AC2.2- Individualistic theories Flashcards
What are the three individualistic: learning theories in criminology?
- Skinner - Operant conditioning
- Bandura - Social Learning Theory
- Sutherlands differential association theory
What are the learning theories based on?
The assumption that criminal behaviour is learned in the same way as any other behaviours
What did Bandura propose?
That aggression can be learned from watching others behave in an aggressive manner
What research did Bandura carry out?
The Bobo doll experiment
What 3 things are said to produce violent and aggressive behaviour?
- Arousal event
- Pro-violence values
- Expected success or rewards
What did Bandura state about imitation?
Much of our behaviour is learned from imitating models. We are more likely to imitate people who have a higher status to us or who are being rewarded.
What two researchers supported Bandura’s study?
- Sutherland 1992
2. Osborn and West 1979
What did Osborn and West 1979 research?
- Researched into the sons of criminal fathers and compared it to a control group
- Criminal conviction = 40% of sons had one by 18
- Control group = 13% of sons had one by 18
Using the term ‘controlled variables’ state a strength into SLT.
Variables such as age and gender were controlled which allows the study to be easily replicable
What was the key idea of Skinner: Operant conditioning?
If a behaviour results in a reward (positive reinforcement) the behaviour will be repeated. If a behaviour results in an undesired outcome (punishment), it will not be repeated.
What is Jeffrey’s differential reinforcement theory?
Crime must have more rewards for criminals than punishments for them to commit the crime
What is meant by negative reinforcement?
Behaviour that switches off an unpleasant stimulus
What is meant by positive reinforcement?
Behaviour that leads to gaining a reward
What is meant by vicarious reinforcement?
Learning takes place through observing the consequences of a role model’s actions - reward and punishment
What does differential association theory propose?
Individuals learn their attitudes, values, techniques and motives from others.
