Social learning theory of crime and Cooper and Mackie's study

Overview

Identification, observation and imitation, vicarious and direct reinforcement and internalisation, and Cooper and Mackie's study of children's play after an aggressive video game.

What you need to know

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Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What does the social learning theory of criminality claim?

   Model answer

   Social learning theory claims that criminal behaviour is learned from other people. People observe and imitate models, especially when the behaviour is seen to be rewarded.

2. 2

   What is identification in social learning theory?

   Model answer

   Identification is wanting to be like a model and taking on their behaviour. People identify most with models who are similar to them, admired or high in status.

3. 3

   What is the role of observation and imitation in criminal behaviour?

   Model answer

   A person watches how a model behaves and stores a memory of the behaviour. The person may later imitate it, for example copying how an older friend shoplifts.

4. 4

   What is vicarious reinforcement?

   Model answer

   Vicarious reinforcement is learning from seeing another person rewarded for a behaviour. A teenager who sees a friend gain money or status from crime is more likely to copy it.

5. 5

   What is direct reinforcement in social learning theory?

   Model answer

   Direct reinforcement is when a person is rewarded for their own behaviour. An offender who gains money or praise from peers after a theft is more likely to steal again.

6. 6

   What is internalisation in social learning theory?

   Model answer

   Internalisation is when a learned behaviour becomes part of a person's own values and attitudes. The person then behaves that way even with no model present and no outside reward.

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