AC 2.2 Flashcards
What is Social Learning Theory?
Social Learning Theory, developed by Bandura, argues that we learn behavior, including aggressive behavior, by imitating others.
What are ‘models’ in Social Learning Theory?
Models are individuals we imitate, often those of higher status or ‘role models’.
What is vicarious reinforcement?
Vicarious reinforcement is the concept that we are more likely to imitate behavior if we see the model being rewarded for it.
How can a child learn criminal behavior according to Social Learning Theory?
A child may learn criminal techniques by observing their parents committing crimes and may imitate this behavior if they see their parents rewarded.
What did Bandura et al. demonstrate in their experiments?
Bandura et al. demonstrated that children imitated aggressive behaviors based on whether the model was rewarded or punished.
What were the three groups in Bandura’s experiment?
Group 1 saw a model rewarded for aggression, Group 2 saw a model punished, and Group 3 was a control group with no consequences.
What was the outcome of Bandura’s experiment?
Group 1 imitated aggressive behaviors the most, Group 3 imitated less, and Group 2 imitated the least.
What is a strength of Social Learning Theory?
It accounts for social learning from the experiences of others, not just direct experience.
How does Social Learning Theory have positive implications for crime control?
It shows the importance of role models in learning deviant behavior, indicating that interventions can be made.
What is a weakness of Social Learning Theory?
Not all behavior is easily imitated, as some skills may be beyond an individual’s capability to replicate.
What do psychodynamic theories focus on?
Psychodynamic theories view personality as containing active forces from the unconscious mind that influence behavior.
How do early childhood experiences relate to psychodynamic theories?
Freud suggested that early experiences shape our personality and future behavior, influencing antisocial actions.
What are the three elements of personality according to Freud?
The three elements are the id (basic needs), the superego (conscience), and the ego (mediator).
How can issues with the superego lead to crime?
A weak superego may lead to less guilt about antisocial actions, while a harsh superego may cause compulsive repeat offending.
What is a deviant superego?
A deviant superego occurs when a child internalizes a deviant moral code from a role model, such as a criminal parent.
What is a strength of psychodynamic theory?
It relates to different brain areas, suggesting that the concepts may be objectively testable.
How has Freud’s theory influenced other theories?
It has provided a foundation for other theories, such as Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation.
What is a weakness of psychodynamic theory?
It lacks scientific reliability and objective interpretation, leading to subjective conclusions.
Why are psychodynamic theories no longer accredited?
They are difficult to test due to abstract concepts like the unconscious mind, affecting their validity.
What does Eysenck’s personality theory suggest?
Certain personality types are more likely to commit crime, based on a study of soldiers with neurotic disorders.
What personality traits did Eysenck identify?
Eysenck identified extroversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism as traits linked to criminal behavior.
How does Eysenck’s theory predict criminal behavior?
Individuals with extrovert, neurotic, and psychotic traits may struggle to control impulses, leading to offending.
What is a strength of Eysenck’s theory?
It has positive implications for crime control by suggesting early intervention could prevent criminal behavior.
How has Eysenck’s theory influenced modern assessments?
It has formed the basis for many personality tests used to predict behavior.
