SOCW 6135

Learning Resources
Required Readings
Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. (2017). Criminal behavior: A psychological approach (11th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Chapter 8, “Crime and Mental Disorders” (pp. 213-245)

Chapter 9, “Homicide, Assault and Intimate Partner and Family Violence: (pp. 247-285)
Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2013b). Corrections. Retrieved from http://www.bjs.gov/index.cfm?ty=tp&tid=1
National Institute of Justice. (2010). Rape and sexual violence. Retrieved from http://www.nij.gov/topics/crime/rape-sexual-violence/welcome.htm
Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. (2017). Criminal behavior: A psychological approach (11th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Chapter 12, “Sexual Assault” (pp. 348-374)

Chapter 13, “Sexual Abuse of Children and Youth” (pp. 376-401)
Discussion 1: Offender Typology
Classifying offenders based on certain characteristics and behaviors may be used as a basis for predicting criminal behavior. For example, the criminal behavior of a sex offender may be explained by environmental factors, social conditions, or neurological factors. Finally, there may be instances where a unique combination of factors accounts for the criminal behavior of an individual in any particular offender group. Thus, it is important for those who study crime and criminal behavior to delve deeply into all aspects of the offender profile rather than only relying on typology.
For this Discussion, select one of the offender groups described in this week’s resources and think about the characteristics and behaviors associated with it. Then, select one biological, psychological, or sociological theory that may be applied to the characteristics and behaviors associated with the offender group you selected, and reflect on how it may account for the characteristics and behaviors.
By Day 3
Post a brief description of the offender group you selected, including at least twocharacteristics and/or behaviors associated with it. Then, explain how one particular biological, psychological, or sociological theory may account for the characteristics and behaviors you identified, using specific examples.
Note: Put the offender group you described in the first line of your post. You will be asked to respond to a colleague who described a different group than you did.
Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the resources.