AC3.2 - Effectiveness of theories

Question 1

What are 3 individualistic theories?

Answer 1

• Bandura social learning theory
• Psychodynamic theory: Freud’s theory of the psyche
• Psychological theory: Eysenck’s criminal personality type

Question 2

Using the term ‘cause and effect’ explain a strength into SLT.

Answer 2

It demonstrated that the model had an effect on the childs behaviour. Showing a cause and effect relationship between the modelled violence and actual violence.

Question 3

Using the term ‘ecological validity’ state a weakness into SLT.

Answer 3

Laboratory experiment which has a low ecological validity therefore the study may lack mundane realism.

Question 4

Using the term ‘ethical issues’ state a weakness into SLT.

Answer 4

Exposing children to aggression with the understanding that they would imitate it, there are ethical issues and concerns of physical and psychological harm.

Question 5

Using Cumberbatch 1997 research, state a weakness into SLT.

Answer 5

Cumberbatch found children who had not interacted with a bobo doll previously were 5x more likely to initiate the model.

Question 6

Using the term ‘contribution’ state a strength into the psychodynamic theory.

Answer 6

Contributed research into crime and behaviour, particularly into childhood experiences and how they can impact future behaviour.

Question 7

Using the term ‘functions of the brain’ state a strength into the psychodynamic theory.

Answer 7

ID, EGO and SUPEREGO relate to different parts of the brain and it’s functions such as the limbic system (brains emotion centre) - pre-frontal cortex

Question 8

Using the term ‘accredited’ state a weakness into the psychodynamic theory

Answer 8

The theory is no longer accredited by psychologists due to difficulty in testing concepts like the unconscious mind

Question 9

Using the term ‘intervention’ state a strength into Eysenck’s theory

Answer 9

If the theory is correct and tendencies towards criminal behaviour can be detectable in childhood it may be possible to stage an intervention to prevent this

Question 10

Using the term ‘reliability’ state a weakness into Eysenck’s theory

Answer 10

People may not respond to the question the same every time and therefore it can lack reliability

Question 11

Using the term ‘self-report’ state a weakness into Eysenck’s theory

Answer 11

Relies on a self-report which can be biased and deliberately false

Question 12

Using the term ‘genetic’ state a weakness into Eysenck’s theory

Answer 12

Theory suggests that personality is genetic and fails to consider that it can change over time