As a criminal justice professional, you have been wanting to teach as a part-time adjunct at a community
college. You applied to a local community college, the program director of the criminal justice program
has called you for an interview, and it is finally your chance to earn the adjunct teaching position you
want so badly. The program director asks you to bring a PowerPoint (with speaker notes) to the
interview and be prepared to present a short lesson. As luck would have it, the topic the program
director assigns you happens to be a topic you just researched!
Prepare a 12–15-slide PowerPoint presentation (with an additional slide as a title slide and additional
slides as a reference section) based upon your Research Paper. Each slide must have 100–150 words
of bulleted or paragraph speaker notes. The notes may be associated with your Research Paper.
However, the notes must not merely be a 100% cut and paste of your Research Paper. A minimum of 5
scholarly sources and the Holy Bible must be used. These sources may be the same as the sources you
used in your Research Paper or new sources expanding upon your research. The sources must be
reflected in the speaker notes, slides, and reference section slide(s). The title slide and the reference
section slide(s) will not count toward the 12–15-slide requirement. Additionally, you must use
animations, transitions, and graphics to reflect graduate level research. Review the grading rubric when
forming your presentation.
POWERPOINT TEACHING LESSON RUBRIC
Criteria
Levels of Achievement
Content
(70%)
Advanced
92-100%
Proficient
84-91%
Developing
1-83%
Not
Present
Total
Subject
9.5 to 10 points:
The subject of the lesson is
clearly stated and explained.
8.5 to 9 points:
The subject of the lesson is
not clearly stated but is
explained.
1 to 8 points:
The subject of the lesson is
neither clearly stated nor
explained.
0 points
Not
present
Introduction
9.5 to 10 points:
The introduction slide provides
sufficient background on the
topic and previews major
points.
8.5 to 9 points:
The introduction slide
provides some background
on the topic and somewhat
previews major points.
1 to 8 points:
The introduction slide is
poorly written or does not
align with the title and/or body
of the paper.
0 points
Not
present
Slide Content
and Count
38 to 41 points:
The presentation has 12-15
slides with content that is
comprehensive, accurate, and
is related to assignment
prompt. Title and references
slides do not count toward
minimum.
35 to 37.5 points:
The presentation has 12-15
slides with content that is
either: not comprehensive,
not accurate, or is not related
to the assignment prompt.
Title and references slides do
not count toward minimum.
1 to 34.5 points:
The presentation has fewer
than 12 slides with content that
is not comprehensive, not
accurate, and is not related to
assignment prompt. Title and
references slides do not count
toward minimum.
0 points
Not
present
Speaker
Notes
37 to 40 points:
Each slide has detailed and
relevant speakers notes (100-
150 words) in either paragraph
or bulleted format.
34 to 36.5 points:
Each slide has detailed and
relevant speakers notes
(fewer than 100 words) in
either paragraph or bulleted
format.
1 to 33.5 points:
The speaker notes for each
slide are not detailed or
relevant and fewer than 100
words.
0 points
Not
present
Quality of
Work and
References
23 to 25 points:
The slides represent graduate-
level work; have animations,
graphics, and transitions where
appropriate; have major points
that are supported by specific
details; and are logically
organized.
21 to 22.5 points:
One of the following is
missing from the slides: they
represent graduate-level
work; have animations,
graphics, and transitions
where appropriate; have
major points that are
supported by specific details;
and are logically organized.
1 to 20.5 points:
The slides do not represent
graduate-level work; do not
have animations, graphics, and
transitions where appropriate;
do not have major points that
are supported by specific
details; and are not logically
organized.
0 points
Not
present
Structure
(30%)
Advanced
92-100%
Proficient
84-91%
Developing
1-83%
Not
Present
Total
APA Format
22 to 24 points:
There are 0–1 minor citation
errors in current APA format
in the required items.
20 to 21.5 points:
There are 2–3 minor citation
errors in current APA format
in the required items.
1 to 19.5 points:
There are more than 3 citation
errors in current APA format
in the required items.
