AC 3.2 evaluation of the individualistic theories

Question 1

What are strengths of Bandura’s theory? (social learning theory)

Answer 1

-The bobo doll experiment showed the model
did have an effect in the child’s behaviour
- The experiment and variables such as the
gender and actions of the model were
controlled, allowing greater accuracy
-The study has been replicated with slight
changes and similar results have been found

Question 2

What are weaknesses of Bandura’s theory? (Social learning theory)

Answer 2

-The bobo doll experiment is a laboratory
experiment is a laboratory study of imitation,
which has low ecological validity which could
result in demand characteristics
-Involves ethical issues due to exposing the
children to aggression with the
understanding that the children would imitate
it
-There was a novelty aspect of the doll as the
children had never played with it before. This
means they were more likely to follow the
adult

Question 3

What are strengths of Freud’s theory? (psychodynamic theory)

Answer 3

-Just because Freud’s theories are rather odd
it doesn’t automatically mean they are wrong
-Psychodynamic theories have contributed to
research about crime and behaviour. In
particular the focus on childhood
experiences
-The id, ego and superego relate to different
parts of the brain, and their functions and
development.

Question 4

What are the weaknesses of Freud’s theory? (Psychodynamic theory)

Answer 4

-Psychodynamic theories of offending are no
longer accredited by psychologists
-These theories are very unscientific and lack
objective interpretation
-There is a lack of quantitative data from
Freud’s case studies. He knew his parents
and therefore could not be objective

Question 5

What are the strengths of Eysnck’s theory? (Psychological theories)

Answer 5

• Eysnck research on soldiers in hospital supported this theory. He predicted the most traumatised soldiers would score high on neurotic
• If his theory is correct and tendencies towards criminal behaviour are detectable in childhood, then it may be possible to intervene at an early stage and prevent such development
• His personality testing has formed the bias of many modern personality tests that try and predict people’s behaviour

Question 6

What are the weaknesses of Eysnck’s theory? (Psychodynamic theories)

Answer 6

-There is a lack of reliability, as people may
not respond exactly the same to the same
questions every day or every time
-Research in this area relies on self-report
measures about a person’s view of their
personality. This results in biased or
deliberately false answers
-The theory suggests that personality is
generic and fails to consider that it may
change over time