Module Code: H8CRPSY
Long Title Criminal Psychology
Title Criminal Psychology
Module Level: LEVEL 8
EQF Level: 6
EHEA Level: First Cycle
Credits: 5
Module Coordinator: David Mothersill
Module Author: Conor Nolan
Departments: School of Business
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff

PhD in Psychology or related cognate discipline
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Critically evaluate different psychological explanations for criminal behaviour.
LO2 Appraise the current state of knowledge regarding the psychology of different types of offenders.
LO3 Apply psychological theories to understanding and explaining the onset, maintenance, and desistance of criminal activity
LO4 Apply psychological theories to processes relating to the legal system and courtroom.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Entry requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this module. The programme entry requirements apply.
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Criminal and Forensic Psychology
Definitions, similarities and differences Theories of crime Psychology in the courtroom: eyewitness testimony Psychology in the courtroom: false confessions Psychology in the courtroom: the jury
Developmental Origins of Criminal Behaviour
What role do developmental factors play in criminal activity? Are some people born “evil”? What role do social factors play in criminal behaviour? What role do family factors play in criminal behaviour?
Juvenile Offending
How do we define juvenile offending? Patterns of juvenile offending. Age groups that are most likely to offend. Moffitt’s taxonomy of juvenile offending. Protective-factors against development of criminal activity.
Self-esteem and Crime
Research on high vs. low self-esteem as risk factor for criminal behaviour Conceptualisation of self-esteem through attachment theory lens as an explanation for criminal behaviour. Relationship between self-esteem and criminal cognitions.
Psychology of Homicidal Behaviour
Criminal homicide and negligent manslaughter. Psychosocial profile of homicidal offenders. Serial killers and their typology. Research on the psychology of homicide, including personality correlates and developmental risk factors. Case studies (e.g. Richard Kuklinski, Jeffrey Dahmer)
Psychopathy
What do we mean by psychopathy and how do we assess it? Psychopaths and criminal psychopaths. Psychopathy and Gender. Psychopathy in children. The role of psychopathy in criminal behaviour. The evolution of theories of psychopathy
The Biology of Criminal Behaviour and Psychopathy
Neurobiological differences in brain structure and function between psychopaths and non-psychopaths. Biological predispositions for violent behaviour. Research on genes, and the role of genetics and the inheritability of violent/criminal behaviour.
Mental Illness and Crime
Stigmatisation of mental illness and crime in the media. Are mentally ill people more likely to offend or be offended against? Focus on depression, psychosis, and personality disorders in criminal activity.
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Continuous Assessment % of total: 100
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
The CA is a case study and questions based on publically documented criminal cases. The assessment requires students to read descriptions of a case, from publically available documents (e.g. relevant Department of Justice/Garda/Police force accounts, or accounts from relevant government bodies or published journal articles). Students are then required to answer questions which assess their understanding of a relevant criminal psychology topic related to the case, their ability to critically analyse and their ability to apply their psychological knowledge to the case.
No End of Module Assessment
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.
Reassessment Description
Should students fail the module, they will be required to resubmit the continuous assessment.

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Classroom and demonstrations 12 Per Semester 1.00
Independent Learning Independent learning 113 Per Semester 9.42
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Bartol, C. R. & Bartol, A. M. (2020), Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach, 12th ed. Pearson.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Hollin, C. R. (2012), Psychology and crime: An introduction to criminological psychology, 2nd ed. Routledge, London.
  • Canter, D. (2010), Forensic psychology: A very short introduction, Oxford University Press, Oxford.
  • Greene, E., & Heilbrun, K. (2013), Wrightsman's psychology and the legal system, Cengage Learning.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • [Journal], Journal of Criminal Psychology.
  • [Journal], Journal of Criminal Justice.
  • [Journal], Deviant Behaviour.
  • [Journal], Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health.
  • [Journal], Sexual Abuse.
  • [Journal], Journal of Interpersonal Violence.
  • [Journal], Aggression and Violent Behaviour.
  • [Journal], British Journal of Psychiatry.
Discussion Note: