criminology
Djeneba11
SocialLearning1.pptx
Social Learning Theory
Jeffrey and Akers
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Subcultural Theories
Labeling Theories
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Learning Theory Principles and Approaches
6 Key Principles: Operant Basics
Positive Reinforcement
Negative Reinforcement
Positive Punishment
Negative Punishment
Discriminative stimuli
Schedule of consequences
Reinforcement and Punishment
Reinforcement
Increases frequency of behavior
Positive = rewards
Negative = punishments
Punishment
Decreases frequency
Positive: punishment given for behavior
Negative: reinforcer removed for behavior.
Timing: Cues and Schedules
Discriminative Stimuli
Occur During or Before
Cues that allow us to anticipate rewards or punishments
Schedule of Consequences (remember deterrence?)
Frequency
Probability
Time to Consequence.
Your Turn...
Introductions
Spokesperson
What’s your favorite cereal?
How does someone become a “sports fan”?
C. Ray Jeffrey
Differential Reinforcement
Non-social stimuli are more important than social stimuli
Physical needs are motivating
Rewards do not need social approval
Six Operant Basics PLUS
Satiation
“overstimulation”
When reinforcers/punishments occur too often their impact declines
Deprivation
Infrequent reinforcement/punishment increases impact when it occurs.
More Jeffrey
Other factors:
Individual histories
Daily experiences
Criminal consequences
Intermittent – not always punished or rewarded in the same way
Consequences can be infrequent and impactful
Past consequences can maintain current behaviors
Updated Factors
Biological and brain-based factors
Interplay between environment and biology.
A Different Learning Theory
Developed by Burgess and Akers originally (1966)
Expanded on by Akers (post 1973)
Social environment is most important
People learn both the behavior and the morality of the behavior
Learning can be direct or indirect
Social structure and disorganization creates “groups”
Have differing reinforcers, punishments, and definitions
Social learning (smaller groups) “mediates” social structure
Intimate rewards, punishments, and behaviors are more important than broader social rewards, punishments, and behaviors
Famous Aker’s Quote
The probability that persons will engage in criminal and deviant behavior is increased and the probability of their conforming to the norm is decreased when they
differentially associate with others who commit criminal behavior
and espouse definitions favorable to it,
are relatively more exposed in-person or symbolically to salient criminal/deviant models,
define it as desirable or justified in a situation discriminative for the behavior, and
have received in the past and anticipate in the current or future situation relatively greater reward than punishment for the behavior (Akers 1998: 50).
Being an Eagles Fan in Philly
The probability that persons will “become an Eagles fan” is increased and the probability of their conforming to the norm is decreased when they
differentially associate with others who are Eagles fans
and espouse definitions favorable to it,
are relatively more exposed in-person or symbolically to rooting for the Eagles (includes gear, sports coverage, football parties/events),
define it as desirable or justified in a situation discriminative for the behavior (learn why it’s okay to spend hours each week watching), and
have received in the past and anticipate in the current or future situation relatively greater reward than punishment for the behavior (Feels good to win, even when losing have a shared social sense)
Critique
Most stable critique is origin of initial favorable definitions
Gets lots of research support
Easily combines with other approaches
Policy
Social Policies
Behavior Modification for those already involved
Environmental Design (Physical environment makes it harder/easier)
Education about morality, prosocial values
Next Time...
Social Control Theories
