Question 1

Variants of social learning theory have been developed by both psychologists and sociologists.

Accepted Answer

Social learning theory has been expanded upon by both psychologists, like Albert Bandura, and sociologists, who have applied it to understand social behaviors and cultural norms.

Question 2

One of the controversies surrounding social learning theory is whether it identifies the correct temporal sequence of delinquent peer associations and delinquency.

Accepted Answer

Social learning theory has been debated regarding whether associating with delinquent peers leads to delinquency or if delinquent individuals seek out similar peers, questioning the sequence of influence.

Question 3

Youths with delinquent siblings are at elevated risk for delinquency.

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that having delinquent siblings can increase the likelihood of youth engaging in similar behaviors due to shared environmental influences and familial interactions.

Question 4

Research indicates that social learning theory does a good job of explaining minor forms of deviance (e.g., problem drinking, underage smoking) but that it does a poor job of explaining serious forms of deviance (e.g., sexual assaults).

Accepted Answer

The answer of Research indicates that social learning theory does...

Question 5

Evaluations of Highfields (New Jersey) and Pinehills (Provo, Utah) show that both programs were more successful than the state training schools in lowering delinquent recidivism.

Accepted Answer

Both Highfields and Pinehills were more successful than state training schools in reducing delinquent recidivism.

Question 6

In social learning theory, definitions (attitudes) favorable or unfavorable to criminal and delinquent behavior function as discriminative or cue stimuli.

Accepted Answer

In social learning theory, definitions or attitudes towards behavior act as cues that influence whether an individual perceives a behavior as acceptable or not, thus guiding their actions.

Question 7

In Cressey's concept of "retroflexive reformation," the offender who attempts to help other offenders reform is likely to undergo a prosocial change of his own attitudes and behavior.

Accepted Answer

Cressey's concept suggests that by helping others reform, offenders may experience positive changes in their own attitudes and behaviors, reinforcing their own rehabilitation.

Question 8

According to social learning theory, secondary groups and mass media are not as important in influencing the individual's learning deviance or conformity as are primary groups of family and friends.

Accepted Answer

Social learning theory emphasizes the role of primary groups, such as family and friends, in influencing behavior, as they provide direct and frequent interactions, whereas secondary groups and mass media have a more indirect influence.

Question 9

Drug and alcohol prevention programs that stress learning social skills and how to deal with influence of peers and the media are more likely to be successful than are programs that emphasize knowledge about drugs and drug effects.

Accepted Answer

Programs focusing on social skills and peer/media influence are more effective because they address the underlying social dynamics and pressures that lead to substance use, rather than just providing information.

Question 10

Those associations that occur earlier (priority), last longer and occupy more of one's time (duration), take place more often (frequency), and involve others with whom one has the more important or closer relationship (intensity) will have the greater effect on behavior.

Accepted Answer

This statement aligns with the principles of differential association theory, which suggests that the nature of associations (priority, duration, frequency, intensity) influences behavior.

Question 11

According to research by Patterson and others, children learn conforming rather than deviant behavior when parents consistently make use of positive reward for proper behavior and impose moderately negative consequences for misbehavior.

Accepted Answer

Research by Patterson and others suggests that consistent positive reinforcement for proper behavior and moderate negative consequences for misbehavior encourage children to learn conforming behavior rather than deviant behavior.

Question 12

Findings from research on delinquent gangs run counter to what would be predicted from social learning theory.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Findings from research on delinquent gangs run...

Question 13

According to the research by D. A. Andrews and James Bonta, the cognitive-behavioral and social learning approaches to treatment of offenders, although promising, have not been shown to be any more effective than insight-oriented counseling and other nonbehavioral approaches.

Accepted Answer

Research by D. A. Andrews and James Bonta has shown that cognitive-behavioral and social learning approaches are more effective in reducing recidivism compared to insight-oriented and nonbehavioral approaches.

Question 14

Positive peer culture and peer counseling programs have proven to be among the most effective ways to control and prevent adolescent antisocial behavior.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that positive peer influence and peer counseling can significantly reduce antisocial behavior in adolescents by promoting prosocial behavior and providing support and guidance.

Question 15

Meta-analysis of research findings on programs for the treatment or prevention of crime, delinquency, and substance use show that the most effective programs are those that take a cognitive-behavioral or social learning approach.

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that cognitive-behavioral and social learning approaches are effective in addressing crime, delinquency, and substance use by focusing on changing thought patterns and behaviors.

Question 16

Research by Akers, his students, and many others has found support for social learning theory in studies of American youth but fails to find support for the theory in studies of youth in societies such as Korea, where the family authority is stronger than it is in the United States.

Accepted Answer

Research has found support for social learning theory in various cultural contexts, including societies with strong family authority, as the theory is adaptable to different social structures.

Question 17

Social learning theory relates primarily to, and its predictions are mainly confined to, delinquent, criminal, or deviant behavior acquired only through differential exposure to deviant subcultures, environments, and individuals.

Accepted Answer

Social learning theory is broader and applies to a wide range of behaviors, not just delinquent or deviant ones. It suggests that people learn behaviors through observation, imitation, and modeling, regardless of the nature of the behavior.

Question 18

Evaluation of the Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care (MTFC) program of the Oregon Social Learning Center found that the delinquents assigned by the court to the program had significantly fewer arrests and self-reported delinquencies than did boys assigned to the control group.

Accepted Answer

The MTFC program is designed to provide structured and therapeutic foster care for delinquent youth, and studies have shown that participants in the program tend to have better outcomes, such as fewer arrests and self-reported delinquencies, compared to those in control groups.

Question 19

Which of the following statements is found in Sutherland's theory?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following statements is found...

Question 20

The concept of definitions favorable and unfavorable to criminal behavior in social learning theory includes all of the following except:

Accepted Answer

Presumptive definitions are not part of the social learning theory's concept of definitions related to criminal behavior.

Quiz 5: Social Learning Theory