0 points
Not
present
Grammar
and Spelling
28 to 30 points:
Correct spelling and grammar
are used throughout the
outline. There are 0–2 errors in
grammar or spelling that
distract the reader from the
content.
25.5 to 27 points:
There are 3–5 errors in
grammar or spelling that
distract the reader from the
content.
1 to 25 points:
There are 6–10 errors in
grammar or spelling that
distract the reader from the
content.
0 points
Not
present
Professor
Comments:
Total:
/180
1
Application of Social Learning Theory to the Psychology of Crime
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliations
Course
Professor’s Name
Date
2
Application of Social Learning Theory to the Psychology of Crime
Introduction
Through an understanding of the social learning theory, there are attempts to develop an
understanding of the relationships between different aspects of the community. In society, the
interactions between people paly an instrumental role in developing an understanding of the
relationship and correlation between crucial developments taking place in the society. Based on
the knowledge of the social learning theory, it is easier to develop an understanding of the impact
of the socialization of different groups in the social implications of their behaviors (Linebach &
Kovacsiss, 2016). Through the theory, different arguments are suggesting that an individual’s
behavior is not a result of the modelling of oneself, but it is highly influenced by the beliefs of
others in the community. While the development of an individual in their childhood is
considered to be very important, it is worth noting that the interactions with others in the society
play the most crucial role I developing and shaping an individual’s behavior. Through an
evaluation of the theory, there have been numerous attempts to create an understanding of
people’s tendencies to engage in a different crime. Based on recent developments, there has been
extensive research to establish a correlation between the conduct of people in society based on an
understanding of their attitudes and behaviors. With the high prevalence of crime throughout the
world, there have been numerous attempts by different researchers to develop an understanding
of different mechanisms that can be used in reducing the crime prevalence (Linebach &
Kovacsiss, 2016). Therefore, through the research, there will be attempts to develop an
understanding of the correlation between the social learning theory and the psychology of crime.
The study will also look to incorporate different worldview aspects and its approach to
understanding the psychology of crime based on the social learning theory.
3
Application of Social Learning Theory to the Psychology of Crime
Based on the social learning theory, many people engage in different crimes based on
their association with others. In most cases, the influence of an individual’s friends has a
significant impact on determining their likelihood to engage in different crimes (Miller & Morris,
2016). Based on recent developments, there has been an emphasis on the need to develop an
understanding of the relationship between one’s friends and their likelihood to engage in
different crimes. In a similar manner to the way the kids learn different things through
observation, it is also in the same way that people tend to develop different behaviors depending
on their interactions with others (Linebach & Kovacsiss, 2016). From an understanding of recent
developments, there are high chances for one to adopt certain behaviors based on the type of
friends and groups they associate with (Kavish & Boutwell, 2018).
Interacting with violent individuals is likely to affect an individual’s behaviors; thus, one
is highly likely to become violent. Based on studies by different scholars, it has been determined
that an individual’s environment has a significant influence on their conduct (Miller & Morris,
2016). Those who are brought up in safe environments are less likely to engage in violence.
However, people who have been raised in violent settings are more likely to become violent in
the future. Therefore, the emphasis has been [laced on the need to adopt different mechanisms
that can be used in evaluating the behaviors of different groups in the community.
Based on the worldview approach, there is an increased emphasis on the need to associate
with people who are not into crime. According to the Bible, we can establish a correlation
between an individual’s behavior and the type of environment they surround themselves with.
Surrounding oneself with righteous individuals implies that one is likely to become righteous
(Kavish & Boutwell, 2018). On the other hand, those who surround themselves with the
4
unrighteous are less likely to become evil in their doings. Based on the understanding, it is
possible to apply the social learning theory to the psychology of crime. The association with
criminals implies that one is likely to become a criminal too. Therefore, the type of environments
we work in, and the type of people we surround ourselves with play a crucial role in determining
our behaviors and attitudes (Linebach & Kovacsiss, 2016). Therefore, the worldview approach
emphasizes the need to ensure we interact with righteous people to avoid being influenced by
crime. Emphasis is also placed on the need to ensure we minimize our tendency to engage in
crime by exercising self-restraint (Kavish & Boutwell, 2018).
