Individualistic Theories

Question 1

Key processes of social learning theory:

Answer 1

1. Observation and Imitation: Individuals learn by watching others (models) and imitating their actions.
2. Vicarious Reinforcement: People observe the consequences of others’ actions. If a behavior is rewarded, they are more likely to imitate it; if punished, they are less likely to do so.

3.Identification: Individuals are more likely to imitate behaviors from role models they identify with or admire.

4. Mediation Processes: Bandura identified four key processes:

Attention: Paying attention to the model.

Retention: Remembering the observed behavior.

Reproduction: The ability to reproduce the behavior.

Motivation: The willingness to imitate, often influenced by anticipated rewards or punishments.

Question 2

What experiment did Bandura do to support the idea of social learning?

Answer 2

Bobo doll experiment

Question 3

Freuds phycoanalysis

Answer 3

You can develop 3 types of superego:

Deviant- socialised successfully but into a deviant moral code.
Weakly developed- Feel less guilt and less inhibition about acting in the IDs urges.
Too harsh and unforgiving- The superego craves punishment as it causes deep guilt ridden theories.

Question 4

Bowlby Maternal deprivation theory-

Answer 4

Link between maternal deprivation and crime. A child needs a close relationship with their primary care giver from 0-5 to develop normally. If broken they are unable to form emotional attachments ( AFFECTIONLESS PHYCOPATHY)

Question 5

Eysenck personality theory-

Answer 5

Criminality is a result of a particular personality type.

Made up of 2 dimensions:
Introversion vs Extroversion
Neuroticism vs emotional stability

High E and N score indicates criminality.

We learn through conditioning of punishment and reward.

Some criminals have a nervous system which makes them develop criminal personalities.

Extroverts need a high level of stimulation from their environment so they are constantly excited- therefore may act impulsively and therefore criminally.

Nueotics are harder to condition into following societal rules becaise their high anxiety levels prohibit them from learning from their mistakes.

Question 6

Sutherlands differential association theory.

Answer 6

Individuals learn behaviour largely in family and peer groups.

This is the result of 2 factors:

Imitation: individuals can acquire criminal skills and techniques through observing those around them.

Learned attitudes: Socialisation within the group exposes an individual to those attitudes and values. Some may favour the law and others may not.

Study:

WCC = “everyone’s doing it” attitude

Question 7

Operant learning theory (Skinner)

Answer 7

Skinner- if behaviour is likely to result in reward it is likely to be repeated if it results in punishment it’s likely to be avoided.

The theory is known as behaviourism becaise its surrounds how we manage our behaviour based on the rewards and punishments it may result in.

Question 8

Operant learning theory (Jeffrey)

Answer 8

Differential reinforcement theory:

If crime has more rewarding consequences than punishing ones for an individual they will be more likely to engage in criminal behaviour. These rewards can be financial or emotional eg peer respect.

Question 9

Cognitive theories: Criminal personality.

Answer 9

Yochelson and Samenow: Criminals are prone to faulty thinking and this makes them more likely to commit crime.

Thinking errors: They believe that criminals show a range of errors and biases. These include lying or secretiveness.

Question 10

Cognitive theories: Moral development

Answer 10

Kholberg: Idea that in the pre conventional stage (childhood) our perceptions of right and wrong is decided simply through punishment and reward.

He suggests that criminals stay at this level which is why they are more likely to offend.