CRIM 103 Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Document Summary
Media portrayal of sensational cases such as serial murders is engaging and series crime dramas are highly popular, they often tell us very little about understanding crime. Understanding criminal behavior from a single source such as the newspaper or tv may limit our knowledge of the complex phenomenon of criminality. Crime and criminal justice issues receive considerable media scrutiny, sensational crimes receive front-page billing, and the public is inundated with facts, figures, and opinions about what to do about crime and how to increase public safety. Times of political change crime & public safety on the top of the agenda of issues to discuss. During 2008 election, all 3 parties espoused views on getting tough on crime, especially in terms of sentencing. Results from survey; govt information as having moderate influence. Psychology is interested in intra-individual differences and inter- individual differences. Intra-individual differences; differences in criminal behavior over time and across situations for the same individual.