Understanding Criminal Behavior through the Lens of the Social Learning Theory

by | Apr 27, 2024 | criminal justice

 

Apply Theory when analyzing incidences of criminal behavior
Scenario You are a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) senior special agent assigned to the National Joint Terrorism Task Force (NJTTF) based in Washington, D.C. The State Department recently requested your assistance at the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Budapest, Hungary, where the facility is hosting a training course on mitigating violent crimes. The ILEA training director has requested that you provide a lecture on either a notable serial killer or a recent act of terrorism and discuss what types of factors may have influenced the perpetrator’s deviant behavior that manifested in this significant criminal activity. The director advised that the goal is not only to provide a case study, but also to discuss the relevance and impact of various criminological theories when assessing criminal behavior as an ethical criminal justice professional. In support of this assessment, an analysis should focus on the role of cultural views and norms, as well as the correlation between criminological theory and practice. The focus of the lecture should be to mitigate future criminal activity through deterrence and intervention.
Directions Using the scenario above, create a written draft of your lecture that focuses on the application of theory when analyzing an incident of criminal behavior. Choose one of the following incidences of criminal behavior as the focus of your lecture:
• Jeffrey Dahmer profile • Ted Bundy profile • Terrorism in the US. (Beltway Snipers)

Resources that support each of these incidences are included in the ‘Supporting Materials” section below.
The following required elements should be included:

The following required elements should be included:
1. Describe the incident of criminal behavior chosen (100-150 words). Include the following in your description: a What crimes took place? b. Who committed the crimes? c. Where and when did the crimes take place? 2. Explain how cultural views and values drive the criminal behavior (150-200 words). Include the following in your explanation: a. What is the correlation between culture and the criminal behavior? b. How do certain cultures view the criminal behavior differently? c. Are there differences in culture and geographic location regarding the legality of the criminal behavior? d. Do you feel that the criminal behavior is influenced more by nature or ones environment? 3. Explain the importance of applying theory versus making broad generalizations to explain the criminal behaviors (150-200 words). Include the following in your explanation: a What are the advantages of applying theory to explain the criminal behavior? b. What are the disadvantages of making broad generalizations? 4. Explain the role of ethics when applying theory to the criminal behavior (100-150 words). Include the following in your explanation: a.Why is ethics an important facet of criminology and the criminal justice profession? b. Now does ethics p’ oivot al role in the application of criminological theory to the crime chosen? 5. Explain the correlation between criminal behavior theory and criminal justice practices (150-200 words). Include the following in your explanation: a. What theory is best applicable to the criminal behavior chosen? b. How did that theory affect policies related to the criminal behavior?

Sample Answer

Sample Answer

Lecture Draft: Understanding Criminal Behavior through the Lens of the Social Learning Theory

1. Description of the Incident:

– Jeffrey Dahmer Profile- Jeffrey Dahmer was an American serial killer and sex offender who committed heinous crimes, including rape, murder, dismemberment, and cannibalism.
– His crimes took place in various locations in the United States between 1978 and 1991.

2. Cultural Influence on Criminal Behavior:

– Cultural views and values can impact criminal behavior by shaping individuals’ perceptions of right and wrong.
– In the case of Jeffrey Dahmer, societal norms around masculinity, sexuality, and violence may have influenced his deviant actions.
– Different cultures may have varying attitudes towards criminal behaviors, affecting how they are perceived and addressed.
– The legality and acceptance of certain actions can differ based on cultural norms and geographic locations, impacting individuals’ behaviors.

3. Importance of Applying Theory:

– Applying criminological theories provides a structured framework for understanding the root causes of criminal behavior.
– Theoretical models, such as the Social Learning Theory, offer insights into how individuals acquire criminal behaviors through observation and reinforcement.
– Making broad generalizations can oversimplify complex behaviors and overlook crucial factors contributing to criminal acts.

4. Role of Ethics in Applying Theory:

– Ethics are essential in criminology and the criminal justice profession to ensure fair and just treatment of individuals involved in criminal activities.
– Ethical considerations guide researchers and practitioners in applying theories responsibly and without bias.
– Upholding ethical standards is critical when using theories to analyze criminal behavior to avoid stigmatization or discrimination.

5. Correlation between Theory and Practice:

– The Social Learning Theory is highly applicable to understanding the criminal behavior of individuals like Jeffrey Dahmer.
– This theory emphasizes how environmental influences, such as family dynamics and social interactions, contribute to the development of criminal tendencies.
– Policies and interventions informed by the Social Learning Theory can focus on early intervention, positive role modeling, and social support to prevent future criminal activities.

By delving into the complexities of criminal behavior through the lens of the Social Learning Theory, we can gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms that drive individuals to commit heinous acts. Through ethical application of theory and consideration of cultural influences, we can strive towards developing more effective strategies for deterrence and intervention in criminal activities.

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