Social Learning Theory Flashcards
What is socialization?
The process of learning the proper way to live; learning norms and values
What three things does the process of learning include?
Norms, techniques, guilt
What do social learning theories assume?
Humans are blank slates, crime is a learned behavior
At the macro level, how does Sutherland explain differential organization?
Cultures is society vary; more pro-criminal groups means that individuals are more likely to commit crime
On a micro level, how does Sutherland explain differential association?
More antisocial peers than normal peers leads to a cultural transmission of criminal values; individual in the group may become criminal
What is Sutherland’s theory of crime?
Differential association and interactions —> definitions favorable for or against crime —> criminal
What is the most important principle of differential association?
Criminal behavior is learned
What are the three processes of learning?
Classical conditioning, operant conditioning, observational learning
How did Burgess and Akers revise differential association theory?
Explained how people learned to offend; operant conditioning and observational learning
What are Burgess and Akers four concepts of social learning theory?
Definitions; Imitation; Differential reinforcement; Differential association
What are definitions?
Attitudes and beliefs that people have about behavior which are learned through interactions with significant groups; ratio of definitions for/against crime determine the outcome
What is the most important concept in the initiation of behaviors?
Imitation
What is imitation?
People imitate role models’ behavior
What is differential reinforcement?
Social and nonsocial rewards/punishments for behavior
For differential reinforcement, learning occurs as a result of what kind of reinforcement?
Social reinforcements
What is the difference between positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement?
Positive is adding something good; negative is taking away something bad
What is the difference between positive punishment and negative punishment?
Positive adds something bad; negative takes away something good
What is differential association according to Burgess and Akers four concepts?
Interactions and exposure to definitions favorable or unfavorable to behaviors
Associations with other individuals are more important if they have what four concepts?
Priority, duration, frequency, intensity
According to the first empirical test of social learning theory, what is the process?
Differential association —> definitions —> imitation —> maintenance
In the early 2000s, how did social learning theory revise?
Focused on peers; believed peers have the largest effect pon youth
According to Haynie, what are the three important factors in network structures?
Density, centrality, popularity
What are reasons that Warr explains why adolescents may engage in delinquent conduct?
Fear of ridicule/gossip, loyalty, status
What is a policy implication from Warr?
Reduce exposure to delinquent peers
