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Topic 6: Criminal psychology

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What did Bandura and Charlton's studies show about learning aggression?

Core studies: Bandura, Ross and Ross (1961) Bobo doll study and Charlton et al. (2000) St Helena study of television and behaviour, including their aims, methods, results, conclusions and evaluation.
A focused answer to the Edexcel GCSE Psychology Topic 6 core studies: Bandura, Ross and Ross (1961) Bobo doll study and Charlton et al. (2000) St Helena study, with aim, method, results, conclusion and evaluation.
11 min answer →

Can criminal behaviour be explained by biology?

Biological explanations of criminality: the role of genes and brain structure (including the amygdala and frontal lobe), and an evaluation against the learning explanation.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Psychology Topic 6, covering biological explanations of criminality: the role of genes and brain structure (amygdala and frontal lobe), with an evaluation.
9 min answer →

How can criminal behaviour be learned?

Learning theories of criminality: social learning theory (observation, imitation and vicarious reinforcement) and operant conditioning, applied to how criminal and antisocial behaviour is learned.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Psychology Topic 6, covering learning theories of criminality: social learning theory (observation, imitation, vicarious reinforcement) and operant conditioning.
10 min answer →

Does punishment work, and how can antisocial behaviour be reduced?

The effect of punishment on recidivism and treatments to reduce antisocial behaviour (such as anger management and token economies), with an evaluation.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Psychology Topic 6, covering the effect of punishment on recidivism and treatments to reduce antisocial behaviour (anger management and token economies), with an evaluation.
9 min answer →