Learning Theories1 (PDF)

Explainin g Crime Through Learning 1010 Anita Chiang MRU How many ways can we explain crime? Differential Association Theory Edwin Sutherland (1939) Main principles: Criminal behaviour is learned from intimate personal groups The learning includes techniqu...

Explainin g Crime Through Learning 1010 Anita Chiang MRU How many ways can we explain crime? Differential Association Theory Edwin Sutherland (1939) Main principles: Criminal behaviour is learned from intimate personal groups The learning includes techniques A person becomes delinquent because of an access of definitions favorable to breaking the law Differential Criminal behaviour is learned Criminal behaviour is learned in interaction Association with others The learning includes techniques of committing Theory– Core crime, motives, and attitudes The direction of these definitions of law- Tenets violating behaviour is learned from those with whom a person associates most and least frequently Persons become criminal because of an excess of definition of criminal behaviour over definitions of law-abiding behaviour Differential associations may vary in frequency, duration, intensity, and priority The process of learning criminal behaviour can be either reinforced or weakened by social interaction The process of learning criminal behaviour can be either reinforced or weakened by social dimension While criminal behaviour is learned, it is not always expressed Differential Association Theory – Key Concepts Definitions: How individuals view criminal behaviour (favourable or unfavourable) Differential Association: The varying degrees of exposure to criminal and non-criminal definitions Affiliation with delinquent peers can explain offending Initiation, persistence, frequency, type, desistance The influence of social contacts/intimate groups depends on interactions Frequency, Duration, Intensity, Priority: Differential Association Theory – Definitions Favourable/Unfavourable to Crime Definitions Favourable to Definitions Not Favourable to Crime Crime “I can drive after five beers, no "It is immoral to hurt someone Individuals that internalize problem.” else" and accept definitions more favourable to crime will be more likely to actively “It’s not a crime if no one gets hurt.” "I must rise above any insults and ignore it" participate in criminal behaviour “Never let anyone disrespect "My parents told me never to your family” steal from someone" Differential Association Theory – Criticisms & Limitations Doesn’t account for individual differences (eg., personality traits) Ignores the role of opportunity and situational factors Overlooks the potential for people to resist criminal influences Circular explanation: Criminal behaviour explained by association with criminals Social Learning Theory (SLT) – Bandura (1960s) Understanding behaviour through observation, imitation, and reinforcement Learning by observing the consequences of another person’s behaviour Social Learning Theory (SLT) – Bandura Observational learning: Individuals learn by observing the behaviour of others Imitation: Individuals replicate observed behaviours, particularly those displayed by role models Reinforcement: Rewards and punishments influence the likelihood of behaviour repetition Modeling: Role models demonstrate behaviours that others imitate Social Learning Theory (SLT) – Bandura Bobo doll experiments Cognitive Factors: Attention: Individuals must pay attention to the behaviour being observed Retention: Memory of observed behaviours is essential for later imitation Reproduction: Individuals must be capable of reproducing observed behaviours Motivation: The expectation of reinforcement or punishment influences behaviours Learning from the Bobo Doll Experiments: Explains how learning can occur without direct reinforcement Highlights the importance of cognitive processes in learning Offers practical applications Does not account for: Underestimation of individual agency and free will in behaviour Doesn’t account for individual differences in learning styles Overemphasize influence of modeling and observational learning Social Learning Theory - Akers Ronald Akers 1970s Behaviour is learned through social interactions, observations, and imitation Now includes: Direct interactions with others who engage in criminal acts Indirect interactions that expose individuals to various norms or values  Differential reinforcement: the balance of anticipated or actual rewards and punishment that result from engaging in Social specific behaviour 4 types of reinforcements/punishments: Positive reinforcement Learni Reward behaviour, increase likelihood of action Positive punishment ng Negative consequence, decrease likelihood of repeated action Negative reinforcement Theory Reinforcements that help a person avoid the negative consequences of a behaviour, - Akers increase likelihood of action Negative punishment Removal of positive reinforcement after an undesired behaviour, decrease in likelihood of repeated action Social Learning Theory - Akers Criticisms & Limitations Neglect individual differences and cognitive process Difficulty in predicting behaviour based solely on social learning principles Potential for reinforcement of undesirable or harmful behaviours What types of crimes are learnt?  Take Away: Criminal behaviour by learning does: The importance of social factors Behaviour CAN be learned Criminality cannot be explained entirely by terms of personality maladjustments The answer lies in the choice of the people we associate with and who we look up to as role models