Operant conditioning and social learning explanations of crime

Overview

Reinforcement and punishment, primary and secondary reinforcers, and role models, identification, modelling and vicarious reinforcement as explanations of offending.

What you need to know

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Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   How does operant conditioning explain criminal behaviour?

   Model answer

   Operant conditioning says behaviour is learned through its consequences. Crime that is rewarded is likely to be repeated, and crime that is punished is less likely.

2. 2

   What is positive reinforcement, and how might it explain repeated shoplifting?

   Model answer

   Positive reinforcement is strengthening a behaviour by adding a pleasant consequence. A shoplifter who gains goods without being caught is more likely to steal again.

3. 3

   What is negative reinforcement, and how might it explain an offence?

   Model answer

   Negative reinforcement is strengthening a behaviour because it removes or avoids something unpleasant. A teenager who joins in a gang's vandalism to stop being threatened is negatively reinforced.

4. 4

   What is positive punishment?

   Model answer

   Positive punishment is adding an unpleasant consequence to make a behaviour less likely. An arrest or a sentence of unpaid work after a crime are examples.

5. 5

   What is negative punishment?

   Model answer

   Negative punishment is removing something pleasant to make a behaviour less likely. A fine or the loss of a driving licence after a motoring offence are examples.

6. 6

   What are primary reinforcers?

   Model answer

   Primary reinforcers are rewards that satisfy basic biological needs, such as food, water and warmth. A person who steals food when hungry receives a primary reinforcer.

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