7: OCR psychology - social learning theory

Social learning theory - nature or nurture?

• Nature

• Nurture

The theory says social learning starts with having a role model. What's the next step?

• direct reinforcement

• identification

• observation

• vicarious reinforcement

Role model, identification, observation, vicarious reinforcement: what comes next?

• direct reinforcement

• imitation

• internalisation

• prison

What's the best explanation of vicarious reinforcement?

• You are punished for your behaviour

• You are rewarded for your behaviour

• You see others being punished for their behaviour

• You see others being rewarded for their behaviour

What's the best explanation of direct reinforcement?

• You are punished for your behaviour

• You are rewarded for your behaviour

• You see others being punished for their behaviour

• You see others being rewarded for their behaviour

When a behaviour is done so often it becomes a habit - and is continued even without reward, it's called...

• direct reinforcement

• imitation

• internalisation

• vicarious reinforcement

Which one is a valid criticism of social learning theory?

• It's reductionist - it over-simplifies the explanations for criminal behaviour as it ignores other explanations

• It's not generalisable as the sample is age-biased

• It lacks ecological validity - it doesn't explain real behaviour

• There is no supporting evidence for the theory

Name the key study which provides some supporting evidence for social learning theory.

Social learning theory is challenged by alternative theories, such as Eysenck's theory of the criminal personality. Therefore...

• the theory doesn't have any supporting evidence and we can't trust it.

• the theory might not be the only explanation for criminal behaviour.

• we can't apply it to everybody.

• we should ignore it.

Social learning theory is used with prisoners by...

• punishing them with longer prison sentences

• punishing them with community service

• rehabilitating them with restorative justice

• rehabilitating them through the use of positive role models