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14
0
Emily Finch
10/10/2025
Criminology
Criminology Unit 2 SLT as an explanation for criminality
556
•
10 Oct 2025
•
Emily Finch
@emilyfinch111
Social learning theory explains how criminal behavior is learned through... Show more
Observational learning is a fundamental concept in social learning theory, describing how individuals acquire new behaviors by watching others.
Definition: Observational learning is the process of learning by watching and imitating others' actions and behaviors.
Example: A child observing and copying their parents' behavior is a classic example of observational learning.
Role models are individuals that others look up to and are likely to imitate.
Definition: A role model is someone admired and viewed as an example to follow, often an authority figure.
Highlight: Role models significantly influence behavior acquisition, especially in the context of criminal behavior.
Imitation involves copying observed behaviors.
Definition: Imitation is the act of reproducing observed actions or behaviors.
Vicarious reinforcement occurs when individuals are motivated to imitate behavior after observing others being rewarded for that behavior.
Definition: Vicarious reinforcement is the process of learning through observing the positive consequences of others' actions.
Example: A child may be more likely to engage in criminal behavior if they observe their peers being rewarded for such actions.
This section explores three main learning theories that account for criminal behavior:
Social learning theory, developed by Bandura, emphasizes learning through observation and imitation.
Highlight: People are more likely to imitate behavior if they see it being rewarded (vicarious reinforcement).
Operant conditioning focuses on how behavior is shaped by rewards and punishments.
Definition: Operant conditioning is a learning process where behavior is influenced by its consequences.
Differential association theory, proposed by Sutherland, suggests that criminal behavior is learned through interactions with others.
Highlight: If an individual has more criminal associates than law-abiding ones, they are more likely to develop positive attitudes towards criminal behavior.
Example: Prisons are often referred to as 'universities of crime' due to the learning of criminal skills and techniques from other inmates.
This section evaluates the strengths and limitations of the three learning theories in explaining criminal behavior.
Strengths:
Limitations:
Strengths:
Limitations:
Strengths:
Limitations:
Highlight: While these theories provide valuable insights into criminal behavior, they each have limitations in fully explaining the complexity of human actions.
Individualistic theories focus on personal explanations for criminality, including:
Highlight: These theories emphasize individual factors in criminal behavior rather than societal influences.
Bandura conducted a famous experiment to investigate how observing aggressive acts influences behavior.
Procedure:
Findings:
Highlight: This experiment demonstrated the power of observational learning in shaping aggressive behavior, supporting social learning theory's application to criminal behavior.
Social learning theory provides a framework for understanding how criminal behavior is acquired and maintained through observation and imitation. This theory, developed by Albert Bandura, emphasizes the role of observational learning in shaping behavior.
Key points:
Highlight: Social learning theory suggests that criminal behavior is learned through both direct experiences and indirect observations of others.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Criminology
10 Oct 2025
556
5 pages
Emily Finch @emilyfinch111
Social learning theory explains how criminal behavior is learned through observation and imitation of role models, with reinforcement playing a key role. This theory, along with operant conditioning and differential... Show more
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Observational learning is a fundamental concept in social learning theory, describing how individuals acquire new behaviors by watching others.
Definition Observational learning is the process of learning by watching and imitating others' actions and behaviors.
Example A child observing and copying their parents' behavior is a classic example of observational learning.
Role models are individuals that others look up to and are likely to imitate.
Definition A role model is someone admired and viewed as an example to follow, often an authority figure.
Highlight Role models significantly influence behavior acquisition, especially in the context of criminal behavior.
Imitation involves copying observed behaviors.
Definition Imitation is the act of reproducing observed actions or behaviors.
Vicarious reinforcement occurs when individuals are motivated to imitate behavior after observing others being rewarded for that behavior.
Definition Vicarious reinforcement is the process of learning through observing the positive consequences of others' actions.
Example A child may be more likely to engage in criminal behavior if they observe their peers being rewarded for such actions.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This section explores three main learning theories that account for criminal behavior
Social learning theory, developed by Bandura, emphasizes learning through observation and imitation.
Highlight People are more likely to imitate behavior if they see it being rewarded (vicarious reinforcement).
Operant conditioning focuses on how behavior is shaped by rewards and punishments.
Definition Operant conditioning is a learning process where behavior is influenced by its consequences.
Differential association theory, proposed by Sutherland, suggests that criminal behavior is learned through interactions with others.
Highlight If an individual has more criminal associates than law-abiding ones, they are more likely to develop positive attitudes towards criminal behavior.
Example Prisons are often referred to as 'universities of crime' due to the learning of criminal skills and techniques from other inmates.
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This section evaluates the strengths and limitations of the three learning theories in explaining criminal behavior.
Strengths
Limitations
Strengths
Limitations
Strengths
Limitations
Highlight While these theories provide valuable insights into criminal behavior, they each have limitations in fully explaining the complexity of human actions.
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Individualistic theories focus on personal explanations for criminality, including
Highlight These theories emphasize individual factors in criminal behavior rather than societal influences.
Bandura conducted a famous experiment to investigate how observing aggressive acts influences behavior.
Procedure
Findings
Highlight This experiment demonstrated the power of observational learning in shaping aggressive behavior, supporting social learning theory's application to criminal behavior.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Social learning theory provides a framework for understanding how criminal behavior is acquired and maintained through observation and imitation. This theory, developed by Albert Bandura, emphasizes the role of observational learning in shaping behavior.
Key points
Highlight Social learning theory suggests that criminal behavior is learned through both direct experiences and indirect observations of others.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
