Social Learning and Neutralization Theories

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Questions and Answers

Which process involves the ability to mentally or physically reproduce an observed behavior?

Reproduction (correct)

Attention

Motivation

Retention

What does motivation influence in the learning process?

The decision to reproduce the behavior (correct)

The initial attention given to the behavior

The retention of information

The encoding of information

Which of the following is NOT one of the four processes essential for learning from observation?

Attention

Retainment (correct)

Reproduction

Motivation

According to Neutralization Theory, what is the purpose of techniques of neutralization?

To justify or mitigate guilt for deviant actions Signup and view all the answers

What technique of neutralization involves shifting blame from oneself to external factors?

Denial of Responsibility Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the processes of attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation?

They are interconnected and necessary for effective learning. Signup and view all the answers

How do individuals using techniques of neutralization view societal values after committing a crime?

They temporarily suspend their commitment to societal values. Signup and view all the answers

In the process of learning through observation, what must occur first for the other processes to take place?

Attention Signup and view all the answers

What key factor in Differential Association Theory relates to how often one is exposed to criminal attitudes?

Frequency Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Differential Reinforcement Theory, what does positive reinforcement mean?

Strengthening behavior by following it with a reward Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT part of Differential Association Theory?

Negative reinforcement Signup and view all the answers

According to the Differential Reinforcement Theory, which scenario exemplifies negative reinforcement?

Avoiding punishment by stealing to prevent poverty Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between Differential Association Theory and Differential Reinforcement Theory?

One incorporates operant conditioning principles while the other does not Signup and view all the answers

Which factor refers to the emotional significance of the relationship in Differential Association Theory?

Intensity Signup and view all the answers

In the realm of behavior shaping, how is positive punishment defined?

Adding an unpleasant consequence to discourage behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which of these describes the role of family relationships in the context of Differential Association Theory?

Priority indicates the necessity of family bonds in learning criminal behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What does differential reinforcement suggest about criminal behavior?

The likelihood of repeating deviant acts increases when rewards outweigh punishments. Signup and view all the answers

According to Hirschi’s Social Bond Theory, what is the main reason individuals conform to societal norms?

Strength of their social bonds. Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the social bond specifically refers to emotional connections with others?

Attachment Signup and view all the answers

What does the commitment component of Hirschi's theory imply?

Higher investment in conventional activities reduces chances of deviance. Signup and view all the answers

How does involvement in conventional activities influence deviant behavior according to Hirschi?

It may decrease the likelihood of engaging in deviance. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key focus of Social Control Theories?

Analyzing why individuals follow social norms. Signup and view all the answers

Which theorist is associated with the development of the Social Bond Theory?

Travis Hirschi Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary outcome expected from strong social bonds, according to Hirschi?

Greater likelihood of conforming to societal norms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between productive activities and involvement in criminal acts?

People engaged in productive activities have less time for crime. Signup and view all the answers

How does belief influence an individual's likelihood to conform to social norms?

Individuals who believe in the norms are less likely to break them. Signup and view all the answers

What does internal containment refer to in Reckless's Containment Theory?

An individual’s internal self-control and sense of responsibility. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes external containment?

Societal structures and controls that prevent deviant behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What do 'push' forces refer to in the context of Containment Theory?

Internal psychological motivations leading toward deviance. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a 'pull' in Reckless's model?

Peer pressure from friends to engage in criminal activities. Signup and view all the answers

According to Containment Theory, what might motivate an individual toward deviance?

Feelings of restlessness or frustration. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Walter Reckless's Containment Theory?

To explain the balance between pressures toward and away from deviance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of John Hagan's Power-Control Theory?

The relationship between family structure, gender roles, and deviant behavior Signup and view all the answers

In patriarchal families according to Power-Control Theory, which of the following is emphasized for daughters?

Conformity and obedience Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of egalitarian families as described in Power-Control Theory?

Power is equally distributed between parents Signup and view all the answers

Albert Cohen's theory of status frustration primarily addresses the challenges faced by which group?

Working-class boys unable to achieve success Signup and view all the answers

How do subcultural theories in criminology explain deviant behavior?

By examining the values and norms of specific groups within society Signup and view all the answers

Which concept suggests that working-class boys experience frustration due to their inability to achieve success?

Status frustration Signup and view all the answers

This theoretical approach argues that parental roles in family structure significantly influence the likelihood of children engaging in deviance. Which approach is being described?

Power-Control Theory Signup and view all the answers

According to Hagan's Power-Control Theory, what typically happens in patriarchal families regarding the socialization of sons?

Sons learn to assert dominance and independence Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

People learn through observation and imitation.
The process of learning involves:
- Attention: Observing the behavior
- Retention: Storing the information in memory
- Reproduction: Physically or mentally reproducing the behavior
- Motivation: Engaging in the observed behavior

Neutralization Theory (Sykes and Matza)

Individuals justify or "neutralize" their deviant behavior.
This helps maintain their self-image as law-abiding citizens.
Techniques of Neutralization:
- Denial of responsibility (blaming external factors)
- Denial of injury (minimizing harm)
- Denial of the victim (dehumanizing the victim)
- Condemnation of the condemners (criticizing those who judge them)
- Appeal to higher loyalties (justifying actions based on group loyalty)

Differential Association Theory (Sutherland)

Criminal behavior is learned through social interaction with others who endorse criminal values and behaviors.
Learning is influenced by:
- Frequency of exposure
- Duration of exposure
- Priority of relationships
- Intensity of association

Differential Reinforcement Theory (Burgess and Akers)

Combines Differential Association Theory with operant conditioning.
Criminal behavior is learned through both social interaction and reinforcement (rewards and punishments).
Types of reinforcement:
- Positive reinforcement (reward)
- Negative reinforcement (avoiding an unpleasant consequence)
- Positive punishment (adding an unpleasant consequence)
- Negative punishment (removing a positive consequence)

Focus on understanding why people conform to social norms and do not engage in deviant behavior.
Emphasize the importance of social bonds, self-control, and societal institutions in preventing deviance.

People refrain from crime because they are bonded to society.
Components of the social bond:
- Attachment: Emotional connections to others
- Commitment: Investment in conventional activities
- Involvement: Time spent in conventional activities
- Belief: Acceptance of social norms and values

Walter Reckless – Containment Theory

Individuals are subject to internal and external pressures towards deviant behavior.
They have internal and external containment mechanisms that help them resist these pressures.
Internal containment: Self-control, conscience, values
External containment: Societal structures, rules, controls

John Hagan – Power-Control Theory

Focuses on the relationship between family structure, gender roles, and the socialization of children in influencing deviant behavior.
Family types:
- Patriarchal families: Fathers hold dominant power, daughters are socialized to be more obedient.
- Egalitarian families: Power is more equally distributed, children are socialized more equally.

Subcultural Theories

Certain groups or subcultures develop their own values and norms, which may conflict with mainstream norms, leading to criminal or deviant behavior.
They are particularly important in understanding juvenile delinquency and the behavior of marginalized communities.

Albert Cohen: Delinquent Boys

Working-class boys are often unable to achieve success through conventional means due to lack of necessary skills or social advantages.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts from Bandura's Social Learning Theory, Sykes and Matza's Neutralization Theory, and Sutherland's Differential Association Theory. Test your understanding of how individuals learn behaviors, justify deviance, and develop criminal values through social interactions. Engage with the processes of learning, neutralization techniques, and principles of criminal behavior.