Evaluation

• +clear scientific basis to the theory e.g. Skinner and Bandur’s research.
• +Token economies have proved to be very effective at changing prisoners behaviour.
• +It can explain cultural differences in criminal behaviour and normalisation for example FGM.
• +SLT can explain some for the influence of the media on crime.
• -Token economies require very controlled environment and do not necessarily have benefits outside prison. It lacks ecological validity.
• -Research based on animals (or children) and is difficult to generalise to humans.
• -It ignores free-will. it implies you’re victims by circumstance.
• -Not everyone imitates criminal influence. some people may be biologically predisposed to learn criminal behaviour.
• -Learning theory does not consider the role of social class, gender or ethnicity.