Learning theories

Question 1

Sutherlands differential theory

Answer 1

• Individuals learn criminal behaviour from family or peer groups.
• Imitation of criminal acts.
• If an individual internalises more unfavourable than favourable attitudes, they are more likely to be criminals.
• White collar crime being normalised because ‘everyone is doing it’
• Crime is proven to run in families (strength)
• Not everyone who is exposed to criminality become a criminal (limitation).

Question 2

Operant learning theory

Answer 2

• Skinner argued that if a behaviour is rewarded it’s more likely to be repeated.
• Punishment and reinforcements shape behaviour.
• Animalistic behaviour link (strength)
• Humans have free will and can make their own decisions (limitation).

Question 3

Differential reinforcement theory.

Answer 3

• Jeffrey argues that criminal behaviour is learnt through reinforcement.
• If crime has more rewarding benefits than punishing ones, individuals are more likely to act upon them.
• Proven link when offending (strength).
• Theory ignores internal thinking processes (limitation).

Question 4

Social learning theory.

Answer 4

• Bandura argues that the people we imitate are known as models.
• Models are usually of higher status.
• Bobo doll - 3 groups, 4-5 year olds, one showed abuse with punishment, one showed abuse with reward, one showed abuse with no reward or punishment, groups acted accordingly.
• Bandura takes into account that we are social beings (strength)
• Laboratory studies are not always reliable in the real world (limitation).