AC 2.2 Describe individualistic theories of criminality Flashcards
What are the learning theories?
-Bandura (social learning theory)
What is bandura (social learning theory)
Bandura believes that people learn by watching the behaviour of others. If children watch adults gaining pleasure from an activity, or being punished for an activity, they will either repeat or reject those behaviours. Aggression can be learned from watching others behave in an aggressive manner.
How does the findings for the bobo doll experiment account for criminality
Criminal behaviour, like any other, can be learned from observation. Some people learn criminal behaviour from those around them, for example family. We term this observational learning. Viewers learn behaviours from watching others and may imitate them. Observational learning is thought to take place primarily in three contexts;
- In the family
- Peers
- Cultural symbols such as television and books
What are psychodynamic theories?
-Freud
What is Freud’s theory?
Freud believed that the best way to understand behaviour is to examine early childhood experiences and that criminality was linked to guilt. Much of our mind was in an unconscious region, similar to an iceberg where only the tip can be seen. Our unconscious mind that controls our behaviour, including criminality. Freud developed a structure of the mind which is divided into three parts;
- The id- which controls our selfish urges
- The ego- which seeks rational and sensible control
- The superego- being our moral conscience
What are psychological theories?
-Eysenck
What is Eysenck theory?
Eysenck believed that certain personality types are more likely to commit crime because they crave excitement. He based his results in analysis if responses to a personality questionnaire. He carried out the questionnaire on 700 soldiers who were being treated for neurotic disorders at the hospital where he worked. He identified, initially, two ‘dimensions’ of personality, namely extraversion/introversion (E, I) and neuroticism/stability (N, S)
- He later added a third dimension of psychoticism (P), a cold, uncaring and aggressive personality, and this further indicated a tendency towards criminality
What is Extraversion/introversion?
-Extraversion/introversion- Concerns the amount of stimulation a person needs. An extrovert is sociable but can become bored very quickly, if there is a lack of stimulation. Whereas introverts are reliable and in control of emotions
What is neuroticism/stability?
Concerns the level of emotional stability of a person. Neurotics are very anxious and often irrational. Whereas a stable personality os calm and emotionally in control.
What did Eysenck predict about in theory?
He believed that people who have extrovert (E), Neurotic (N) and psychotic (P) personalities are more likely to offend because it is difficult for them to learn to control their immature impulses.
