The Origins of Criminal Behavior Term Paper by scribbler

The Origins of Criminal Behavior
A review of the environmental and situational factors that influence the development of criminal behavior.
# 152552 | 828 words | 1 source | APA | 2013 | US
Published on Mar 15, 2013 in Psychology (Behaviorism) , Psychology (Theory) , Criminology (General)


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Description:

The paper begins by explaining that in order to understand criminal behavior, it is important to regard all people as active problem solvers who perceive, process, interpret and respond uniquely to their environments. The paper reviews the concept of behaviorism and the idea that operant conditioning is a basis for criminal behavior, and then discusses the premise of social learning that people learn primarily by observing and listening to people around them. The paper looks at the impact of frustration on a violent individual and briefly describes the field of victimology. Finally, the paper notes the importance of role models in the acquisition and regulation of criminal behavior.

From the Paper:

"In order to understand criminal behavior it is important to regard all people as active problem solvers who perceive process, interpret and respond uniquely to their environments. It is thought by some that engaging in criminal behavior might be one person's way of adapting or surviving under physically, socially, financially or psychologically dire conditions. Even behavior that can be attributed to a severe mental disorder may be adaptive, even though it may not be legally culpable. Another person may choose violence in order to defend honor, protect themselves, or reach a personal goal. In either case, the person is choosing what they believes is the best alternative for that particular situation.
"Behaviorism officially began with the publication of a landmark paper by John B. Watson. This paper is considered to be the first definitive statement on behaviorism. Behaviorism as a method of science posits that knowledge about human behavior can be best advanced if scientists use referents that have a physical basis and can be publicly observed by others. It is thought that since behaviors that happen in people's head cannot be seen by others then they cannot be subjected to the rules of science. Behaviorism as a perspective of human nature embraces the view that humans differ only in degree from their animal ancestry. The behavior of humans follows the same basic laws that of all animals."

Sample of Sources Used:

  • Bartol, Curt R. and Bartol, Anne M. (2010). Origins of Criminal Behavior: Learning and Situational Factors. New Jersey: Prentice Hall

Cite this Term Paper:

APA Format

The Origins of Criminal Behavior (2013, March 15) Retrieved September 28, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/term-paper/the-origins-of-criminal-behavior-152552/

MLA Format

"The Origins of Criminal Behavior" 15 March 2013. Web. 28 September. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/term-paper/the-origins-of-criminal-behavior-152552/>

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