learning theories (individualistic) Flashcards
(9 cards)
what is operant learning theory? (skinner)
the basic idea that if a behaviour results in a reward, the behaviour is likely to be repeated. however if the behaviour results in punishment or an undesired outcome it isn’t likely to be repeated.
if an actions rewards outweigh the punishments the crime is more likely to be committed.
what is behaviourism?
the cause of someone’s actions lies in the reinforcements and punishment.
strength of operant learning theory?
can be applied to crime as if the reward of committing the crime outweighs the potential risks the crime is more likely to be committed.
weakness of operant learning theory
ignores the internal mental processes, thinking, values and ones own morals, only focusing on external factors.
what is social learning theory? (bandura)
we learn by observing and imitating others.
we model our behaviour around other people that we call “models”. we are most likely to copy someone of a higher social status.
however, we also take in the consequences of the models actions before we imitate them.
what is the bobo doll study?
3 groups of children were made to watch someone attack a bobo doll.
group one saw a version where the actions were rewarded
group 2 were shown a version where the actions were punished.
the 3rd group were shown a version where the actions were neither rewarded or punished.
how did each of the three groups respond to the videos?
group three copied the actions however much less violently.
group one copied the actions with no remorse and same violence.
group 2 were the least violent towards the bobo doll.
what are the strengths of banduras social learning theory?
unlike skinner, bandura takes in to account we are social beings and we learn from others.
like maternal deprivation theory it proves the importance of having positive role models.
the weaknesses of banduras social learning theory?
the study took place in a lab, not taking into account real environments.
it ignores peoples freedom of choice.
