Bandura

• 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