learning theories

Question 1

strengths of Skinners operant learning theory:
(2)

Answer 1

shows learning from experience through reinforcement

Jefferey states if crime leads to a more rewarding than punishing outcome for an individual they are more likely to reoffend

Question 2

strengths of Sutherland’s differential association theory:
(2)

Answer 2

juvenile delinquents more likely to have friends that are criminals

Farrington studied anti social behaviour in 411 men in London and found 45% went on to commit a crime

Question 3

weaknesses of Skinners operant learning theory:
(2)

Answer 3

he studied on animals so not an adequate model of how humans learn criminal behaviour

ignores internal mental processes such as thinking, personal attitudes and values

Question 4

weaknesses of Sutherland’s differential association theory:
(2)

Answer 4

Farrington suggested poverty and low educational achievement were key factors in the study and play a part in criminality

not everyone exposed to ‘criminal influences’ end up being criminals

Question 5

strengths of Bandura’s social learning theory:
(2)

Answer 5

children who saw aggressive behaviour and being rewarded imitated that behaviour
study replicated with slight changes and similar results were found

Question 6

weaknesses of Bandura’s social learning theory:
(2)

Answer 6

it was a lab experiment so lacks validity

theory assumes all behaviour is learned and not a result of freedom of choice