CLIMINAL PSYCHOLOGY LAB

The Criminal Psychology Lab is a research community dedicated to the scientific investigation of psychological factors related to crime, with the aim of contributing to practical policy and institutional improvements.

 We explore a wide range of topics—including everyday fear of crime, eyewitness psychology, and interventions for at-risk youth—through psychological theories and empirical research methods. In particular, our work focuses on understanding perceptions of crime through the lenses of psychological distance, anonymity, and cross-cultural comparisons.

[What is Criminal Psychology?]

A discipline that seeks to understand and explain human criminal behavior and the psychological processes of criminals by applying psychological principles and theories.

Understanding and explaining human criminal behavior involves a variety of fields, including psychology, criminology, sociology, law, anthropology, economics, medicine, and philosophy. Since human criminal behavior is influenced by many factors, such as individual biophysiological factors, family and interpersonal factors, and social and environmental factors, criminal psychology requires psychological theories and knowledge from various fields within psychology, and a comprehensive approach is required.

[Environmental Psychology]

The goal is to gain a basic understanding of environmental psychology, which studies the relationship between individuals and the artificial and natural environment. Specifically, it aims to learn about the influence of the environment on experiences, behaviors, and well-being, as well as the influence of humans on the environment. Furthermore, it aims to confirm the actual influence of the environment on humans by utilizing VR devices.

[Criminology]

In order to enhance understanding of the related academic fields that make up the important content of criminal psychology and the criminal justice system, we study the theory of crime centered on sociology, criminal law and criminal procedure law centered on law, and various criminal justice institutions and specific procedures.

[Advanced Criminal Psychology]

Learn about the occurrence characteristics and factors influencing crime occurrence by crime type and standardize the crime case analysis framework. Select major crime cases, conduct case analysis, analyze the psychological occurrence process of crime, and apply the results to research ideas.

[Law and Psychology]

Learn about key topics in forensic psychology, including forensic competence assessment and tools, eyewitness testimony, jury decision-making, and expert testimony. Also, compare various investigative techniques, such as interview techniques, statement analysis, profiling, lie detection, and hypnosis, to discuss investigative techniques that are effective and reduce investigator errors.

[Abnormally Motivated Crime]

Abnormally motived crime is a type of abnormal crime, and is characterized by abnormal means and cruel consequences, which are the characteristics of abnormal crime. In addition, there is an extreme imbalance between the direct motive for the crime and the criminal act toward the victim.

Considering recent phenomena such as inadequate management of mentally ill patients, increased use of drugs and other substances, and increased social discontent, the possibility of future occurrence of abnormally crimes is increasing, and we are considering preventive measures and measures to prevent repeat offenses that take into account the characteristics and occurrence process of criminals with abnormal motives.

[Juvenile offender] 

The problem of juvenile delinquency is emerging as cases of 'juvenile offenders' exploiting the legal protections of the Juvenile Act to commit crimes are increasing. Accordingly, from a criminological policy perspective, it is necessary to appropriately assess and classify juveniles and intervene effectively. Therefore, research and efforts are being made regarding juvenile recidivism prevention and protection. 

[Crime victims]

Research on crime victims is a crucial academic field that profoundly explores the status and experiences of individuals who have suffered physical, psychological, material, or social harm as a result of criminal acts within the criminal justice system. This field contributes to seeking effective intervention strategies for victim protection and recidivism prevention, ultimately providing an essential academic foundation for the realization of victim-centered justice. From this perspective, academic interest in crime victims plays a pivotal role in the advancement of criminal policy and the achievement of social justice.