Kramizo
Log inSign up free
HomeEdexcel GCSE PsychologyCriminal Psychology: Punishing Crime
Edexcel · GCSE · Psychology · Revision Notes

Criminal Psychology: Punishing Crime

68 words · Last updated July 2026

Ready to practise? Test yourself on Criminal Psychology: Punishing Crime with instantly-marked questions.
Practice now →

What you'll learn

How psychology explains punishment and reform.

Key ideas

  • Aims of punishment: deterrence, retribution and rehabilitation.
  • Operant conditioning: positive and negative reinforcement.
  • Token economies reward good behaviour in prisons.

Exam tips

  • Link token economies to operant conditioning.
  • Evaluate whether punishment achieves long-term change.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing negative reinforcement with punishment.
  • Listing aims without explaining them.
Free for GCSE students

Lock in Criminal Psychology: Punishing Crime with real exam questions.

Free instantly-marked Edexcel GCSE Psychology practice — 45 questions a day, no card required.

Try a question →See practice bank