Depending on an individual’s operating environment, it is possible to establish the key
factors that are likely to influence an individual’s behaviors. The attitudes and tendencies to
indulge in different activities are also reliant on the operating environments (Towers et al.,
2016). Therefore, emphasis has been placed on the need to ensure we adopt the right attitudes
and behaviors depending on our environments. In most cases, we have little or no influence on
the situations we find ourselves in. However, working under some specified principles plays a
crucial role in ensuring we adopt the right mechanism to respond to different influences in our
operating environments (Linebach & Kovacsiss, 2016).
In most cases, the type of operating environments we adopt play an instrumental role in
determining our behaviors and conduct. For instance, those working in situations that are full of
crime are likely to start indulging in criminal activities. In the early stages, the environment has
little or no influence over one’s behaviors (Towers et al., 2016). However, over time, it becomes
increasingly challenging for an individual to resist operating like the factors present in the
environment. Some environments tend to justify and normalize criminal activities. In such
situations, the individuals adhering to certain beliefs and principles that are against the crimes are
5
likely to experience numerous issues (Towers et al., 2016). Over time, one is forced to either
leave the environment or adopt the behaviors in those settings.
Learning to adopt defiant criminal behaviors is similar to learning how to embrace
conforming behaviors. The psychology of crime indicates that exposure to crimes is likely to
increase the tendency to engage in criminal activities. Therefore, for those looking to avoid
engaging in different crimes, there is an emphasis on the need to avoid the environments that
cultivate the crimes. Based on the type of friends we associate with, it is possible to establish our
tendency to engage in crime (Linebach & Kovacsiss, 2016). Therefore, based on the
understanding, there has been an increased emphasis on the need to ensure we monitor and
regulate the type of environments we operate in. Therefore, the willingness of an individual to
engage in crime plays an instrumental role in determining their participation in criminal
activities. Therefore, based on the social learning theory, there is a close relationship between the
operating environment, an individual’s character, and a willingness to engage in crime.
Based on the social behavior theory, the psychology of crime can be understood based on
an understanding of different mechanisms and approaches that are used in handling various
factors in the operating environments. The differential reinforcement approach argues that
individuals can teach others to engage in crime based on the strategies used (Ghanizadeh, 2015).
In some instances, punishing or reinforcing certain behaviors is likely to influence the approach
adopted by individuals based on their perception and attitudes towards different crimes
(Ghanizadeh, 2015). The chances of crime happening are determined by the increase in the
reinforcement of the crime or the lack of it. For instance, the failure to punish those engaging in
different criminal activities is likely to increase the prevalence of the crime (Linebach &
Kovacsiss, 2016). In most cases, the lack of corrective and preventive measures against crimes
6
creates an environment that cultivates and encourages people to engage in crimes. On the other
hand, the presence of severe punishments against crime is likely to result in a reduction in crime.
Therefore, depending on the approach used, it is either possible to reduce or increase the
prevalence of crime.
Other factors that are related to the social learning theory and the psychology of crime are
related to the beliefs held by people. In different communities, different values and beliefs that
govern the operation in the community play an instrumental role in developing an understanding
of the psychology of crime. In some instances, some beliefs tend to favor the development of
certain crimes in the community (Gergen & Gergen, 1986). Based on past research, many
criminals indicated that their tendency to engage in crime was attributed to different beliefs held
by people in society (Linebach & Kovacsiss, 2016). The views had a significant impact on
criminals since most of them considered the crime to be normal (Ghanizadeh, 2015). In other
societies, there was a tendency to ignore some crimes because they were less significant.
Following the approval of minor forms of crimes, such as drug abuse, gambling, violation of
curfews, among others, there was an increased tendency by the people to engage in the crimes.
