Module PSP-1002:
Criminal Psychology

Module Facts

Run by School of Psychology

10.000 Credits or 5.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Dr Simon Viktor

Overall aims and purpose

The module will give students an introduction to some of the main bio-psychosocial constructs associated with criminally-related attitudes, cognitions, emotions, behaviours and identify how these constructs may (or may not) be related to the engagement in different types of criminal activity (e.g., general and violent crime). It will then go on to examine some of the key principles associated with the role of the criminal justice system (CJS) in our society before addressing the nature and purpose of crime and punishment within our society. The module will also provide a foundation for those taking Forensic Psychology in Year 3.

Course content

Indicative content for the module includes some of the key theories within criminal psychology (e.g., developmental, social learning theory and personality) and identify the role they may or may not part in criminally-related behaviour (e.g., general-crime etc.). It will also introduce some of the practices and principles used with the Criminal Justice System (CJS) to punish criminal offenders.

Assessment Criteria

good

Shows a good coverage of the topic area. Shows a good level of clarity of argument and expression. Demonstrates a good level of depth of insight into theoretical issues. Shows a good level of background reading and study. A fairly focused answer that is reasonably structured and written in the required academic/APA manner/style. Some grammatical and punctuation errors. Shows some level of original thought, interpretation and deliberation. Shows some evaluation of the evidence base presented, rather than just being a shallow over-view. Has a reasonable evidence base (Grade level: B- to B+).

excellent

Shows a comprehensive and accurate coverage of the topic area. Shows good clarity of argument and expression. Demonstrates depth of insight into theoretical issues. Shows extensive background reading and study. A highly focused answer that is well structured and written in the required academic/APA manner/style. Few grammatical and punctuation errors. Shows original thought, interpretation and deliberation. Evaluates the evidence base presented, rather than being a shallow over-view without any depth of understanding. Has a good evidence base (Grade level: A- to A*).

threshold

Shows a poor coverage of the topic area. Has poor clarity of argument and expression. Demonstrates a weak insight into theoretical issues. Shows limited background reading and study. A poorly focused answer that is unstructured and not written in the required academic/APA manner/style. Many grammatical and punctuation errors. Fails to show any original thought, interpretation and deliberation. Fails to evaluate the evidence base presented, it is just a shallow over-view without any depth of understanding or meaning. Has a weak evidence base (Grade level: D+ to D-).

C- to C+

Shows a weak coverage of the topic area. Shows a weak level of clarity of argument and expression. Demonstrates a weal level of depth of insight into theoretical issues. Shows a weak level of background reading and study. A weakly focused answer that is weakly structured and written in the required academic/APA manner/style. Some grammatical and punctuation errors. Shows some level of original thought, interpretation and deliberation. Shows some evaluation of the evidence base presented, rather than just being a shallow over-view. Has a reasonable evidence base (Grade level: C- to C+).

Learning outcomes

  1. To clarify how scientific and research methodologies are employed in criminal psychology.

  2. To identify and describe elements of the criminal justice system and its processes.

  3. To be able to describe psychological theories of criminal behaviour.

  4. To be able to describe different bio-psychosocial theories that account for criminal behaviour

  5. To develop a foundation knowledge of criminal psychology

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
COURSEWORK Essay

A choice of essay titles will be provided for students to choose from.

 40.00
EXAM Final exam

They will will provide responses to three-long answer questions from a choice during the 1.5 hr final exam.

 60.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Lecture

12x2 hr lectures to be delivered in person (or online depending on the pandemic situation)

 24
Private study

76 hours of self-directed learning to include: (1) Core reading for lectures, (2) the written coursework assessment and (3) final exam. This will also allow for engagement in interactive weekly drop in sessions and the discussion board in Blackboard if the module is run online.

 76

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

Subject specific skills

  • Understand the scientific underpinnings of psychology as a discipline.
  • Apply multiple perspectives to psychological issues and integrate ideas and findings across the multiple perspectives in psychology.
  • Communicate psychological concepts effectively in written form.
  • Be computer literate for the purpose of processing and disseminating psychological data and information.
  • Retrieve and organise information effectively.
  • Handle primary source material critically.
  • Be sensitive and react appropriately to contextual and interpersonal psychological factors.
  • Use effectively personal planning and project management skills.
  • Work effectively under pressure (time pressure, limited resources, etc) as independent and pragmatic learners.
  • Problem-solve by clarifying questions, considering alternative solutions, making critical judgements, and evaluating outcomes.
  • Reason scientifically and demonstrate the relationship between theory and evidence.
  • Understand and investigate the role of brain function in all human behaviour and experience.
  • Comprehend and use psychological data effectively, demonstrating a systematic knowledge of the application and limitations of various research paradigms and techniques.
  • Employ evidence-based reasoning and examine practical, theoretical and ethical issues associated with the use of different methodologies, paradigms and methods of analysis in psychology.

Resources

Resource implications for students

Some printing costs for ‘journal articles’ may also be incurred - however these can be read on any internet enabled device.

Talis Reading list

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/psp-1002.html

Reading list

Core Textbook: Criminal Psychology (Topics in Applied Psychology) by David Canter (2nd Edition, 2017) - this is a UK based source.

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses: