AC 3.2-effectiveness of criminology theories

Question 1

STRENGTHS of psychoDYNAMIC theories

Answer 1

-psychodynamic researchers identifies importance of childhood experiences and parent-child relationships as influence of offending

-Should be credited with pointing in useful directions for later research

-identifications has developed many other explanations of criminality

Question 2

WEAKNESSES of psychoDYNAMIC theories

Answer 2

-no longer accepted. heavily relies on concepts as the unconscious mind that’s hard to prove and subjective

-only explains behavior after its happened–>limited usefulness in helping to prevent crime. Issues of causation, criminality doesn’t always lead to the unconscious mind

-psychodynamic theories attempted to treat offending hasn’t been successful

-Time consuming and waste of public money if used as rehabilitation

Question 3

STRENGTHS of social learning theories
(Bandura & skinner)

Answer 3

-many studies support Banduras theory. Reliable

-Bandura considers humans as social being–>learn from others

-bobo doll modelling affects children’s behaviour, shows importance of role models and deviant behaviour

Question 4

WEAKNESSES of social learning theories
(Bandura & skinner)

Answer 4

-lacks ecological validity–>findings are from a very controlled environment and may not imitate the way people experience things in real life

-studies show its a snap shop with no long term effects

-bobo doll may be unethical–>may distress children involved so aggressive behaviour may stay with them

-Study ignored other influential factors. Theory assumes we don’t have free will and behavior is determined by experiences

Question 5

STRENGHTS of psychoANALYSIS theories
(eysenck)

Answer 5

-large sample size. reliable & representative

-clearly identifies personality traits that could lead to criminality

-prediction of high P, E, N scored supported by other studies

-if criminal tendencies can be determined in childhood, they can be modified through rehabilitation programs and correctional teaching

Question 6

weaknesses of psychoANALYSIS theories
(eysenck)

Answer 6

-heavily relies on self-reporting of personality. unreliable

-offenders answer questions about themselves and may want to hide worst aspects of themselves

-uses heavy comparisons between convicted behavior and general population who aren’t convicted

-personality can be seen as a set of stable traits that causes people to behave consistently