When empirically tested against other theories it generally shows more validity than other theories. The central concept of Social Learning Theory is that probability of whether or not a person will engage in deviant behavior is determined by the definitions held by the individual, and the influences upon him, at any given time (Burgess & Akers, 1966). Or put Pennington 6 differently, criminal behavior can be predicted by an individual’s beliefs, in a given situation. Akers identified four main concepts in his theory: differential association, definitions, differential reinforcement, and imitation (Burgess & Akers, 1966). Differential association states that the greatest effect on behavior comes from the earlier associations that have a longer duration, occur frequently and involve those who one is close to. The second concept that Akers proposes is the concept of definitions. Definitions can best be understood as one’s attitudes and beliefs that affect one’s behavior. The third concept of Social Learning Theory is differential reinforcement. Differential reinforcement can best be thought of as the mental calculus of the pros and cons that result from a particular behavior. The final concept of Social Learning Theory that Akers proposes is imitation. Imitation refers to how an individual will engage in a behavior after seeing others engage in the
When empirically tested against other theories it generally shows more validity than other theories. The central concept of Social Learning Theory is that probability of whether or not a person will engage in deviant behavior is determined by the definitions held by the individual, and the influences upon him, at any given time (Burgess & Akers, 1966). Or put Pennington 6 differently, criminal behavior can be predicted by an individual’s beliefs, in a given situation. Akers identified four main concepts in his theory: differential association, definitions, differential reinforcement, and imitation (Burgess & Akers, 1966). Differential association states that the greatest effect on behavior comes from the earlier associations that have a longer duration, occur frequently and involve those who one is close to. The second concept that Akers proposes is the concept of definitions. Definitions can best be understood as one’s attitudes and beliefs that affect one’s behavior. The third concept of Social Learning Theory is differential reinforcement. Differential reinforcement can best be thought of as the mental calculus of the pros and cons that result from a particular behavior. The final concept of Social Learning Theory that Akers proposes is imitation. Imitation refers to how an individual will engage in a behavior after seeing others engage in the