A criminal behaviorist studies and modifies criminal behavior using techniques such as behavior modification and conditioning. They work with criminals to identify the causes of their behavior and use rewards and punishments to modify it. They may also work as expert witnesses in trials and in prison rehabilitation centers. The school of thought they follow is behaviorism, based on the research of Pavlov and Skinner. Extensive study and research on behaviorism and criminal behavior is required for this profession.
A criminal behaviorist is a psychologist who studies and works to modify criminal behavior using techniques such as behavior modification. An individual in this position delves into the lives of criminals, trying to determine the causes of their behavior with the intention of working to change behavior. Often, criminal behaviorist services are used in the criminal justice system.
Many criminal behaviorists work directly with criminals in a therapy setting. This often includes working to identify the motivation behind the criminal activity. Techniques for altering this behavior, such as behavior modification and conditioning, can also be introduced in these sessions. Behavior modification includes punishing unwanted behavior and rewarding positive behavior. Conditioning can be used to explain the factors that lead to certain criminal behavior and also to modify that behavior.
Based on conditioning theory, a criminal behaviorist typically identifies the conditioning or stimuli that led to criminal behavior. Once conditioning is identified, de-conditioning occurs, which is a period when old behaviors are eliminated through therapy. Once the old behaviors are eliminated, the reconditioning begins. This implies the use of rewards that motivate the individual to make positive choices. Successfully identifying cues that promote positives and eliminate negative behaviors can be a time-consuming process that takes years to accomplish.
The criminal justice system may also employ criminal behaviorists as expert witnesses in a trial. Individuals in these positions may also work in prison rehabilitation centers, in private practices with individuals or with law enforcement agencies in forensic criminal psychology. In each case, the study of criminal behavior is often used to work on preventing future crimes.
The school of thought to which many criminal behaviorists subscribe is called behaviorism, and it is based on the research of Ivan Pavlov and BF Skinner. Through tests and experiments, these men theorized that conditioning was responsible for many human and animal behaviors. His early research and observations led to the techniques used today in criminal behavior modification. Classical and operant conditioning are two of Pavlov and Skinner’s early behavioral theories.
Criminal behavioral training typically begins with the study of psychology and sociology. Extensive study and research on behaviorism, with a special emphasis on criminal behavior, is usually involved. It is not uncommon for many criminal behaviorists to have backgrounds in criminal justice and psychology.
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