Psychological Explanation for Offending Behaviour - Differential Association Theory

Question 1

What does the differential association theory propose?

Answer 1

The differential association theory proposes that offending behaviour is learned through interaction with others such as family and peers.

Question 2

What are the two main factors that lead to offending according to the differential association theory?

Answer 2

1. Learned attitudes towards crime: Exposure to more pro-criminal attitudes than anti-criminal ones increases the likelihood of offending.
2. Learning specific criminal acts: People learn how to commit crimes through observation, imitation, or direct teaching.

Question 3

What is a strength of the differential association theory?

Answer 3

There is supporting evidence that offending runs in families. Children whose parents or siblings offend are more likely to offend themselves.

This supports the idea that pro-crime attitudes and criminal techniques are learned within families, adding credibility to the theory.

Question 4

What is a limitation of the differential association theory?

Answer 4

The family link could also be explained by genetics, meaning inherited traits might explain criminal behaviour rather than social learning.

This means the research cannot clearly establish cause and effect, questioning the theory’s credibility.

Question 5

What is another strength of the differential association theory?

Answer 5

Adoption studies show children with criminal adoptive parents but non-criminal biological parents are more likely to offend.

This supports the role of social associations over genetics in learning offending behaviour, adding credibility.

Question 6

What is a practical implication of the differential association theory?

Answer 6

The theory has better practical implications than biological explanations because it views offending as a learned behaviour influenced by social environment.

Since social settings can be changed, the theory offers a more realistic route to prevention and intervention, adding credibility.

Question 7

What is a limitation regarding stereotyping in the differential association theory?

Answer 7

The theory can lead to stereotyping individuals from crime-ridden backgrounds as inevitably criminal.

This is problematic because not everyone exposed to criminal influences offends, so the theory may overgeneralize and reduce individual accountability, questioning its credibility.