Psychology · Year 13

Active learning ideas

Dealing with Offending Behaviour

The final topic in Forensic Psychology evaluates how society deals with offending behaviour. Students examine the four aims of custodial sentencing: deterrence, incapacitation, retribution, and rehabilitation. They also look at the psychological effects of prison, such as 'institutionalisation' and 'prisonisation,' and evaluate alternatives like anger management, token economies, and restorative justice.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• AQA A-level Psychology 7182 - 4.3.8.4
• AQA A-level Psychology 7182 - 4.3.8

• 40–60 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Formal Debate
• 60 min · Whole Class

Formal Debate: The Prison Reform Panel

Divide the class into groups representing different stakeholders: prison officers, victims' rights groups, psychologists, and former inmates. They must debate whether the UK should move toward a more 'restorative' or 'retributive' justice system, using psychological evidence.

Does custodial sentencing effectively deter future crime and rehabilitate offenders?

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Decision-Making

Activity 02

• Inquiry Circle
• 45 min · Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: The Recidivism Puzzle

Groups are given data on recidivism (reoffending) rates for different types of sentences. They must identify which psychological factors (e.g., lack of rehabilitation, mental health issues) contribute to high rates and propose one evidence-based change to the system.

How do token economies work within the prison system?

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Activity 03

• Simulation Game
• 40 min · Small Groups

Simulation Game: Restorative Justice Circle

In small groups, students role-play a restorative justice meeting between an offender and a victim. They must follow the specific stages of the process and then reflect on the psychological benefits for both parties compared to a standard court hearing.

What are the psychological benefits of restorative justice for victims?

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Decision-Making

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• Prison is the most effective way to deter all types of crime.

  Recidivism rates in the UK are high, suggesting prison often fails as a deterrent. Peer-led investigations into the 'psychological effects of prison' help students see how institutionalisation can actually make it harder for offenders to reintegrate into society.

• Restorative justice is a 'soft option' for criminals.

  Research shows that facing the victim and hearing the impact of their crime is often more psychologically challenging for offenders than a prison sentence. Role-playing these sessions helps students understand the emotional intensity and accountability involved in restorative justice.

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Methods used in this brief

• Formal Debate
• Inquiry Circle
• Simulation Game