Psychology Of Criminology

According to Andrews and Bonta (2010) the psychology of criminal conduct ( PCC) can be defined as an approach to scientifically understand the criminal behavior of individuals through a systematic approach. Additionally, the psychology of criminal conduct is considered to be interdisciplinary, and considers all aspects of science that will assist in the further comprehension of an individuals criminal behavior, and the causes of criminal behavior (Andrews and Bonta , 2010). Andrews and Bonta ( 2010) stated that the psychology of criminal conduct can be considered a subfield of criminology and psychology due to common beliefs and common interests with both disciplines. Furthermore, the psychology of criminal conduct can be described as using

Furthermore, the psychology of criminal behavior, psychology, and criminology all have a primary objective of achieving an understanding of the variation in the criminal behavior of individuals (Andrews and Bonta , 2010). Empirically, the study of variation in criminal behavior is done by the studying of covariates (Andrews and Bonta , 2010). The primary covariates that PCC studies are biological, social, and psychological (Andrews and Bonta , 2010). Although, criminology tends to assess criminality at an aggregate level, in comparison to the psychology of criminal conduct’s focus on an individual level. Additionally, a psychology of criminal conduct involves applying what is learned by the studying of psychological information and methods to the predicting and influencing the propensity of criminal behavior on an individual

According to Andrews and Bonta , (2010) PIC-R can be summarized into 13 principles. First, is that all behaviors regardless of the behavior being criminal or non-criminal are under control before and after the deviant act (Andrews and Bonta , 2010). Secondly, PIC-R states that interrelated and intra-related variations of an individuals propensity to commit criminal or non criminal behavior are is due to variations in the individuals perceived cost vs. reward analysis of the specific behavior (Andrews and Bonta , 2010). Additionally, the third principle is that controlling variables interact with the individual through dealings if the individuals environment (Andrews and Bonta , 2010). Furthermore, actions and consequences have two types, additive which Andrews and Bonta , (2010) describe as events that introduce stimuli, or subtractive which are described as withdrawing stimuli. Furthermore, actions and consequences are introduced by three sources which are described as personal introduction, other persons introduction, or by the act acting as a source by itself (Andrews and Bonta , 2010). Thus, the PIC-R is basically stating that there are no specific factors that govern an individuals behavior, and that an individuals behavior is