Which statement best contrasts control theory and learning theory?

• A. Control theory posits antisocial behavior is prevented by inner controls and external constraints; Learning theory stresses how individuals acquire criminal behaviors through learning.
• B. Control theory denies inner controls; Learning theory denies external constraints.
• C. Both theories claim crime is entirely biologically determined.
• D. Learning theory claims punishment is always ineffective.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how each theory explains why people do or do not commit crime. Control theory (social-control theory) argues that people abstain from antisocial acts because of inner controls like a sense of right and wrong and external constraints such as attachments to family, commitment to conventional goals, involvement in legitimate activities, and belief in the law. When these controls weaken, the likelihood of crime rises. Learning theory, on the other hand, explains crime as something people acquire through learning—criminal definitions, techniques, and motivations are learned from others and reinforced by rewards and punishments.

So the statement that control theory holds that inner controls and external constraints prevent antisocial behavior, while learning theory emphasizes that individuals acquire criminal behaviors through learning, best captures the contrast between the two approaches.

The other options don’t fit: control theory does not deny inner controls, nor does learning theory deny external constraints; both theories are not claiming crime is biologically determined; and learning theory does not claim punishment is always ineffective—its stance on punishment is more nuanced and varies with the learning framework.