Active learning ideas
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.
Activity 01
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.
How does social learning theory explain criminal behaviour?
Activity 02
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.
What role do psychodynamic theories play in understanding crime?
Activity 03
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.
Can personality traits accurately predict criminality?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Psychopaths and sociopaths are the same thing.
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.
Social Learning Theory means you will definitely become a criminal if your parents are.
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.
Methods used in this brief
The Social Construction of Crime
Exploring the distinction between crime and deviance, and how definitions of criminality change across different cultures and historical periods. Students will debate the fluid nature of the law.
8 methodologies
Biological and Physiological Theories
An overview of early and modern biological explanations for criminal behaviour, including genetics and brain abnormalities. Students will evaluate the strengths and limitations of these deterministic views.
8 methodologies
Sociological Perspectives on Crime
Analysing how social structures, inequalities, and labelling contribute to crime rates. Students will compare Marxist, functionalist, and interactionist views on the criminal justice system.
8 methodologies