Crime Theories: Learning and Behavior
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Questions and Answers

What is the name of the theory that suggests criminal behaviour is learned from intimate personal groups?

Differential Association Theory

Who is the main theorist associated with the Differential Association Theory?

Edwin Sutherland

According to the Differential Association Theory, criminal behaviour is primarily a result of personality traits.

False (B)

Which of the following is NOT a key concept in the Differential Association Theory?

<p>Cognitive processes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the varying degrees of exposure to criminal and non-criminal definitions, as described in the Differential Association Theory?

<p>Differential Association</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the influence of social contacts and intimate groups, as described in the Differential Association Theory?

<p>The influence of social contacts/intimate groups</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the four types of reinforcement/punishments discussed in the Social Learning Theory by Akers?

<p>Neutral Punishment (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the Social Learning Theory, criminal behaviour is solely a result of direct interactions with other individuals engaging in criminal acts.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Akers's Social Learning Theory emphasizes direct observation and imitation as the primary mechanisms for learning criminal behavior.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a criticism or limitation of Akers's Social Learning Theory?

<p>Lack of empirical support for its core findings (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Social Learning Theory highlights the importance of social factors in explaining criminal behaviour.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the social learning theory that emphasizes the importance of cognitive processes such as attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation?

<p>Social Learning Theory (SLT) - Bandura</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which experiment is associated with the Social Learning Theory (SLT) by Bandura?

<p>Bobo Doll Experiments</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Bobo Doll Experiments demonstrated that learning could occur without direct reinforcement.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the four cognitive factors that, according to Bandura, play a role in social learning?

<p>Attention, Retention, Reproduction, Motivation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Differential Association Theory

Criminal behavior is learned through interactions with others, including techniques, motives, and attitudes.

Differential Association

Varying exposure to criminal and non-criminal definitions.

Definitions (favorable/unfavorable)

Individual's views of criminal behavior (good or bad).

Intimate Personal Groups

Close-knit groups where criminal behavior is learned.

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Techniques of committing crime

The methods or skills involved in a crime.

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Motives

Reasons for committing a crime.

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Attitudes

Opinions and feelings about crime.

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Social Learning Theory (SLT)

Behaviour is learned through observation, imitation, and reinforcement.

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Observational Learning

Learning by watching others' actions and consequences.

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Imitation

Repeating observed behaviours.

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Reinforcement

Rewards and punishments influencing behavior.

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Modeling

Observing and imitating role models.

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Bobo Doll Experiments

Demonstrates observational learning without direct reinforcement.

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Social Learning Theory - Akers

Social interactions, observations, and imitation for learning.

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Differential reinforcement

Balance of anticipated rewards and punishments, impact on behaviour.

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Positive reinforcement

Rewarding to increase behaviour likelihood.

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Positive punishment

Negative consequence to decrease behaviour.

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Negative reinforcement

Avoiding negative consequences to increase behaviour.

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Negative punishment

Loss of positive reinforcement to decrease behaviour.

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Criticisms of Social Learning Theories (general)

Doesn't fully account for individual differences and cognitive processes, potentially failing to predict behaviour.

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Individual differences

Variability in personal characteristics influencing behaviour.

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Cognitive factors in learning

Mental processes like attention, memory, and motivation affecting learning.

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Frequency, Duration, Intensity, Priority

Key factors in how criminal associations affect learning, including how frequently and how important the contacts are.

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Study Notes

Crime Explained Through Learning

  • Various theories explain crime, highlighting the role of learning.
  • Differential Association Theory (Sutherland, 1939) posits that criminal behavior is learned through close personal groups.
  • This learning involves techniques, motives, and attitudes favorable to crime.
  • Proximity to criminal role models and frequent exposure to these behaviours influence criminal behaviour.
  • The theory suggests individuals become criminal due to a predominance of definitions favorable to breaking the law over definitions favorable to abiding by the law.
  • Frequency, duration, intensity, and priority of these associations affect the learning process.
  • Individuals who internalize favorable definitions of crime are more likely to engage in criminal behaviours.

Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1960s)

  • Learning occurs through observation, imitation, and reinforcement.
  • Observational learning: Individuals learn by observing behaviors of others, particularly role models.
  • Imitation: Individuals replicate observed behaviours, especially those of influential figures.
  • Reinforcement: Rewards and punishments influence repetition of behaviors.
  • Modeling: Role models demonstrate behaviours that others imitate.
  • Bobo doll experiments showcased the significance of observational learning and imitation of violent behaviours, in children.

Social Learning Theory (Akers)

  • Akers expanded on Bandura's SLT, incorporating differential reinforcement (balance of anticipated or actual rewards and punishments).
  • Four types of reinforcements/punishments: Positive reinforcement, positive punishment, negative reinforcement, negative punishment.
  • Differential association: Criminal behavior is learned through various social interactions.
  • Direct and indirect interactions (contact with criminals & exposure to criminal norms/values): these interactions shape perspectives, leading to criminal behaviour.

Criticisms & Limitations of these Theories

  • Theories do not account for individual differences in personalities or cognitive processes.
  • Theories often overlook the role of opportunity in criminal behaviour.
  • Situational factors aren’t heavily considered.
  • The prevalence of circular explanations is observed, with criminal behavior partly attributed to association with those who exhibit such behavior.
  • Oversimplification of behaviour, as they suggest criminal behavior can be entirely explained by social learning principles, ignoring other contributing factors.

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Description

Explore how various learning theories, including Differential Association Theory and Social Learning Theory, explain criminal behavior. Understand the significance of personal relationships and observational learning in shaping criminal actions and attitudes. This quiz will challenge your knowledge on the psychological factors influencing crime.

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