Theories of Forensic Psychology

Abstract

The study explores two theories of forensic psychology: Rational Choice Theory and Eysenck's Theory of Personality and Crime. The paper demonstrates the background and basic tents of the selected theories. In addition, the relationship between rational choice theory and theory of personality and crime is analyzed and assessed. It was discovered that these two theories hold a significant and vital position in the field of forensic psychology. These theories found to serve a number of purposes in demonstrating the causes, reasons and punishment styles to the psychologists working in the field of forensic investigation.

Introduction4

Rational Choice Theory4

Eysenck's Theory of Personality and Crime6

Discussion8

Conclusion9

References10

Theories of Forensic Psychology

Introduction

Forensic Psychology is applied to civil and criminal justice. In research and theories forensic psychology was first applied by a German-American psychologist, Hugo Munsterberg. His research is extended to, fake confessions, the role of hypnosis in court and memory of witness. The most significant and influential theories in the field of forensic psychology are: Rational Choice Theory (Glasser, 2010), Theory of Personality and Crime (Eysenck, 1970), Trait Theory (Eysenck, 1947), Psychodynamic Trait Theory (Freud, 1904) and Social Disorganization Theory (Shaw & McKay, 1942).

For the current study Rational Choice Theory and Eysenck's Theory of Personality and Crime are selected. The paper will analyze the philosophy, origin and basic tenets of these theories. In addition the paper aims to address the significance and implication of these theories in the field of forensic psychology. Moreover, the study will assess the relationship between the Eysenck's Theory of Personality and Rational Choice Theory.

Rational Choice Theory

In the mid-eighteenth Rational Choice Theory was developed. Initially it was labeled as classic theory. Dr. William Glasser (2010) first coined the term rational choice theory. Majority of the criminologist believe that this theory is most common explanation of offender's criminal activities. Through the writings of Rational Choice Theory, classic school of criminology was emerged. It was assumed that an individual is a free agent, capable of making rational choices in every life aspect. According to this school of thought, well organized criminals possess free will and are being capable of making rational choices for their involvement in wrongdoings and criminal activities.

Punishment for the crimes was based on the principle of pleasure -pain since delinquent were regarded as rational thinkers. This principle states that the pain for punishment for the wrongdoings must exceed the offender's pleasure attained as a reward of criminal activity. So that the offender should realize his fault. Polices emerged from this theory depict that dealing swiftly and harshly with the criminals is an effort of prevent them from taking such decision later. In this theory little contemplation was put to the background and the situational factors of the criminal.

Rational Choice theory states that criminals choose to commit crime after considering the punishment and risk associated to that act known as 'risk assessment' including the rewards (economic and personal, etc.). On the contrary, people not committing crime consider that crime is risky and ...