In other instances, there was a justification or the approval of certain forms of crime. In
most cases, the approach increased crimes. In most cases, the people indulging in the crimes
believe and are aware that their activities are wrong; however, the justification of the crimes
increased their tendency to engage in different criminal activities (Ghanizadeh, 2015). For
instance, in the society, people believe that fighting is wrong; however, the same people will tend
to justify the fights when one is wronged (Linebach & Kovacsiss, 2016). In other instances, other
people are firmly against different forms of crimes; however, their laziness and disregard for the
existing regulations are likely to result in their engagement in the crimes. For instance, some
7
people want to succeed in different activities, but they do not wish to follow the due process. For
example, in learning, many students want to achieve good grades in class; however, not many are
willing to make the necessary sacrifices necessary to pass in the exams. Many students prefer
using shortcuts, such as cheating during exams.
Other approaches that can be used in developing an understanding of the people’s
tendency to engage in crime are based on the imitation of criminal models. For instance, ion the
present day, there has been an increase in the number of crime-related movies. In the films, there
is a tendency by the producers of the films to portray the criminals as cool guys (Gergen &
Gergen, 1986). The approach has resulted in numerous issues that are likely to affect the
functionality and the smooth flow of activities. In their early developments, kids are prone to
copying the behaviors of adults. Therefore, kids who are exposed to violent movies that tend to
advocate for crime are likely to develop criminal behaviors (Lim, 2018). Therefore, based on
understanding, it is evident that imitation has played a crucial role in the recent increase in
crimes.
Some other factors that are likely to result in crimes include peer pressure. For many
young individuals, the n increased pressure to be accepted by their peers has forced them to
indulge in criminal activities (Lim, 2018). Many youths engage in crime to feel recognized by
their peers. In some instances, some teenagers get used to petty crimes that, over time, they
consider engaging in crime to be normal. The tendencies result in an increased prevalence of
crime among the youths.
Finally, some other factors associated with an increase in crime are related to the
presence of crime in the family lineage. In many instances, if the parents were criminals, there
are high chances that the kids will also develop into criminals (Mattes, 2006). The kids learn by
8
observing their parents; therefore, increased exposure to crime increases their crime ideation.
Therefore, there is an emphasis on parents to ensure their kid’s exposure to crime is minimized.
Failure to regulate exposure to crime will result in I numerous issues for the kids in the future.
Christian Worldview on the Psychology of Crime
Many Christian’s views on crime are based on essential teaching of the scriptures.
Through biblical teachings, Christians believe that crime is evil and should not be allowed to
thrive in society. Kids are taught from a young age on how to lead a morally correct life while
minimizing their indulgence in crime (Mattes, 2006). There is the use of different examples from
the scriptures to develop a better understanding of crucial issues that are related to crime. In a
similar manner to the approaches and arguments highlighted through the social theory, the
Christians worldview argues that the association with criminals is likely to result in one become
a criminal (Trinitarian Bible Society, 2010). There is an emphasis on the impact of influence on
an individual’s tendency to engage in crime.
In most cases, the worldview approach suggests that the people who adhere to
Christianity principles and teachings are less likely to indulge in criminal activities. There is an
intricate connection between the understanding of crime according to the views of Christians and
other groups in society (Siker & McKnight, 2001). In most cases, the Christianity worldview
condemns crime and suggests the importance of ensuring law and order is maintained in society
(König, 2017). The Christianity view highly condemns crime and suggests it is vital to put in
place measures that reduce the prevalence of crime. There is an emphasis on the punishments
likely to be received by those who indulge in sin.
9
Finally, worldview suggests the importance of forgiveness. In most cases, those who
indulge in different crimes may not be aware of the impact of their wrongdoings. Therefore,
through the use of the teachings, it has been possible to develop an understanding of different
approaches that can be utilized in increasing sensitization and reducing the prevalence of crime
in the community (Mattes, 2006). Therefore, through the Christianity worldview, we develop an
understanding of how to lead a life that is free of crime.
Conclusion
Through the analysis, the research has developed an understanding of social theory.
There was an establishment of a connection between social theory and the psychology of crime.
The study has examined different factors that are associated with the increase in crime rates in
society and some mechanisms that can be utilized in controlling crime rate (Lim, 2018). For
instance, the lack of adequate measures to reduce the prevalence of crime has increased its
prevalence. The research has also incorporated Christianity worldview into the analysis to
develop an in-depth understanding of different issues related to crime (Mattes, 2006). There was
an emphasis on some approaches that could be utilized in reducing crime prevalence in society.
