Forensic Psychology

Learning Theory Explanations

Lesson Objective(s)

To be able to critically discuss the ‘Learning Theory’ explanations of offending behaviour

All should be able to describe two Learning Theories of offending (A01)

Most should be able to critically discuss at least two Learning Theories of offending, using relevant terminology and evidence. (A01 & A02)

Some should be able to critically discuss at least two Learning Theories of offending, making comparisons to alternative approaches & key psychological debates. (A01 & A02 + A02)

STARTTASK: Individually, write an answer to the question below. You have 5

minutes. Afterwards put your name on it and hand it in. “Briefly discuss one limitation of psychodynamic explanations

of crime” (4 marks)

Key evaluation points to refer to:• Falsifiablity• Contradictory Findings (Hint: focus on crime statistics for each gender &

phenomenon of single-parent households)• Retrospective• Causality• Controversial• Scientific• Psychic determinism vs. free will* [For help here; refer to pg. 335 of Pennington & McLoughlin] • Alternative Explanations*

TASKAim: To explain gang-behaviour using ‘Learning Theory Explanations’.Task: In your groups research one of these notorious gangs. Create a 5

minute presentation (to be shown Friday 8th July) which includes the following:

• Description/history of gang• Explanation for how behaviour is learnt through association with

these gangs.• Evidence (e.g. Farrington et al. 2006)• EvaluationRemember: Make your presentation as engaging as possible, imbed

music/film (choose this carefully! It must be appropriate for a class presentation) if you want to introduce or end your presentation (don’t go overboard though…it is the content and delivery of the presentation which you will be marked on predominately)

You can find this presentation on the S-drive – it is called “‘Forensic Psychology Learning Theory Explanations July 4 2011)

S:\Psychology\A2\PSYB3

Groups

Groups:1. Ayesha Ahmedabadi, Christine Lyston,

Sahara Patel, Rianna Victor2. Lydia Anderson-Monfries, Jodiann-

Jaldoo, Ragual Rajagodal3. Sam Jackson, Funke Jinad, Shakilah

Sebaduka, 4. Salome Solomone, Hemali Patel, Jasmin

Sabih, Nabeela Siddah

Learning Theory ExplanationsApplication

The Mafia:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcrnTAWwVB8&feature=list_related&playnext=1&list=PL0EE0D07D9FAE46AE

The ABZ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MO5D-E7vUBg

London Gangs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YH0LUt8R2k(Watch from 3 minutes onwards)

Mark SchemeA* - Accurate & informative presentation, making use of key psychological

terminology. Delivery is coherent and confident. Style is very engaging. Evaluation is elaborate and draws on key debates, including comparisons with other theories. These are explained very well.

A – Accurate and informative presentation, making use of key psychological terminology. Delivery is coherent and confident. Style is quite engaging. Evaluation elaborates in most areas and draws on at least one debate or comparisons with other explanations. These are explained well.

B – Mostly accurate and informative presentation. There is a fair use of psychological terminology. Delivery is fairly coherent and confident. Style is mostly engaging. Evaluation is broad but may not elaborate. There may not be reference to key debates or alternative explanations.

C – Some information is inaccurate. Presentation is mostly descriptive with psychological terminology inferred but not necessarily explicitly stated. Style is good. Evaluation may be limited.

D – Very basic presentation with a few instances of inaccurate information or applied understanding. Presentation is mostly descriptive and may come across quite list-like. Evaluation is very basic and not explained.

Differential Association Theory(Sutherland, 1939)

Extension WorkLAPD – Boot Camp

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNwDQZ_ue1I

Task (a): Using ‘Differential Association Theory’ explain how these American youths have ended up in Boot Camp. (b): Explain how methodological problems make it difficult to determine the extent to which socialisation affects criminal behaviour. (c): What psychological approach is this treatment for offending behaviour based upon? (d):In the film one lad is from a high socio-economic suburb to which the LAPD are astounded he has ended up in trouble. Explain, how Differential Association Theory is not just exclusive to those from deprived and uneducated grounds.

Review“Say Something Different”