Social Learning Theory

What does it propose?

We learn all our behaviour from others.

Process

* %%Role models%%
* %%Identification%%
* %%Observation%%
* %%Imitation%%
* %%Vicarious reinforcement%%
* %%Direct reinforcement%%
* %%Internalisation%%

Role model

A person held in esteem by another.

Identification

The process where a person aligns themselves with another.

Observation

The process where a people pay attention to behaviours and retain them in memory.

Imitation

A process where people recall behaviours and reproduce them in their own actions.

Vicarious reinforcement

When a behaviour is strengthened by and individual %%observing%% this same behaviour being rewarded in another.

Direct reinforcement

When a behaviour is strengthened and likely to be repeated due to positive outcomes for the individual.

Internalisation

The process whereby a behaviour becomes an integral part of an individual’s personality due to %%continuous reinforcement.%%

Criticisms

* **Only focuses on the role of** %%**nurture**%%**, ignoring the role of** %%**nature**%% **in explaining criminal behaviour.** Some psychologists argue that there is some sort of ‘criminal gene’ that is inherited.
* **Does not explain how criminal behaviour starts in the first place.** There has to be a point where criminal behaviour first began without being %%observed%%.
* **Does not account for people who turn to crime, even though they have not been exposed to criminal** %%**role models**%%**.** There are individuals from law-abiding families who turn to crime, this could be explained by %%nature%%.
* **It should be easier to reduce crime.** If criminal behaviour can be %%reinforced%% then it should be prevented by punishment and the %%observation%% of punishment. Many people still commit crimes, suggesting it is in their %%nature%%.