The purpose of this assignment is to apply your understanding of key concepts learned during the course through the process of examining a specific serial killer. You will identify the facts of the case, provide an analysis of the killer’s disorder(s), and examine the possible causes of his antisocial behaviours drawing from course materials and other resources. Pretend you are a criminal psychologist analyzing the facts and the behaviours of a serial killer to provide a better understanding of the case.
For this assignment you will select one of the serial killers from the list below:*
Paul Bernardo
The format of this assignment will be long essay in APA format. It will be descriptive involving the citation of sources, organized according to the following structure:
Introduction – Provide an introduction to the topic and your thesis statement. Your thesis should reflect your conclusions about the serial killer. E.g., In this paper, [name of serial killer] will be examined and the nature of his killings discussed, demonstrating he possessed psychopathologies.
Body – Answer the relevant questions in each section below using supporting evidence from this course and external sources. You must reference a minimum of three external sources in your essay. You are encouraged to compare and contrast different perspectives and provide your own opinion on debatable topics.
Crime and Investigation – Provide a factual overview of the criminal and their case.
Questions to consider: What crimes did they commit? What was the criminal’s MO and signature? What was the timeline and location of their crimes? How did the media present the case and what was society’s response? What methods were used to track down the killer? What was unusual about the case?
Mental Illnesses – Outline the disorders the criminal was proven to have or suspected to have. Indicate if there was any debate on the issue and offer your own opinion in light of the evidence (this could form part of your thesis).
Questions to consider: Is the criminal psychopathic or sociopathic? Did they suffer from any co-occurring mental illnesses, such as substance abuse? Were any specific tools used to assess the person? Did the person undergo a psychological evaluation? Were any treatment approaches taken?
Behavioural Explanations – Consider possible explanations for the criminal’s behaviours drawing from evidence, theories, models, and the opinions of professionals. Present your own conclusions or outstanding questions on this topic (this could form part of your thesis).
Questions to consider: Which factors may have motivated or otherwise led the offender to commit their violent crimes? Did childhood abuse or neglect play a role? Do any theories or models help to explain their antisocial behaviours (e.g., social learning theory, biological theories, cognitive theory, behaviourism, psychodynamic theory)?
Conclusion – Summarize your conclusions, where things stand in relation to the case today, including what remains puzzling about the person, their motives, or crimes.
This is piece of formal academic writing and should follow the general rules for academic writing and writing style. Write in full sentences and paragraphs. Be sure to cite sources using APA@Conestoga . This long essay should be a minimum of 2,500 words