The social learning theory

The social learning theory tested here is summarized from Akers (1977:39-68). The primary learning mechanism in so-cial behavior is operant (instrumental) conditioning in which behavior is shaped by the stimuli which follow, or are conse-quences of the behavior. Social behavior is acquired both through direct condition-ing and through imitation or modelling of others' behavior. Behavior is strengthened through reward (positive reinforcement) and avoidance of punish-ment (negative reinforcement) or weakened by aversive stimuli (positive punishment) and loss of reward (negative punishment). Whether deviant or con-forming behavior is acquired and persists depends on past and present rewards or punishments for the behavior and the re-wards and punishments attached to alter-native behavior-differential reinforce-ment. In addition, people learn in interac-tion with significant groups in their lives evaluative definitions (norms, attitudes, orientations) of the behavior as good or bad. These definitions are themselves verbal and cognitive behavior which can be directly reinforced and also act as cue (discriminative) stimuli for other be-havior. The more individuals define the behavior as good (positive definition) or at least justified (neutralizing definition) rather than as undesirable (negative defi-nition), the more likely they are to engage in it.



References

Akers, Ronald L., Marvin D. Krohn, Lonn Lanza-Kaduce, and Marcia Radosevich. 1979. “Social Learning and Deviant Behavior: A Specific Test of a General Theory.” American Sociological Review 44 (4): 636–55. doi:10.2307/2094592.