72606 - Social Psychology and Deviance

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to discuss the main theories of social psychology and psychology of deviance

Course contents

1 Crime: Definition and Scientific Approaches
1.1 The Concept of Crime
1.2 The Limitations of the Scientific Study of Crime

2 Explanations of Crime: Individual-Level Factors
2.1 Genetic and Biological Factors
2.2 Psychological Factors

3 Explanations of Crime: The Microsystem
3.1 The Family
3.2 Peers and Friendships
3.3 The Community

4 Social Groups and Crime
4.1 Age
4.2 Gender
4.3 Crime and Mental Disorders
4.4 Immigration and Crime
4.5 Population Groups and Crime

5 Prevention of Criminal Behaviour and Recidivism
5.1 Prevention of Criminal Behaviour
5.2 Prevention of Recidivism

6 Investigative Psychology
6.1 Approaches and Heuristics in Investigative and Judicial Decision-Making
6.2 Psychological Factors in Investigative and Judicial Processes
6.3 Context, Organisation, and Vulnerability to Bias
6.4 Countermeasures

7 Criminal Profiling
7.1 The Origins of Criminal Profiling
7.2 Types of Profiling

8 Interrogation and Confession
8.1 Interrogation Approaches, Categories, and Techniques
8.2 Interrogation and Confession
8.3 From Interrogation to Investigative Interviewing

9 Witness Testimony and Interviewing
9.1 Human Memory
9.2 False Memories
9.3 Witnesses and Testimony in Criminal Investigations and Legal Proceedings
9.4 The Cognitive Interview
9.5 Interviewing Children and Minors

10 Lie Detection
10.1 The Scientific Study of Deception and the Main Detection Methods
10.2 The Observation of Nonverbal and Paraverbal Behaviour
10.3 Methods Focusing on Verbal Communication
10.4 Active Methods and Techniques for Credibility Assessment
10.5 The Polygraph
10.6 The Use of the P300 Event-Related Potential
10.7 Neuroimaging Methods
10.8 Reaction-Time-Based Methods
10.9 The Use of Artificial Intelligence
10.10 Training in Lie Detection

Readings/Bibliography

Prati, G. (2026). Psicologia del crimine e dell’investigazione. Bologna: il Mulino.

Teaching methods

Lectures

Group discussions

Exercises on methods and techniques presented in class.

Assessment methods

Written exam with open and multiple choice questions.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) may serve as a useful tool to support individual study through further exploration, summaries, and self-assessment pathways. With regard to the assessment of learning, however, the use of AI during in-person examinations is prohibited. Any such use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Teaching tools used for lectures: video projector, PC, overhead projector.

Office hours

See the website of Gabriele Prati