Discussion: Methods of Criminal Profiling
James Bond is the character I choice
There are different ways of approaching criminal behavior and evidence. A criminal investigative analyst may use different reasoning skills, methods, and approaches when analyzing a criminal case. The analyst may use empirically based information or group statistics to guide decisions, and conclusions may be based solely on the facts of a case. Is it professional, however, to go beyond statistics and facts and use experiences and education to guide criminal analysis in profiling?
In this Discussion, you will continue to use the character you selected in Week 1 as you analyze his or her approaches and methodology.
To prepare for this Discussion:
Review the Learning Resources concerning concepts of criminal profiling.
By Day 3
Post a response to the following:
Based on the character you selected in the Week 1 Discussion, explain how he/she approached profiling. Explain whether the character uses deductive or inductive reasoning, whether he/she uses the nomothetic or ideographic method, and whether he/she uses a clinical or actuarial approach. Provide examples to support your rationale for each.
- Evaluate use of deductive or inductive reasoning in criminal profiling
- Evaluate use of nomothetic or ideographic methods in criminal profiling
- Evaluate use of clinical or actuarial approaches in criminal profiling
Some reading and Learning Resources/Reading
Bartol, C. R. & Bartol, A. M. (2010). Criminal & behavioral profiling. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
- Chapter 2, Crime Scene Profiling†(pp. 21- 56)
Turvey, B. E. (2012). Criminal profiling: An introduction to behavioral evidence analysis (4th ed.). San Diego, CA: Academic Press.
- Chapter 3, Alternative Methods of Criminal Profiling (pp. 67-100)
Writing expectations
Main Discussion Posting Content
Levels of Achievement:
Excellent 27 (54%) – 30 (60%)
27 (54%) – 30 (60%)
Discussion posting demonstrates an excellent understanding of all of the concepts and key points presented in the text/s and Learning Resources. Posting provides significant detail including multiple relevant examples, evidence from the readings and other scholarly sources, and discerning id
Levels of Achievement:
Excellent 9 (18%) – 10 (20%)
Writing
Levels of Achievement:
9 (18%) – 10 (20%)
Student interacts frequently with peers. The feedback postings and responses to questions are excellent and fully contribute to the quality of interaction by offering constructive critique, suggestions, in-depth questions, use of scholarly, empirical resources, and stimulating thoughts and/or probes.
Excellent 9 (18%) – 10 (20%)
9 (18%) – 10 (20%)
Postings are well organized, use scholarly tone, contain original writing and proper paraphrasing, follow APA style, contain very few or no writing and/or spelling errors, and are fully consistent with graduate-level writing style.