unit 2

• what is Albert Bandura's social learning theory?


  observational learning
• what experiment did Albert Bandura conduct to prove his ideas?

  the bobo doll experiment.
• bandura and the bobo doll experiment - 1963


  the experiment involved exposing children to 2 different adult models, an aggressive model and a non-aggressive model.

  the aggressive model was seen to kick and pummel the doll in front of the children. after witnessing the behaviour the children were then placed in a room with the bobo doll alone to see if they would imitate the behaviour.

  the study showed children shown the aggressive model would also be aggressive towards the bobo doll. the children who watched the non aggressive model were far less aggressive towards the bobo doll.
• social learning theory - bobo doll, strengths.


  highlights that we learn from each other

  shows importance of being a role model

  takes into account were just human beings
• social learning theory - bobo doll, weaknesses.


  based on lab studies - artificial setting.

  ignores freedom of choice and assumes behaviour is purely based on learning experience.

  not all observed behaviour is imitated.
• differential association theory - edwin sutherland. 


  argues that people learn their values and techniques for criminal behaviour through those around them eg, associated, peers and family.

  results in 2 factors : limitation - gaining criminal skill by observing those around them.

  learned attitudes - socialisation in a group influences a persons norms and values.
• research support for differential association theory - osborn + west 1972


  40% of sons who had fathers with criminal convictions also had a conviction themself by age 18.

  13% of sons who had fathers with no criminal convictions had a criminal conviction themself by age 18
• strengths of research support for differential association theory - osborn + west 1972


  juvenile delinquents are more likely to associate wit friends who show antisocial behaviour - peer group learning

  allows possible justification of behaviour
• limitations of research support for differential association theory - osborn + west 1972


  not everyone exposed to criminals becomes one

  may learn how to commit a crime but will never do it.
• operant learning theory - jeffery


  criminal behaviour is learnt through the reinforcement of particular behaviours.

  if the crime in more rewarding than the punishment for someone then they will most likely commit the crime again.

  Rewards could be : financial or emotional such as respect from family or friends.
• example of learning theory

  1963 albert bandura social learning theory
• psychodynamic learning theory example

  theory of personality - sigmund freud
• personality theory - sigmund freud


  claims personality and behaviour is determined by our early childhood experiences
• 3 sides of personality - freud


  Id: present at birth, operates pleasure principle so it gets as it pleases.

  EGO: develops around age 2 works on reality principle - reduces conflict between ID + Superego using defence mechanisms.

  Superego: develops around age 5, works on morality principle- represents moral standards of same sex parent and is responsible for guilt.
• freud and criminal behaviour

  a person requires a healthy balance of 3 sides of personality.

  but one aspect may take over : ID- person will act impulsively, taking what they want leading to criminal behaviour.
• developing conscience - oedipus complex


  happens around age 3

  stage involves a strong desire and love from opposite sex parent and fear of the same sex parent.

  the child identifies with same sexparent, internalising their beliefs and values.

  therefore, the child internalises morality of their same sex parent.
• development of a dominant Id

  a child will have a dominant in if they don't develop ego and superego from same sex parent.

  case study to support :

  • Bowlby 1944- he studied 44 juvenile delinquents and compared them to non juvenile delinquents
  • 39% of juvenile delinquents had experienced separation from mothers for 6 months.
• strengths of theory of personality - sigmund freud


  found links between adverse childhood experiences and criminality.

  points out importance of early socialisation
• weaknesses of personality theory - sigmund freud

  discredited by psychologists as there is no objectivity to the study so subjectivity to study would vary results

  he studied people he had built relationships with rather than complete strangers.
• example of psychological theory

  personality theory Eysenck
• personality theory - Eysenck


  a self reported questionnaire based on personality types

  based upon a scale of extraversion / introversion and neuroticism / stability.

  he later also added psychoticism.
• strengths of personality theory - Eysenck

  one of the first to make his research quantifiable so it was perceived to be more legitimate.
• weaknesses of personality theory - eysenck

  does not inform us why individuals commit criminal acts
• social construct

  idea which has been accepted by society rather than it occuring naturally.
• polygamy = practice of having 1 or more husband / wife

  polygyny = where a man may take 2 or more wifes

  polyandry = where a woman may take 2 or more husbands
• 2 examples of physiological theories

  Lombroso

  William Sheldon
• physiological theory 1 - Lombroso

  idea that you could tell if someone was a criminal based on looks.

  claimed people were born criminal - throwback to primitive stage of evolution also known as atavism

  he studied facial features of 383 dead prisoners as well as 3839 alive prisoners.

  characteristics that suggested you were a criminal:

  • jawline, high cheek bones, ear shape, large eye sockets, eyebrow arches
• weaknesses of Lombroso's study

  time consuming, unethical, ignored disabilities, only studied italian men - androcentric