cognitive EVALUATION

Question 1

There is supporting evidence of levels of moral reasoning

Answer 1

• Palmer et al used a scale of 11 moral dilemma-related questions
• offenders showed less mature moral reasoning than a control group
• supports kholbergs idea that low moral reasoning is associated with offending behaviour

Question 2

there are applications of cognitive distortions research = cbt

Answer 2

• Cbt aims to challenge rational thinking
• Understanding cognitive distortions helps treat criminal behaviour e.g. CBT helps offenders to ‘face up’ to their behaviour with a less distorted view of their actions
• Studies suggest reducing denial and minimalisation in therapy correlated with reduced reoffending risk
• theory of cognitive distortions has practical value

Question 3

individual differences

Answer 3

• Thornton and Reid (1982) found those committing crimes for financial gain (robbery) were more likely to show preconventional reasoning than those who committed impulsive crimes (assault)
• Preconventional reasoning was also associated with offenders who believed they could get away with it
• doesnt apply to all forms of crime

Question 4

better theories of moral reasoning

Answer 4

• Gibb’s (1979) revised version of Kohlberg’s theory has mature (guided by conscience) and immature (guided by reward and avoidance of punishment) reasoning
• Gibb argued that Kohlberg’s postconventional level should be abandoned because it was culturally biased and did not represent a ‘natural’ maturational stage of cognitive development
• Gibb’s view is supported by Piaget’s theory of moral development

Question 5

Cognitive explanations are useful but not at explaining why they commit crimes

Answer 5

• they are useful when predicting offenders but they give us little insight into why the offender committed the crime in the first place