Cards (6)

  • Claims
    • learning theory, Social Learning Theory
    • people learn behaviour by observing the behaviour
    • attention to the model, retention of the behaviour, reproduction of behaviour, motivation to imitate
    • reinforcement is necessary
  • Components
    • bobo doll experiment
    • control group: the model received no reinforcement after being aggressive
    • reward group: model received positive reinforcement
    • punishment group: model received negative reinforcement
    • punishment group were least likely to be aggressive but would be once prompted
    • observing behaviour leads to learnt behaviour, reinforcement helps the child determine whether they should imitate
  • Credibility
    • controlled experiment
    • objective results
    • accounts for high recidivism rates
    • reductionist
  • Application:
    • Bogle family: four generations of criminals, committing a variety of crimes between them
    • Ashley Bogle: first non-criminal of the family
  • Refuting Evidence
    • may not be sampling behaviour as it occurs in real life
    • doesn't explain why some criminals never witnessed a crime or why some witnesses never commit a crime
  • Supporting Evidence
    • Sutherlands Differential Association 1933/92: criminal behaviour is learnt through association with other people, usually within close personal groups