Individualistic theories of criminality: learning theories Flashcards
What is imitation?
When we acquire criminal skills through observing those around us
What is learned attitudes?
Socialisation within a group teaches them attitudes and values about the law
What is behaviourism?
The idea that rewards and punishments shape our behaviour – even criminality
What is positive reinforcement?
When behaviour is strengthened by a positive outcome (reward)
What is negativee reinforcement?
When behaviour is strengthened by removing an undesirable outcome
What is punishment?
When behaviour is stopped by an undesirable outcome
What is determinism?
The idea that our behaviour is caused by an external force outside of our control – we have no free will
What are models?
People whose behaviour we imitate
What is validity?
How true a test is – does it actually measure what it sets out to measure?
What is the key idea of Sutherland and differential association theory?
Criminality is the result of imitation and learned attitudes in groups that favour law-breaking
What is the study relating to Sutherland and differential association theory?
Group attitudes in the workplace often normalised behaviour and members are able to justify their crimes as everyone else is doing it
What is one strength of Sutherland and differential association theory?
Crime often runs in families
What is a second strength of Sutherland and differential association theory?
Mathews - juvenile delinquents are more likely to have friends who commit anti-social acts – they learn from peer groups
What is one limitation of Sutherland and differential association theory?
Not everyone exposed to criminal influences becomes criminal
What is the key idea of Skinner and operant learning theory?
If a behaviour results in a reward it will be repeated. If it results in an undesirable outcome it will not
How does Skinner and operant learning theory link to crime?
Jeffrey’s differential reinforcement theory (DRT) suggests that crime must therefore have more rewards for criminals than punishments
What is one strength of Skinner and operant learning theory?
If a behaviour results in a reward it will be repeated. If it results in an undesirable outcome it will not
What is a second strength of Skinner and operant learning theory?
Jeffrey - DRT suggests that crime must therefore have more rewards for criminals than punishments
What is one limitation of Skinner and operant learning theory?
Animals are not the same as humans
What is a second limitation of Skinner and operant learning theory?
Theory ignores mental processes such as thinking, attitudes and values
What is a third limitation of Skinner and operant learning theory?
Ignores free will of humans - Deterministic
What is the key idea of Bandura and social learning theory?
Much of our behaviour is learned from imitating others (models)
What is imitation relating to Bandura and social learning theory?
We are more likely to imitate people of higher status than us, and if we see them being rewarded
What is one example of evidence relating to Bandura and social learning theory?
Bobo doll study. Children most likely to imitate violent adult model when they saw them rewarded
What is one strength of Bandura and social learning theory?
Takes account of our social nature – we learn from others’ experiences
What is a second strength of Bandura and social learning theory?
Bandura’s study shows importance of role models in learning deviance
What is one limitation of Bandura and social learning theory?
Based on lab studies so lacks validity
What is a second limitation of Bandura and social learning theory?
Not all observed behaviour is easily imitated – we may see criminals rewarded but lack the skills to copy
What is a third limitation of Bandura and social learning theory?
Ignores free will of humans - Deterministic
