Social Learning Theory

Who are the primary contributors to SLT?

Sutherland and Kers

What is the belief of Sutherland’s differential association theory?

Delinquent values are learned/passed through generations

Social learning theory has

9 principles originally (Sutherland) then 7 propositions (Akers)

What’s the foundational belief of the first three of the nine principles

Behavior is learned through intimate personal groups and is interacted with others

The 9 principles can be grouped into smaller groups, in order what are they?

Differential association, modalities of association, learning behavior

What was Aker’s core belief?

all behavior is conventional and deviant. Reinforcement happens through conditioning

What are Akers’ four concepts?

Differential association, Interactional dimension, normative dimension, definitions

Learning occurs through peer group setting

Differential association

Direct association and Interactional (primary and secondary)

Interactional dimension

Norm patterns exposed through association (Mods of association)

Normative dimension

Beliefs, attitudes/meanings lead to behavior (beliefs can be general, specific, positive, neutralizing)

Definitions

Akers had two different forms of reinforcement

Vicarious (imitation) and indirect

Differential reinforcement

Balance of rewards/punishments (anticipated or actual)

Punishment types include

Non social (physical effects) and social (reactions)

Salient modes can be

In person or virtual

Low imitation

respect model, receives punishment, discomfort

High imitation

Receives reinforcement and/or shows signs of pleasure