Criminology
Individual Project
Gary Santiago
National University
Criminology
CJA 401
Professor John Macfarlane
January 25, 2012
Table of Contents
Abstract Page 3
Introduction Page 4
Methodology Page 4
Body Page 5-8
Recommendation Page 8-9
Conclusion Page 9
References Page 10
Abstract
The information listed on this paper was based on research of criminal profiling. Criminologists actively strive to identify characteristics and typologies amongst criminals. Efforts set forth by criminologists and psychologists are continuously improving the development of criminal profiling and the successful results leading to the capturing of criminals with dangerous minds.
Differences of the Criminal Mind
Introduction Generations have passed and a single question remains the same, What goes through a criminal’s mind? Some people are so intrigued by this question, it has become a fascination. For others, just the mere thought of the possible horrors that may encompass a criminals mind, is enough to cripple them with fear. Nonetheless, humans have a need for curiosity and they are intrigued by the reasons following the unknown. During the past three decades, criminologists and law enforcement officers have been able to learn a lot about criminals from interrogations. All criminals have different motives for committing a crime. Through studies, psychologists have been able to further evaluate the reasoning behind criminal behavior. The arguments arise when some criminologists believe that criminal causation is based on the psychological theories and others believing that criminal causation is based on the sociological theories. Psychological theories suggest that criminal behavior is caused by a criminal’s personality and hereditary traits. Sociological theories suggest that criminal behavior is caused by the environment that a criminal was raised in or is exposed
Gary Santiago
National University
Criminology
CJA 401
Professor John Macfarlane
January 25, 2012
Table of Contents
Abstract Page 3
Introduction Page 4
Methodology Page 4
Body Page 5-8
Recommendation Page 8-9
Conclusion Page 9
References Page 10
Abstract
The information listed on this paper was based on research of criminal profiling. Criminologists actively strive to identify characteristics and typologies amongst criminals. Efforts set forth by criminologists and psychologists are continuously improving the development of criminal profiling and the successful results leading to the capturing of criminals with dangerous minds.
Differences of the Criminal Mind
Introduction Generations have passed and a single question remains the same, What goes through a criminal’s mind? Some people are so intrigued by this question, it has become a fascination. For others, just the mere thought of the possible horrors that may encompass a criminals mind, is enough to cripple them with fear. Nonetheless, humans have a need for curiosity and they are intrigued by the reasons following the unknown. During the past three decades, criminologists and law enforcement officers have been able to learn a lot about criminals from interrogations. All criminals have different motives for committing a crime. Through studies, psychologists have been able to further evaluate the reasoning behind criminal behavior. The arguments arise when some criminologists believe that criminal causation is based on the psychological theories and others believing that criminal causation is based on the sociological theories. Psychological theories suggest that criminal behavior is caused by a criminal’s personality and hereditary traits. Sociological theories suggest that criminal behavior is caused by the environment that a criminal was raised in or is exposed
References: “Analyzing the Crime Scene”. (2009). Criminal Psychology Study Group Index. Retrieved on January 22, 2012 from http://www.csbsju.edu/uspp/CrimPsych/CPSG-2.htm “Criminal Profiling in Forensic Psychology”. (2009). Retrieved on January 22, 2012 from http://www.mtholyoke.edu/~mlyount/MySites/ForensicPsychology/CriminalProfiling.html “Typologies of Criminal Behavior - Offender Typologies”. (2009). Retrieved on January 22, 2012 from http://law.jrank.org/pages/2214/Typologies-Criminal-Behavior-Offender- Monitor Online. Vol. 35, No. 7. Retrieved on January 22, 2012 from http://www.apa.org/monitor/julaug04/criminal.html