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Questions and Answers
What is the name of the theory that suggests criminal behaviour is learned from intimate personal groups?
What is the name of the theory that suggests criminal behaviour is learned from intimate personal groups?
Differential Association Theory
Who is the main theorist associated with the Differential Association Theory?
Who is the main theorist associated with the Differential Association Theory?
Edwin Sutherland
According to the Differential Association Theory, criminal behaviour is primarily a result of personality traits.
According to the Differential Association Theory, criminal behaviour is primarily a result of personality traits.
False
Which of the following is NOT a key concept in the Differential Association Theory?
Which of the following is NOT a key concept in the Differential Association Theory?
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What is the term for the varying degrees of exposure to criminal and non-criminal definitions, as described in the Differential Association Theory?
What is the term for the varying degrees of exposure to criminal and non-criminal definitions, as described in the Differential Association Theory?
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What is the term for the influence of social contacts and intimate groups, as described in the Differential Association Theory?
What is the term for the influence of social contacts and intimate groups, as described in the Differential Association Theory?
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Which of the following is NOT one of the four types of reinforcement/punishments discussed in the Social Learning Theory by Akers?
Which of the following is NOT one of the four types of reinforcement/punishments discussed in the Social Learning Theory by Akers?
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According to the Social Learning Theory, criminal behaviour is solely a result of direct interactions with other individuals engaging in criminal acts.
According to the Social Learning Theory, criminal behaviour is solely a result of direct interactions with other individuals engaging in criminal acts.
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Akers's Social Learning Theory emphasizes direct observation and imitation as the primary mechanisms for learning criminal behavior.
Akers's Social Learning Theory emphasizes direct observation and imitation as the primary mechanisms for learning criminal behavior.
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Which of the following is NOT a criticism or limitation of Akers's Social Learning Theory?
Which of the following is NOT a criticism or limitation of Akers's Social Learning Theory?
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The Social Learning Theory highlights the importance of social factors in explaining criminal behaviour.
The Social Learning Theory highlights the importance of social factors in explaining criminal behaviour.
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What is the name of the social learning theory that emphasizes the importance of cognitive processes such as attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation?
What is the name of the social learning theory that emphasizes the importance of cognitive processes such as attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation?
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Which experiment is associated with the Social Learning Theory (SLT) by Bandura?
Which experiment is associated with the Social Learning Theory (SLT) by Bandura?
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The Bobo Doll Experiments demonstrated that learning could occur without direct reinforcement.
The Bobo Doll Experiments demonstrated that learning could occur without direct reinforcement.
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What are the four cognitive factors that, according to Bandura, play a role in social learning?
What are the four cognitive factors that, according to Bandura, play a role in social learning?
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Study Notes
Crime Explained Through Learning
- Various theories explain crime, highlighting the role of learning.
- Differential Association Theory (Sutherland, 1939) posits that criminal behavior is learned through close personal groups.
- This learning involves techniques, motives, and attitudes favorable to crime.
- Proximity to criminal role models and frequent exposure to these behaviours influence criminal behaviour.
- The theory suggests individuals become criminal due to a predominance of definitions favorable to breaking the law over definitions favorable to abiding by the law.
- Frequency, duration, intensity, and priority of these associations affect the learning process.
- Individuals who internalize favorable definitions of crime are more likely to engage in criminal behaviours.
Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1960s)
- Learning occurs through observation, imitation, and reinforcement.
- Observational learning: Individuals learn by observing behaviors of others, particularly role models.
- Imitation: Individuals replicate observed behaviours, especially those of influential figures.
- Reinforcement: Rewards and punishments influence repetition of behaviors.
- Modeling: Role models demonstrate behaviours that others imitate.
- Bobo doll experiments showcased the significance of observational learning and imitation of violent behaviours, in children.
Social Learning Theory (Akers)
- Akers expanded on Bandura's SLT, incorporating differential reinforcement (balance of anticipated or actual rewards and punishments).
- Four types of reinforcements/punishments: Positive reinforcement, positive punishment, negative reinforcement, negative punishment.
- Differential association: Criminal behavior is learned through various social interactions.
- Direct and indirect interactions (contact with criminals & exposure to criminal norms/values): these interactions shape perspectives, leading to criminal behaviour.
Criticisms & Limitations of these Theories
- Theories do not account for individual differences in personalities or cognitive processes.
- Theories often overlook the role of opportunity in criminal behaviour.
- Situational factors aren’t heavily considered.
- The prevalence of circular explanations is observed, with criminal behavior partly attributed to association with those who exhibit such behavior.
- Oversimplification of behaviour, as they suggest criminal behavior can be entirely explained by social learning principles, ignoring other contributing factors.
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Description
Explore how various learning theories, including Differential Association Theory and Social Learning Theory, explain criminal behavior. Understand the significance of personal relationships and observational learning in shaping criminal actions and attitudes. This quiz will challenge your knowledge on the psychological factors influencing crime.
