Option 3 Key Terms

Aggression

Behavior intended to harm another individual, either physically or psychologically.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers in the brain that transmit signals between neurons.

Aggression

Behavior intended to harm another individual, which can be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.

Genetic factors

Biological influences on behavior that arise from an individual's genetic makeup.

Innate Releasing Mechanism (IRM)

A specific stimulus that triggers an instinctive behavioral response.

Fixed Action Pattern (FAP)

A sequence of instinctive behaviors that are triggered by specific stimuli.

Natural Selection

The process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Aggression

Behavior intended to harm another individual, which can be influenced by evolutionary factors.

Aggression

Behavior intended to harm another individual, either physically or psychologically.

Observational Learning

Learning that occurs through observing the behavior of others and the outcomes of those behaviors.

Aggression

Behavior intended to harm another individual, which can be physical or psychological.

Prison Environment

The specific conditions and social dynamics present within a correctional facility that can influence inmate behavior.

Aggressive Scripts

Mental representations of aggressive behavior that can be activated by exposure to violent media.

Social Learning Theory

A theory suggesting that behavior is learned through observation and imitation of others, including aggressive behaviors seen in media.

Organized Offender

An offender who plans their crimes carefully, often leaving little evidence and exhibiting a high level of control.

Disorganized Offender

An offender who commits crimes impulsively, often leaving behind significant evidence and showing a lack of planning.

Heritability

The proportion of variance in a trait within a population that is attributable to genetic differences.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messenger that transmits signals across synapses in the nervous system, influencing behaviour and emotion.

Differential association theory

A sociological theory that criminal behaviour is learned through interaction with others, emphasising peer influence and reinforcement.

Cognitive distortions

Systematic patterns of negative thinking that distort reality, often used to rationalise antisocial behaviour.

Rehabilitation

The process of helping an offender reintegrate into society and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

Recidivism

The act of relapsing into criminal behavior after serving a sentence.

Reinforcement

A process in behaviour modification where positive outcomes are used to encourage desired behaviours.

Aversion Therapy

A behaviour modification technique that involves pairing undesirable behaviours with unpleasant stimuli to discourage them.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A type of psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.

Victim-Offender Dialogue

A restorative justice process where victims and offenders meet to discuss the impact of the crime and agree on steps to make amends.

Physical dependence

A state where the body adapts to a substance, leading to withdrawal symptoms when the substance is not present.

Psychological dependence

A condition where an individual feels a strong emotional or mental need for a substance.

Risk factors

Characteristics or conditions that increase the likelihood of developing an addiction.

Addiction

A chronic condition characterized by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences.