Lecture 4 (potential exam questions)

Question 1

Explain the social learning mechanisms.

Answer 1

Parents as role models: children will learn their behavior from their parents.

Pro-criminal attitudes, motivations: not only observing the behavior, but also learning the attitudes and motivations.

Differential reinforcement: when a child is not punished for CB, he is in a way rewarded.

Imitation: copying behavior from their parents

Question 2

Explain the different layers of the developmental-ecological model.

Answer 2

The core is ‘individual’, the first layer is ‘family’, the second layer is ‘neighborhood’, and the last layer is everything ‘beyond’.

Question 3

How do families influence child behaviors?

Answer 3

Family structure, parenting style, guardianship, socialization.

Question 4

What are the findings from Tremblay et al (2004)?

Answer 4

The level of physical aggression tends to rise in relation to infants.

Question 5

Relate the theoretical frameworks to the family.

Answer 5

Static theories: development of personality traits, disposition

Dynamic theories: strength/change in family bonds and informal control

Typological theories: genes, parenting practices, and family environment

Question 6

Give mechanisms of direct and indirect control, regarding parenting practices and styles (Wright & Cullen, 2001)

Answer 6

Direct control: discipline, monitoring, reinforcement.

Indirect control: attachments, involvement, support.

Question 7

How can a parent control childrens’ criminal act, when not physically around

Answer 7

A parent can indirectly control children if they are psychologically present. When no thought is given to parental reaction, the child is to this extent free to commit the act.

Question 8

Give for both attachment and involvement, an explanation.

Answer 8

Attachment: socio-emotional bond with parent (Hirschi), relationship with caregiver.
- ‘psychological’ (indirect) control

Involvement:
- Spending time with children, interest in life/activities
- Can improve disclosure

Question 9

What is this effect called “Child behavior is influenced by family functioning and parenting styles, and vice versa”?

Answer 9

Reciprocal effects

Question 10

Regarding crime prevention, who do you target, and which method shows moderate effects on child behavior?

Answer 10

Target early in life - pre natal, newborns, infants. Interventions showed moderate effects.