skinner (operant learning theory) - learning theory

Question 1

what is skinner’s theory?

Answer 1

the theory that criminal behaviour and any behaviour can be changed via punishment and rewarding it

Question 2

key term - positive reinforcement

Answer 2

if a behaviour is rewarded it is likely to be repeated

Question 3

key term - punishment

Answer 3

if a behaviour results in an undesireable outcome its less likely to be repeated

Question 4

key term - behaviourism

Answer 4

cause of behaviour lies in rewards and punishments that shape it

Question 5

key term - differential reinforcement

Answer 5

he argued behaviour is shaped through punishment and rewarding and an example of that is jefferys theory were he states if crime is more rewarding than not commiting it, they will carry on committing crime

Question 6

skinners strengths

Answer 6

-study on animals show they learn via reinforcement relating to humans
-it can be applied to offenders (jeffery 1959)

Question 7

skinners weaknesses

Answer 7

-based on animal studies so not generalisable to humans
-theory ignores internal mental processes