Save
...
Unit 16: Forensic Psychology
16.4 Psychological Explanations of Offending Behaviour
16.4.3 Differential Association Theory
Save
Share
Learn
Content
Leaderboard
Share
Learn
Cards (74)
The Differential Association Theory was proposed by
Edwin
Criminal behaviour is believed to be inherited according to Differential Association Theory.
False
Criminal behaviour is learned through interaction and
communication
Intimate personal groups such as family and close friends have the most influence in shaping
criminal
attitudes.
Arrange the variables influencing differential associations in order of their influence according to Differential Association Theory.
1️⃣ Frequency
2️⃣ Duration
3️⃣ Priority
4️⃣ Intensity
The process of learning criminal behaviour involves the same
mechanisms
as any other learning process.
Similar needs and values can lead to either criminal or non-criminal behaviour depending on an individual's
learning
Match the learning mechanism with its explanation in Differential Association Theory.
Reinforcement ↔️ Repeating actions that lead to rewards
Imitation ↔️ Learning by observing and copying
Differential Association Theory emphasizes that criminal behaviour is shaped by both positive and negative
views
toward the law.
Who proposed the Differential Association Theory?
Edwin Sutherland
Criminal behaviour is learned through interaction, not through
innate
factors.
Criminal behavior is transmitted through
social groups
via communication and interaction.
Which social groups have the greatest influence in teaching criminal behavior?
Family and friends
Learning criminal behaviour includes both techniques and
attitudes
towards the law.
Attitudes toward legal codes can be learned as either
favorable
or unfavorable.
What determines whether an individual becomes delinquent according to the theory?
Balance of pro- vs anti-criminal definitions
The variables of association in learning criminal behavior include frequency, duration, priority, and
intensity
.
General learning mechanisms like reinforcement and
imitation
are used in acquiring criminal behavior.
What role do similar needs and values play in criminal behavior?
Can lead to both criminal and non-criminal behaviour
Match the learning mechanism with its explanation:
Reinforcement ↔️ Repeating actions for rewards or to avoid punishment
Imitation ↔️ Learning by observing and copying others
Differential reinforcement explains how individuals learn to repeat actions that result in
rewards
.
Punishments in differential reinforcement discourage criminal behavior by introducing
negative consequences
.
What is an example of a reward that reinforces criminal behavior?
Praise from peers
White-collar crime is learned through communication within professional
environments
.
Gang
violence
is acquired through interaction with gang members who promote pro-violence attitudes.
How is petty theft developed according to the theory?
Through peer support
Offending behavior is learned through interaction and communication within social
groups
.
Match the key concept with its explanation:
Pro-criminal attitudes ↔️ Attitudes favoring law violation
Peer group influence ↔️ Groups normalizing criminal behavior
Learning variables ↔️ Frequency, duration, priority, intensity
What are the variables of association in Differential Association Theory?
Frequency, duration, priority, intensity
General learning mechanisms in the Differential Association Theory include reinforcement and
imitation
Similar needs and values always lead to criminal behaviour.
False
What principle of the Differential Association Theory is illustrated by a child learning to steal from their parents?
Criminal behaviour is learned
The Differential Association Theory was proposed by Edwin
Sutherland
Criminal behaviour is innate, not learned.
False
How is criminal behaviour learned according to the Differential Association Theory?
Through interaction and communication
Family and close friends are examples of
intimate
groups in the Differential Association Theory.
What does the learning of criminal behaviour include according to the Differential Association Theory?
Techniques and motives
Attitudes toward legal codes are always favourable in criminal groups.
False
What determines delinquency in the Differential Association Theory?
The balance of pro- vs anti-criminal definitions
Order the variables of association in Differential Association Theory by their importance:
1️⃣ Frequency
2️⃣ Duration
3️⃣ Priority
4️⃣ Intensity
See all 74 cards