Non-physiological explainations of criminal behaviour

Non-physiological explanations of criminal behavior

Social Learning Theory

Bandura - learning occurs when the observer pays attention to the model. When they are able to remember and reproduce what they have observed.

High-status and powerful models are more effective, as are same-sex models and those who are likable.

Vicarious reinforcement is a motivating factor --> Operant conditioning

Observers with high self-efficacy (self-belief) are more likely to learn

Research has found that adolescents with low self-esteem were more likely to engage in criminal activity as adults than those with higher self-esteem, even when factors such as socioeconomic status were controlled for.

Eron et al - measure the violence in TV programmed watched by 7-8-year-olds as well as measured their levels of aggression, and…