CRIMINOLOGY UNIT 2 AC 4.1 INFORMING POLICY
DEVELOPMENT (2025/2026) EXAM AND ANSWERS
Asses the use of genetic theories in informing policy
development - --Answers---There is research supporting the
effectiveness of this theory by Osborn and West in the 1970s
who found 40% of boys whose fathers had criminal records
had records themselves compared to 12% whose fathers who
didn't have a criminal record. On the other hand these policies
were racist and oppressive of certain groups as well as the
subjective use of the term 'desirable' The supporting evidence
is also limited since it shows only correlation, not causation
meaning other variables may be involved.
Psychoanalysis
Informal and crime control policy - --Answers---It is based
on Freud's psychodynamic theory, this highlights the
unconscious conflicts between the id and superego.
Psychoanalysis believes a weak superego is the cause of
criminality due to inadequate early socialisation.
-Patient lies on couch facing away from analyst and verbalises
thoughts through free association (anything_ and dream
analysis
-it attempts to uncover unconscious, repressed thoughts that
are thought to be the cause of criminality
-assumes psychological problem occurred during
development/trauma are locked in unconscious mind
, -treatment can last for years and once issues are dealt with
they will no longer impact them/cause criminal behaviour.
Research/someone who applied psychoanalysis- - --
Answers---Aichhorn applied psychoanalytic ideas to policies
for treating young offenders, because they had uncaring
parents and were not socialised. Instead of a harsh
environment Aichhorn treated the young offenders as children
providing a pleasant environment.
Assess the effectiveness of psychoanalysis - --Answers---
Psychoanalysis does not seem effective since Eysenck found
only 44% of psychoanalysis patients treated for neurosis
shows improvement compared to 72% treated by hospitals and
GPs, therefore is psychoanalysis doesn't work for neurosis it
is unlikely to work as a form of crime control. It is also costly
and time consuming since treatment can last for years and
therefore it wouldn't be effective for a large scale amount of
criminals.
Eysenck's theory and aversion therapy - --Answers---It is
based on the principles of Pavlov's classical conditioning
theory and applies to Eysenck's personality theory. Extroverts
and neurotics are more likely to be resistant to punishments
so are harder to condition. Aversion therapy is considered to
be stronger and therefore more appropriate for some
criminals e.g se offenders.
DEVELOPMENT (2025/2026) EXAM AND ANSWERS
Asses the use of genetic theories in informing policy
development - --Answers---There is research supporting the
effectiveness of this theory by Osborn and West in the 1970s
who found 40% of boys whose fathers had criminal records
had records themselves compared to 12% whose fathers who
didn't have a criminal record. On the other hand these policies
were racist and oppressive of certain groups as well as the
subjective use of the term 'desirable' The supporting evidence
is also limited since it shows only correlation, not causation
meaning other variables may be involved.
Psychoanalysis
Informal and crime control policy - --Answers---It is based
on Freud's psychodynamic theory, this highlights the
unconscious conflicts between the id and superego.
Psychoanalysis believes a weak superego is the cause of
criminality due to inadequate early socialisation.
-Patient lies on couch facing away from analyst and verbalises
thoughts through free association (anything_ and dream
analysis
-it attempts to uncover unconscious, repressed thoughts that
are thought to be the cause of criminality
-assumes psychological problem occurred during
development/trauma are locked in unconscious mind
, -treatment can last for years and once issues are dealt with
they will no longer impact them/cause criminal behaviour.
Research/someone who applied psychoanalysis- - --
Answers---Aichhorn applied psychoanalytic ideas to policies
for treating young offenders, because they had uncaring
parents and were not socialised. Instead of a harsh
environment Aichhorn treated the young offenders as children
providing a pleasant environment.
Assess the effectiveness of psychoanalysis - --Answers---
Psychoanalysis does not seem effective since Eysenck found
only 44% of psychoanalysis patients treated for neurosis
shows improvement compared to 72% treated by hospitals and
GPs, therefore is psychoanalysis doesn't work for neurosis it
is unlikely to work as a form of crime control. It is also costly
and time consuming since treatment can last for years and
therefore it wouldn't be effective for a large scale amount of
criminals.
Eysenck's theory and aversion therapy - --Answers---It is
based on the principles of Pavlov's classical conditioning
theory and applies to Eysenck's personality theory. Extroverts
and neurotics are more likely to be resistant to punishments
so are harder to condition. Aversion therapy is considered to
be stronger and therefore more appropriate for some
criminals e.g se offenders.