10
References
Gergen, K., & Gergen, M. (1986). Social Psychology. Springer New York.
Ghanizadeh, A. (2015). Conduct behaviors and oppositional defiant behaviors in children and
adolescents with ADHD. Postgraduate Medicine, 127(3), 289-294.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00325481.2015.996434
Kavish, N., & Boutwell, B. (2018). The unified crime theory and the social correlates of crime
and violence: problems and solutions. Journal of Criminal Psychology, 8(4), 287-301.
https://doi.org/10.1108/jcp-06-2018-0028
König, G. (2017). Rezania, Kianoosh (Hg.): Philip G. Kreyenbroek: Teachers and Teachings in
the Good Religion: 2013. Orientalistische Literaturzeitung, 112(4-5).
https://doi.org/10.1515/olzg-2017-0132
Lim, C. (2018). Factors Influencing Citizens’ Perception of Fear of Crime. Korean Association
of Criminal Psychology, 14(4), 151-166. https://doi.org/10.25277/kcpr.2018.14.4.151
Linebach, a., & Kovacsiss, L. (2016). Psychology in the Justice System.
Mattes, R. (2006). GOOD NEWS AND BAD: Public perceptions of crime, corruption, and
government. South African Crime Quarterly, (18). https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-
3108/2006/v0i18a983
Miller, B., & Morris, R. (2016). Virtual Peer Effects in Social Learning Theory. Crime &
Delinquency, 62(12), 1543-1569. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011128714526499
Siker, J., & McKnight, S. (2001). A New Vision for Israel: The Teachings of Jesus in National
Context. Journal of Biblical Literature, 120(2), 376. https://doi.org/10.2307/3268316
11
Towers, S., Chen, S., & Malik, A. (2016). Factors Influencing Temporal Patterns in Crime in a
Large American City; a Predictive Analytics Perspective. SSRN Electronic Journal.
https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2833583
Trinitarian Bible Society. (2010). The Holy Bible. Trinitarian Bible Society.
Applying the Social
Learning Theory to
the Psychology of
Crime
Introduction
•An understanding of the social learning theory is vital in understanding the
psychology of crime.
•The theory helps in understanding different aspects of the community.
•In most cases, th e interactions among people impact their response to
different development (Linebach & Kovacsiss, 2016)..
•Therefore, there will be an evaluation of psychology of Crime based on the
influence of key developments in society, while considering the Christian
worldview.
Social Learning Theory
•The theory suggests that an individual’s behavior is based on their
beliefs.
•Some factors, such as the influence of people in the community
affects an individual’s approach to different situations.
•Childhood plays a crucial role in one’s development.
•Thus one’s tendency to engage in crime is influenced by different
factors, such as the operating environments (Linebach &
Kovacsiss, 2016)..
Social Learning Theory
•Kids learn from observation.
•In a similar manner, criminals learn the crime acts through
observation.
•Thus the social learning theory elaborates how we are likely to
adopt certain different behaviors from the society.
•Past research has established a correlation between the psychology
of crime and the social learning theory (Gergen & Gergen, 1986).
.
Psychology of Crime
•Criminals are motivated by different factors, such as:
•The environment they are brought up (Kavish &
Boutwell, 2018).
•The relationships they nurture.
•Lack of basic needs.
•Bad behaviors and media influence.
Psychology of Crime
•The friends and close of an individual increase their likelihood to
engage in crime.
•An individual with criminal associates is likely to become a
criminal
•Those with straight and law obeying friends are less likely to
engage in crime.
•Thus, it is vital to evaluate one’s associations.
Environment and Tendency to Engage in
Crime
•The environment plays a crucial role in influencing ones attitude
and approach to different things.
•Exposure to crime is likely to increase one’s chances of becoming
a criminal (Towers et al., 2016). .
•Less exposure to crime minimizes the chances of indulging in
crime.
•Thus, in assessing criminals it is vital to evaluate their
environments (Towers et al., 2016). .
Adoption of Defiant Behaviors
•Nobody is born a criminal.
