Social Learning Theory

Question 1

strength:
social learning has useful applications
Akers (1998)

Answer 1

This theory has increased our understanding of human behaviour and criminal behaviour.
Akers suggests that criminal behaviours are increased when exposed to models who commit criminal behaviours and thus identify with them

Question 2

strengths:
research support for identification
Fox and Bailenson (2009)

Answer 2

found evidence of identification using computer virtual humans engaging in exercise or loitering - they either looked similar or dissimilar to the participants. Participants who viewed their virtual model exercising engaged in more exercise in the 24hrs of being shown that dissimilar models

Question 3

Limitations:
A problem of causality
Siegel and McCormick (2006)

Answer 3

the cause of delinquency may not be due to exposure to deviant role models but the possession of deviant attitudes BEFORE contact with deviant peers.
S&M: deviant peers often seek out peers with similar attitudes and behaviour.

Question 4

Limitations:

A problem of complexity

Answer 4

this approach disregards other influences on behaviour such as gender role behaviours. Although social learning plays a part in this, children are exposed to MANY influences eg genetic predispositions = complex