Individualistic theories of criminality: learning theories Flashcards

1
Q

What is imitation?

A

When we acquire criminal skills through observing those around us

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2
Q

What is learned attitudes?

A

Socialisation within a group teaches them attitudes and values about the law

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3
Q

What is behaviourism?

A

The idea that rewards and punishments shape our behaviour – even criminality

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4
Q

What is positive reinforcement?

A

When behaviour is strengthened by a positive outcome (reward)

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5
Q

What is negativee reinforcement?

A

When behaviour is strengthened by removing an undesirable outcome

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6
Q

What is punishment?

A

When behaviour is stopped by an undesirable outcome

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7
Q

What is determinism?

A

The idea that our behaviour is caused by an external force outside of our control – we have no free will

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8
Q

What are models?

A

People whose behaviour we imitate

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9
Q

What is validity?

A

How true a test is – does it actually measure what it sets out to measure?

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10
Q

What is the key idea of Sutherland and differential association theory?

A

Criminality is the result of imitation and learned attitudes in groups that favour law-breaking

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11
Q

What is the study relating to Sutherland and differential association theory?

A

Group attitudes in the workplace often normalised behaviour and members are able to justify their crimes as everyone else is doing it

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12
Q

What is one strength of Sutherland and differential association theory?

A

Crime often runs in families

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13
Q

What is a second strength of Sutherland and differential association theory?

A

Mathews - juvenile delinquents are more likely to have friends who commit anti-social acts – they learn from peer groups

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14
Q

What is one limitation of Sutherland and differential association theory?

A

Not everyone exposed to criminal influences becomes criminal

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15
Q

What is the key idea of Skinner and operant learning theory?

A

If a behaviour results in a reward it will be repeated. If it results in an undesirable outcome it will not

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16
Q

How does Skinner and operant learning theory link to crime?

A

Jeffrey’s differential reinforcement theory (DRT) suggests that crime must therefore have more rewards for criminals than punishments

17
Q

What is one strength of Skinner and operant learning theory?

A

If a behaviour results in a reward it will be repeated. If it results in an undesirable outcome it will not

18
Q

What is a second strength of Skinner and operant learning theory?

A

Jeffrey - DRT suggests that crime must therefore have more rewards for criminals than punishments

19
Q

What is one limitation of Skinner and operant learning theory?

A

Animals are not the same as humans

20
Q

What is a second limitation of Skinner and operant learning theory?

A

Theory ignores mental processes such as thinking, attitudes and values

21
Q

What is a third limitation of Skinner and operant learning theory?

A

Ignores free will of humans - Deterministic

22
Q

What is the key idea of Bandura and social learning theory?

A

Much of our behaviour is learned from imitating others (models)

23
Q

What is imitation relating to Bandura and social learning theory?

A

We are more likely to imitate people of higher status than us, and if we see them being rewarded

24
Q

What is one example of evidence relating to Bandura and social learning theory?

A

Bobo doll study. Children most likely to imitate violent adult model when they saw them rewarded

25
Q

What is one strength of Bandura and social learning theory?

A

Takes account of our social nature – we learn from others’ experiences

26
Q

What is a second strength of Bandura and social learning theory?

A

Bandura’s study shows importance of role models in learning deviance

27
Q

What is one limitation of Bandura and social learning theory?

A

Based on lab studies so lacks validity

28
Q

What is a second limitation of Bandura and social learning theory?

A

Not all observed behaviour is easily imitated – we may see criminals rewarded but lack the skills to copy

29
Q

What is a third limitation of Bandura and social learning theory?

A

Ignores free will of humans - Deterministic