•However, depending on the exposure, we tend to adopt different
behaviors.
•The social theory suggests that exposure to something increases
one’s tendency to engage in it.
•Other factors, such as one’s willingness to engage in the crime
also contribute to the developments (Ghanizadeh, 2015).
Influence of Beliefs on Psychology of Crime
•Different approaches to crime affects the people’s engagement in
criminal activities.
•Some beliefs in the society tend to fight against crime.
•Other beliefs tend to justify some minor crimes (Gergen &
Gergen, 1986).
•Thus, depending on the attitudes and approaches of people in the
society, it is possible to control cases of crime.
Imitation and the Psychology of Crime
•In most cases, people are likely to copy popular characters in different
aspects, such as dressing.
•For youths, there is a tendency to try an implement, what they observe
from movies and other forms of media (Ghanizadeh, 2015).
•Some movies depict people engaging in criminal activities.
•Based on the observation, some groups are likely to indulge in crime as
they try to replicate their observations (Gergen & Gergen, 1986). .
Other Aspects of the Psychology of Crime
•There are other mechanisms that can be used in
developing an understanding of the psychology of crime,
such as:
•Genetics, coming from families with history of crime.
•Brainwashing (Mattes, 2006). .
•Wrong teachings
Christian Worldview and Psychology of Crime
•Many Christians preach against crime.
•Emphasis is placed on the need to embrace good virtues and
avoid in engaging in crime.
•The Bible is used in providing guidance on different issues related
to crime (Trinitarian Bible Society, 2010).
•The teachings emphasize on the consequences of crime.
•Thus, there is emphasis on the need to avoid crime at all costs.
Christian Worldview and Psychology of Crime
•Adherence to Christianity principles is vital in controlling crime.
•Christian teachings, highlight the punishment of engaging in
crime.
•Those who adhere to the teachings are therefore inclined not to
participate in the crimes (König, 2017).
•There is severe condemnation for crime.
Conclusion
•There was an evaluation of the social theory and its
connection to the psychology of crime.
•Different factors associated with crime were also
examined.
•There was also the incorporation of the Christian
worldview to develop a better understanding of the
psychology of crime.
References
•Gergen, K., & Gergen, M. (1986). Social Psychology. Springer New York.
•Ghanizadeh, A. (2015). Conduct behaviors and oppositional defiant behaviors in children and adolescents with ADHD. Postgraduate Medicine,127(3), 289-294.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00325481.2015.996434
•Kavish, N., & Boutwell, B. (2018). The unified crime theory and the social correlates of crime and violence: problems and solutions. Journal of Criminal Psychology,8(4), 287-301.
https://doi.org/10.1108/jcp-06-2018-0028
•König, G. (2017). Rezania, Kianoosh (Hg.): Philip G. Kreyenbroek: Teachers and Teachings in the Good Religion: 2013. Orientalistische Literaturzeitung,112(4-5).
https://doi.org/10.1515/olzg-2017-0132
•Lim, C. (2018). Factors Influencing Citizens’ Perception of Fear of Crime. Korean Association of Criminal Psychology,14(4), 151-166. https://doi.org/10.25277/kcpr.2018.14.4.151
•Linebach, a., & Kovacsiss, L. (2016). Psychology in the Justice System.
•Mattes, R. (2006). GOOD NEWS AND BAD: Public perceptions of crime, corruption, and government. South African Crime Quarterly, (18). https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-
3108/2006/v0i18a983
•Miller, B., & Morris, R. (2016). Virtual Peer Effects in Social Learning Theory. Crime & Delinquency,62(12), 1543-1569. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011128714526499
•Siker, J., & McKnight, S. (2001). A New Vision for Israel: The Teachings of Jesus in National Context. Journal of Biblical Literature,120(2), 376. https://doi.org/10.2307/3268316
•Towers, S., Chen, S., & Malik, A. (2016). Factors Influencing Temporal Patterns in Crime in a Large American City; a Predictive Analytics Perspective. SSRN Electronic Journal.
https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2833583
•Trinitarian Bible Society. (2010). The Holy Bible. Trinitarian Bible Society.
