Section 4.3 Overview
Section 4.3, “Intelligence and Crime,” delves into the contentious discussion surrounding the impact of intelligence on criminal behavior, blending criminological and psychological perspectives to assess whether cognitive abilities can predict criminal tendencies. Tracing back to the early 20th century with the advent of intelligence testing, this section examines theories that posit a link between lower intelligence and a higher likelihood of criminal activity. It expands the discourse to consider environmental and socio-economic influences, striving for a holistic view of criminality. By evaluating the methods used to measure intelligence and exploring the relationship between cognitive abilities and crime, this section emphasizes the importance of nuanced interpretations of intelligence in criminology. It also addresses the ethical challenges and implications of this research on criminal justice policies and practices, highlighting the complexity of integrating intelligence assessments into criminological theory and application.
Section Level Student Learning Outcomes
- SLO 1: Understand the evolution of theories linking intelligence to criminal behavior, from early deterministic models to contemporary nuanced approaches.
- SLO 2: Recognize the methods for measuring intelligence and the challenges associated with cultural and socio-economic biases.
- SLO 3: Analyze the relationship between intelligence levels and different types of crimes, considering the role of environmental and socio-economic factors.
- SLO 4: Evaluate the ethical considerations and potential biases in research linking intelligence to criminal behavior and its implications for criminal justice policies.
- SLO 5: Integrate insights from intelligence research with other factors in criminology to develop a multifaceted approach to understanding and addressing criminal behavior.
Modification History File Created: 02/15/2024 Last Modified: 02/19/2024
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