The+cognitive+level+of+analysis-cognitive+distortions-rational+choice+theory

=**cognitive level of analysis**=

__Cognitive distortion__: errors in thinking __Rational choice theory__: The criminal behavior is the outcome of a reasoned decision-making process
 * Key term**

-Arugued that criminal behavior is a result of *__cognitive distortions__ -Their resesarch focuses on the role of cognition in criminal behavior) //They did not look at the role of cognitive distortions in non-criminal population// //**__Examples of *cognitive distortion__**// //(e.g.)//
 * Yochelson & Samenow (1976)**
 * //__Limitation__: They only studied convicted criminals//
 * 1) //blaming others for your own failures//
 * 2) //super-optimism( extremely wishful or magical thinking; establishing unrealistic, unobtainable goals)//
 * 3) //"I think, therefore it is" ( not being able to accept mistakes in the face of incontrovertible evidence)//
 * 4) //minimizing ( to reduce or limit the true significance of a behavior and avoid labelling it as "hurful" or "wrong"=> eliminating the responsibility)//
 * 5) //build up (exaggerating accomplishments and abilities to make someone look better in the eyes of others)//

-argued that criminal behavior is the outcome of a reasoned decision-making process (*rational choice theroy) - their research is based on a assumption //that criminals seek to benefit from the crimies they commits// => The assumption is supported by **an interview for convicted burglars** (Done by Bennett and Wright-1984) interviewer: //" which factors would most influence your decision to rob the home?"// interviewee1 (burglar): "risk." interviewee2 (burglar): "financial reward.: interviewee3 (burglar): "ease of entry."
 * Cornish and Clark (1987)**

__Limitation of this study__ - it was only for based on "unsuccessful burglars" -Many violent crimes are not rationally planned out, but are the result of impulse and emotion.