source of criminal behaviour. This topic covers a range of theories, including Freud's psychodynamic approach (the id, ego, and superego), Eysenck's personality theory, and Bandura's Social Learning Theory. Students will also explore cognitive theories that look at how 'thinking errors' lead to offending. This aligns with WJEC AC2.2 and AC3.2, requiring students to describe and evaluate individualistic theories.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• WJEC AC2.2: Describe individualistic theories of criminality
• WJEC AC3.2: Evaluate individualistic theories of criminality

About This Topic

Psychological Explanations of Criminality focus on the individual's mind and personality as the source of criminal behaviour. This topic covers a range of theories, including Freud's psychodynamic approach (the id, ego, and superego), Eysenck's personality theory, and Bandura's Social Learning Theory. Students will also explore cognitive theories that look at how 'thinking errors' lead to offending. This aligns with WJEC AC2.2 and AC3.2, requiring students to describe and evaluate individualistic theories.

For Year 12 students, these theories offer a way to understand the 'why' behind specific criminal acts. They learn to move beyond simple labels and look at the developmental and cognitive processes that shape a person's choices. This topic is particularly well-suited to case study analysis and role play, as students can apply different psychological lenses to the same individual to see how the explanation changes. Students grasp these concepts faster through structured discussion and peer explanation, especially when applying theories to well-known criminal profiles.

Key Questions

1. How does social learning theory explain criminal behaviour?
2. What role do psychodynamic theories play in understanding crime?
3. Can personality traits accurately predict criminality?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Psychopaths and sociopaths are the same thing.

What to Teach Instead

While they share traits, psychopathy is often seen as innate (biological), while sociopathy is seen as a result of environmental factors (trauma or upbringing). Using a comparative chart in a collaborative investigation helps students distinguish between these terms.

Common Misconception

Social Learning Theory means you will definitely become a criminal if your parents are.

What to Teach Instead

Social Learning Theory suggests an increased likelihood through observation and imitation, but it doesn't account for individual agency or other protective factors. A 'Superego on Trial' role play helps show the internal conflict that can override learned behaviour.

Active Learning Ideas

Role Play

The Superego on Trial

In groups of three, students role-play a person's internal conflict before committing a crime. One student is the Id (desire), one is the Superego (conscience), and one is the Ego (the decider), demonstrating Freud's psychodynamic theory in action.

30 min·Small Groups

Inquiry Circle

Bandura's Bobo Doll

Students watch a clip of the Bobo Doll experiment and then work in pairs to list five modern examples of Social Learning Theory, such as the influence of video games or family members on criminal behaviour.

25 min·Pairs

Stations Rotation

Personality Profiles

Set up stations for Eysenck's personality types: Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Psychoticism. At each station, students must explain why someone with high scores in that trait might be more likely to offend, using specific examples.

40 min·Small Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'weak superego' theory of crime?

Proposed by Freud, this theory suggests that if a child doesn't properly develop a superego (their moral compass), their 'id' (primitive instincts) will dominate, leading to impulsive and criminal behaviour. This often happens if a parent is absent or overly harsh during early development.

How does Eysenck explain the 'criminal personality'?

Eysenck argued that criminals tend to score highly on Extraversion (seeking excitement), Neuroticism (emotional instability), and Psychoticism (lack of empathy). He believed these traits were partly biological, making it harder for these individuals to learn social rules and control their impulses.

What are 'cognitive distortions' in criminology?

Cognitive distortions are biased ways of thinking that allow offenders to justify their crimes. Examples include 'hostile attribution bias' (thinking others are out to get you) or 'minimalisation' (downplaying the harm caused to a victim). Identifying these is a key part of cognitive-behavioural therapy for offenders.

How can active learning help students understand psychological theories?

Active learning, like the 'Superego on Trial' role play, makes abstract concepts like the id and ego tangible. By physically acting out the internal conflict, students gain a much deeper understanding of how psychological forces interact. This hands-on approach helps them move from simple description to the high-level evaluation required for WJEC AC3.2.