SOCW 6135. Learning Theory and Criminal Behavior

Discussion 2: Learning Theory and Criminal Behavior

Learning theory holds the perspective that all behavior, including criminal behavior, is learned from a person’s surroundings. Social learning theory, a subcategory of learning theory, suggests that individuals learn by watching and imitating and by being rewarded and punished. While there are various specific learning theories, they all suggest that criminal behavior is learned.

They also hold the perspective that how and what an individual learns from his or her environment is significant. This can be illustrated by how, in some neighborhoods, illegally carrying a gun or knife is normal because of the number of individuals carrying weapons for protection, and because those who do not carry guns or knives may find themselves at a distinct disadvantage.

It is not just social environments that influence learned behavior, however. Situational factors may contribute to learned criminal behavior, as well, such as when dangerous protests lead to mob mentality.

For this Discussion, select two crimes to which learning theory may be applied and consider how the general principles of learning theory may apply to them.

By Day 4

Post a brief description of the crimes you selected. Explain each crime by applying a specific learning theory, using a different theory for each. Then, explain how the principles of learning theory may be used to account for each crime. Finally, explain the degree to which you think learning theory accounts for criminal behavior in general and why. Justify your position using specific examples and concepts from the resources or your research.

Note: Put the two crimes you selected in the first line of your post. You will be asked to respond to a colleague who posted to different crimes than you.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the resources.

Learning Resources

Required Readings

Andrews, D. A., & Hoge, R. D. (1999). The psychology of criminal conduct and principles of effective prevention and rehabilitation. Forum on Corrections Research. Special Edition, 7(1), 12–14. (Reprint of a paper first published in 1995). Retrieved from http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/research/forum/special/spe_b_e.pdf
Psychology of Criminal Conduct and Principles of Effective Prevention and Rehabilitation by Andrews, D. A.; Hoge, R. D., in Forum on Corrections Research, Vol. 7/Issue 1. Copyright 1995 by Correctional Service of Canada. Reprinted by permission of Correctional Service of Canada via the Copyright Clearance Center.

Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. (2017). Criminal behavior: A psychological approach. (11th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Chapter 4, “Origins of Criminal Behavior: Learning and Situational Factors” (pp. 83-110)

Fleming, C. B., Catalano, R. F., Haggerty, K. P., & Abbott, R. D. (2010). Relationships between level and change in family, school, and peer factors during two periods of adolescence and problem behavior at age 19. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 39(6), 670–682.

Silver, E. (2006). Understanding the relationship between mental disorder and violence: The need for a criminological perspective. Law and Human Behavior, 30(6), 685–706.

Stel, M., van den Bos, K., & Bal, M. (2012). On mimicry and the psychology of the belief in a just world: Imitating the behaviors of others reduces the blaming of innocent victims. Social Justice Research, 25(1), 14–24.

Required Media

Laureate Education (Producer). (2014b). Psychological theories of criminal behavior [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Dr. Charis Kubrin discusses social learning theory to understand criminality. Consider how learning theory may be applicable to crimes.

Note:  The approximate length of this media piece is 9 minutes.

Accessible player –Downloads–Download Video w/CCDownload AudioDownload Transcript