A trait is defined as something that is representative of an individual and differentiates him or her from other people. Latent refers to this characteristic being concealed. Therefore, the trait may be somewhat obvious when people think about it, but, in general, it is hidden.
In 1990, Rowe, Osgood, and Nicewander proposed the concept of latent traits to explain the flow of crime over the life cycle. When do these traits develop? What is the explanation provided by latent trait theorists to describe the ageing-out process of criminal behavior?
Latent trait theory says that the willingness issue is not up to the individual. The individual is controlled to a greater degree by the personality trait than they are by their social environment, which other theories believe is a greater controlling factor.
Whereas the latent trait approach views individual differences in antisocial behavior as relatively stable from childhood through the adult years, the life-course perspective argues that increases in informal social control reduce the probability that childhood antisocial tendencies will escalate into more severe forms ...
Latent trait theories hold that some underlying condition present at birth or soon after controls behavior. Suspect traits include low IQ, impulsivity, and personality structure. This underlying trait explains the continuity of offending because, once present, it remains with a person throughout his or her life.
Latent Trait ExamplesGenetic abnormalities: an individual may have fewer inhibitions or other issues that would predispose them to crime due to genetic abnormalities.Defective intelligence: either not able to distinguish right from wrong, or unable to empathize with victims.More items...•
An assumption made continually by life-course theory supporters regards human behavior as being affected by nurture rather than nature. The theory recognizes that not one human is identical, but instead establishes that there are typical life phrases that are experienced in typical patterns.
Lifestyle theory suggests that certain people may become the victims of crimes because of their lifestyles and choices. For example, someone with a gambling or substance addiction could be as an “easy victim” by a con artist.
Environmental factors that contribute to juvenile crime and violence include violent and permissive families, unstable neighborhoods, and delinquent peer groups. Most violent behavior is learned behavior. Early exposure to violence in the family may involve witnessing either violence or physical abuse.
In psychology, latent learning refers to knowledge that only becomes clear when a person has an incentive to display it. For example, a child might learn how to complete a math problem in class, but this learning is not immediately apparent.
In addition to these principles, three key and related concepts — trajectory, transition, and turning point — are commonly used in life course research to describe human developmental phenomena. Trajectories are “paths of change in developmental processes” (Van Geert, 1994, p.
They include: (1) socio-historical and geographical location; (2) timing of lives; (3) heterogeneity or variability; (4) "linked lives" and social ties to others; (5) human agency and personal control; and (6) how the past shapes the future. Each of these tenets will be described and key concepts will be highlighted.
Life course theory argues that specific events in one's life motivate one to desist from crimes, and this eventually prompts an individual to lead a normal life. These events are called turning points.
Like other theories of criminal intent, latent trait theory seeks to provide a reason for crime. The theory states that certain people have a personal characteristic that is responsible for their need to commit crime. The individual is often not responsible for what they do because their impulses are controlled by this specific trait.
The trait may be the result of defective intelligence, genetic abnormalities, drugs and alcohol or other issues. However, these latent traits are dormant unless the individual is in an environment that is conducive to crime. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. Create your account.
The effect on crime is that only a small percentage of people have these latent traits, so the incidence in crime should be fairly consistent with populate growth. This is not the case, which is one of the issues people have with this theory of crime. Lesson Summary. Latent trait theory is the idea that certain people have a personal characteristic ...
A trait is defined as something that is representative of an individual and differentiates him or her from other people. Latent refers to this characteristic being concealed. Thus, the trait may be somewhat obvious when people think about it, but, in general, it is hidden.
This can change personality factors that can lead to a greater chance the individual will commit crime. Brain function: if the brain is damaged (an acquired brain injury) or there is a chemical imbalance that impairs function. Impulsive personality: an individual who cannot control their impulses to commit crime.
The individual is often not responsible for what they do because their impulses are controlled by this specific trait. Also, the individual does not commit crime unless there is opportunity. This means that unless the individual is secure in the fact that they will be successful, they will not commit crime.