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Peter is 17 years old and has just been arrested for arguing in the street and refusing to go home - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 9 - 2021 - Paper 2
Question 9
Peter is 17 years old and has just been arrested for arguing in the street and refusing to go home. His family is well known to the police. Peter's mother has been a... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Peter is 17 years old and has just been arrested for arguing in the street and refusing to go home - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 9 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
Discuss how criminal behaviour can be learnt in childhood
Answer
Criminal behaviour can often be learned in childhood by observing same-sex role models, such as family members or peers. This observation can lead individuals to emulate the behaviour they witness, especially under the influence of strong social and environmental factors.
Step 2
Discuss the influence of testosterone on behaviour
Answer
During adolescence, levels of testosterone are significantly higher, which can contribute to aggressive and anti-social behaviours. This hormonal change may explain why Peter exhibits increased aggression, aligning with typical developmental patterns for teenagers.
Step 3
Step 4
Discuss Peter's personal context and its effect on his behaviour
Answer
Peter's involvement in criminal activities, such as arguing and being influenced by his brother's fighting behaviour, demonstrates the role of his environment in shaping his actions. Living in a neighbourhood with a bad reputation further labels him as anti-social, potentially limiting his opportunities for positive social interactions.