Section 6.3: Social Learning Theories – Learning Resources

Section 6.3 Overview

Section 6.3, “Social Learning Theories,” focuses on the pivotal influence of social interaction and observational learning in the genesis of criminal behavior, challenging the notion that criminality stems solely from individual pathology or societal issues. It posits that individuals often adopt criminal behaviors through observing and imitating others, especially within their immediate social environments. Highlighting Albert Bandura’s contributions, particularly the Bobo Doll experiment, this section emphasizes the significance of observational learning, imitation, and environmental reinforcement in shaping behavior. Social Learning Theories offer a comprehensive perspective on the acquisition and perpetuation of criminal behaviors, underlining the critical role of social contexts and learned behaviors in criminology, and advocating for interventions that modify environmental and social influences to prevent crime.

Section Level Student Learning Outcomes

• SLO 1: Understand the mechanisms through which criminal behavior is learned and replicated within social contexts.
• SLO 2: Analyze the role of observational learning, imitation, and reinforcement in the development of criminal behavior.
• SLO 3: Evaluate Bandura’s contributions to Social Learning Theory, particularly the significance of the Bobo Doll experiment.
• SLO 4: Identify the influence of family, peers, and media as agents of social learning in the context of criminal behavior.
• SLO 5: Critique the limitations of Social Learning Theories, considering the balance between environmental influences and individual agency.

Modification History

File Created:  02/15/2024

Last Modified:  02/19/2024

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