AC 3.2 - evaluate the effectiveness of individualistic theories to explain the causes of criminality

Question 1

strengths of social learning theory

Answer 1

• replicable experiment
• studies in support ( Bandura’s 2nd experiment 1965)
• lab experiment so the variables are controlled giving it greater reliability & validity

Question 2

weaknesses of social learning theory

Answer 2

• lacks ecological validity - has an artificial environment
• short-term study with no long-term effects discovered
• ethical issues = consent , showing children violence at a young age
• ignores influence of other factors on behaviour ( cognitive functions & social class)
• artificial environment and stimuli

Question 3

support of psychodynamic theory - Blackburn (1993)

Answer 3

the inadequate superego is weak , over-harsh & deviant

Question 4

support of psychodynamic theory - Bowlby’s Deprivation Theory (1944)

Answer 4

• his 44 Juvenile thieves study found that the absence of any maternal bond led to affectionless psychopathy

Question 5

strengths of psychodynamic theory

Answer 5

• Freud was among the first to link early childhood trauma to later adult behaviour
• assumption about the role of the id etc corresponded later to findings about functions of areas of the brain ( prefrontal cortex)

Question 6

weaknesses of psychodynamic theory

Answer 6

• methodological issues: lacks ecological validity
  
  • Freud relied on small number of case studies
• untestable concepts = unconscious mind which is difficult to investigate
• limited effectiveness in treating anti-social behaviour or more complex psychological disorders that could contribute to criminality

Question 7

strengths of Eysenck’s Criminal Personality

Answer 7

• creates a typology of criminal personality traits that is easy to understand
• identification of criminal personality traits may allow for early intervention

Question 8

support of Eysenck’s Criminal Personality - DeYoung (2010)

Answer 8

Supports Eysenck’s links between neurological processes as they correlated dopamine release with extroversion

Question 9

weaknesses of Eysenck’s Criminal Personality

Answer 9

• relies on self-report studies = people can be indecisive , may not understand question , influenced by factors
• assumes that personality can be studied as a set of stable traits that cause people to behave in consistent manner