LEARNING AND UNLEARNING OF CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR - A LEARNING PSYCHOLOGY CONCEPT OF PREVENTION IN A SOCIALIST CONSTITUTIONAL STATE

• NCJ Number: 38235
• Author(s): M BRELAND
• Date Published: 1975
• Length: 176 pages
• Sale Source: Postfach 1620
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: German
• Country: West Germany (Former)

Annotation

REPORT ON THE THEORETICAL BASIS AND PRACTICAL PROBLEMS OF APPLYING THE PRINCIPLES OF LEARNING THEORY (BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION) TO CRIME DETERRENCE AND PREVENTION IN THE FORM OF SENTENCING DESIGN.

Abstract

LEARNING THEORY CONCEIVES OF CRIME AND OTHER FORMS OF DEVIANT BEHAVIOR AS LEARNED BEHAVIOR WHICH CAN BE UNLEARNED IF THE CONSEQUENCES OF THAT BEHAVIOR ARE APPROPRIATELY CONTROLLED. ONE FORM OF SUCH CONTROL IS THE SANCTIONS THAT ARE APPLIED AGAINST OFFENDERS. PRESENTED IS A STUDY OF SANCTIONS APPLIED IN WEST GERMANY AGAINST WHITE COLLAR OFFENDERS FROM 1969 TO 1973. ANALYZED ARE THE RESULTS OF A QUESTIONNARE WHICH ASKED RESPONDENTS TO JUDGE THE DETERRENT EFFECT OF VARIOUS SANCTIONS IN A VARIETY OF SITUATIONS. INCLUDED IS A DISCUSSION COMPARING LEARNING THEORY WITH OTHER EMPIRICALLY ORIENTED TYPES OF CRIME PREVENTION RESEARCH. --IN GERMAN