Archive for September, 2011

Car Colors, Wheels and Personalities

We all know that cars, trucks, whatever it is we choose to get around in provide us with a lot more than a simple means of transportation. In fact, for many people, their car is also their favorite hobby and for some it goes even further and is their passion. With this in mind, it is understandable why there are so many different vehicle options, accessories and individualization aspects associated with them. And with this in mind, it’s interesting to ponder the question of whether our cars are actually reflections of our own personalities, and if so, how do we interpret them? There are some fundamental aspects related to your maintenance and care of your vehicle that can be directly applied to your personality. In addition, there are specific make and model factors as well as color choices and accessory features that can all be representative of your personality.

Wheels
are one of the features that are both functional and aesthetically oriented. Of course the quality of the wheel itself plays a vital role in your vehicle’s stability, efficiency and safety, while interestingly, the quality itself can play a role in its attractiveness to some people. Do wheels also play a role in representing one’s personality? Well, it can certainly be suggested that big, flamboyant or gregarious personalities might be drawn to shiny wheels that spin, or show a special flair. In addition, for more reserved personalities, the wheel and tire choice can be their secret expression of individuality. Perhaps service professionals at discount tires stores and other wheel accessory stations can be trained in making suggestions based on their costumer’s personality. Of course, many of these professionals will already insist that they do.

What about other, more visible and prominent features of your car, such as color choice? If and what does the color of your car suggest about your personality? Interestingly, drivers who prefer the color black tend to be more aggressive on the road while silver cars tend to attract the calm and color personalities. White cars typically attract responsible and pure drivers. They are usually not found in many accidents, while black cars are typically part of a lot of crashes. Red cars are typically favored by romantic individuals and those with high passionate tendencies. Finally, blue cars are usually found in the possession of loyal, serene people. They are responsible and respectful to other drivers. See what you think, the next time you’re in rush hour traffic try to compare the driving tendencies and cars of those around you.

 

Inside the criminal mind: Factors that Influence Motive

 

Motive is often the most elusive of criminal investigations. Some crimes are so horrendous, it’s difficult for us to imagine what type of person could commit the act—let alone their motive. In many cases, justice lies with the motive. That is, prosecutors must show motive for an individual to commit acts. The jury must, in some way, be able to understand the unknowable—how someone could, and more importantly why, commit such terrible acts. Although motive is not a legal requirement for conviction, intent typically plays a role.

 

A motive for a crime is whatever causes the offender to move toward the certain offense. Keep in mind that the legal system does not consider motive to be an element of any crime, but is usable in court to generate plausibility of the culprit’s offense. Bear in mind that motive differs from intent—which refers to the specific mental reasoning to perform the criminal act.

 

Keep in mind that why an individual or group does something goes far beyond the simple explanation of the financial or emotional reasoning. Forensic psychologists can help begin to uncover motive and are therefore very crucial in the outcome of many criminal cases.

 

How do trained psychologists uncover the motive behind a crime? The answer is extremely complex and often is found using a variety of trainable tactics. For example, the following may be considered when determining motive of the suspect or suspects:

 

1.     Familiar or repetitive elements of a crime. Certain types of evidence or clues may point to the type of individual who may have committed the crime. Knowing the type of individual may help uncover motive.

2.     Associations. Who is the suspect involved with? Do they have someone that they could potential have a conflict with? Looking at the connections the suspect has may eventually lead someone to motive.

3.     Statistics. By the numbers, certain types of crimes are committed by certain people, for certain reasons. Being familiar with these scenarios may help a forensic psychologist to motive.

4.     Understanding the victim or victims. Just as the perpetrator is important to understanding motive, the characteristics and associations of the victim can be just as crucial.

 

Forensic psychology is really about understanding the criminal and the crime. It’s important that trained forensic psychologists be aware of the jurisdiction in which they work and be able to communicate appropriately with judges and lawyers. They are often asked to testify in trials and report their findings to others. The ability for a forensic psychologist to accurately interpret motive may be the difference between justice and injustice. They may be asked to, based on their findings of the criminal, motive and other factors, provide recommended treatment and/or sentencing.

 

It’s not surprising why so many individuals are interested in getting their forensic psychology degree. Those who are fascinated by the human condition and how we operate are drawn to the field. While there are many subfields of psychology, only forensic psychology is the truth cross section between understanding human behavior and applying it to the legal system.

 

Do you find yourself asking “why?” Are you interested in human behavior? You may be right for forensic psychology. Being able to analyze and answer questions about the criminal mind is fascinating, rewarding work. That is why, many individuals are seeking specialized training that is required to help answer these essential questions and help move justice forward.