1. Forensic Psychology
Learning Theory Explanations

2. 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)

3. START
TASK: 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*

4. TASK
Aim: 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)
• Evaluation
Remember: 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:PsychologyA2PSYB3

5. Groups
Groups:
1. Ayesha Ahmedabadi, Christine Lyston,
Sahara Patel, Rianna Victor
2. Lydia Anderson-Monfries, Jodiann-
Jaldoo, Ragual Rajagodal
3. Sam Jackson, Funke Jinad, Shakilah
Sebaduka,
4. Salome Solomone, Hemali Patel, Jasmin
Sabih, Nabeela Siddah

6. Learning Theory Explanations
Application
The Mafia:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcrnTAWwVB8&feat
The ABZ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MO5D-E7vUBg
London Gangs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YH0LUt8R2k
(Watch from 3 minutes onwards)

7. Mark Scheme
A* - 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.

8. 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.

9. Review
“Say Something Different”

10. Review
“Say Something Different”