strengths and limitations of learning theories

Strength of Sutherland

Research to support the differential association explanation by Sutherland. Farrington investigated antisocial behaviour in 411 men in London and found that approximately 45% went on to commit crime, where crime in their family was a common trait. This shows that exposure to criminal behaviour does influence people to commit crimes.

Research to support the differential association explanation by Sutherland. Farrington investigated antisocial behaviour in 411 men in London and found that approximately 45% went on to commit crime, where crime in their family was a common trait. This shows that exposure to criminal behaviour does influence people to commit crimes.

Could be argued as too deterministic. For example if someone is exposed to criminal behaviour, this doesn’t mean they always go on to commit crimes as people have free will and can choose whether to commit crimes or not. Same for bandura

Strength of skinner

The theory is based on scientific and objective findings. For example skinners study involved behaviour resulting in a reward is more likely to be repeated. This shows everyone’s behaviour lies in rewards and punishments - behaviourism

Weakness of skinner

The findings of the studies may not be generalised to human beings and criminal behaviour. This is because skinners study was tested by rats which do not have the same mindset as a human being

Another weakness of skinner

Fails to explain why crimes are committed in the first place. He explains that behaviour is repeated when positively reinforced but does not necessarily explain the driving factor behind the committing crime to begin with

Strength of bandura

He shows the importance of role models in shaping criminality. The role models that people are most likely to learn their behaviour from are parents, teachers and celebrities.

Weakness of bandura

Banduras research may be argued as invalid as the participants were observed in a lab under research condition which is an issue as lab studies are not valid as they are in an artificial setting