Criminology - Social Learning Theory

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on social learning theory in criminology, focusing on the mechanisms of learning criminal behavior.

Learning

Habits and knowledge developed as a result of individual experiences in adjusting to an environment.

Classical Conditioning

Learning that occurs when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a stimulus that naturally produces a behavior.

Operant Conditioning

Learning where specific consequences are associated with a voluntary behavior, using rewards to reinforce and punishment to decrease behaviors.

Reinforcement

The process of encouraging a behavior through positive or negative consequences.

Criminogenic Environment

An environment that promotes criminal behavior through the influence of family and peers.

Reference Groups

Groups that determine an individual's commitment to a behavior based on shared norms regarding legal codes.

Definitions Favorable to Violation

Beliefs and attitudes that deem behaviors as acceptable, leading to increased criminal conduct.

Learned Behavior

Behavior acquired through association with relevant social groups and the surrounding environment.

Social Values Conflict

A situation where individuals face extremely varying definitions of right and wrong.

Criminal Behavior Learning Process

The process by which individuals learn criminal behavior through associations with criminal and non-criminal patterns.