The Social Learning Theory of Criminality (OCR GCSE Psychology): Revision Note

Social learning theory

• Social learning theory (SLT), proposed by Albert Bandura, explains that we learn behaviour through observation and imitation of others

• Individuals may turn to crime after observing others being rewarded for similar behaviours

Identification with role models

• People are more likely to imitate those they admire or respect — known as role models

• Role models can include:

  • parents

  • siblings

  • peers

  • celebrities

  • media characters

• Through the process of identification, individuals decide they want to be like the role model and adopt their attitudes or behaviours

  • E.g. a teenager might identify with a gangster character in a film and start copying their behaviour

Observation and imitation

• Behaviour is learned by watching others and then imitating what they do

• People observe how others behave and the consequences of their actions, deciding whether to copy them

  • E.g. a child who sees an older sibling shoplifting and not getting caught may imitate this behaviour

Vicarious reinforcement

• Vicarious reinforcement occurs when someone observes another person being rewarded for a behaviour

• The observer learns that this behaviour leads to positive outcomes and is more likely to imitate it

  • E.g. seeing a criminal gain money or status without punishment may encourage others to commit similar crimes

• This helps explain how media coverage and peer approval can reinforce criminal behaviour

Direct reinforcement

• Once the behaviour is imitated, it may be directly reinforced if the individual receives a reward

• Rewards can be material (money) or social (respect, approval)

• If the behaviour produces positive outcomes, it is strengthened and more likely to be repeated

  • E.g. a person who gains popularity for vandalising property may continue doing it for attention

Internalisation

• With repeated reinforcement, a behaviour can become internalised — part of a person’s beliefs or identity

• Once this happens, the behaviour continues even without external rewards

  • E.g. a person who has long engaged in criminal activity may continue offending even when it no longer benefits them

Criticisms of social learning theory

• Ignores the role of nature

  • SLT focuses on nurture and overlooks biological influences (nature)

  • Some psychologists argue there may be a ‘criminal gene’ or brain abnormalities that predispose people to crime

  • Most psychologists agree that both nature and nurture interact, with biological factors influencing how easily someone learns criminal behaviour

• Does not explain how crime starts

  • The theory assumes criminals learn from others, but it doesn’t explain where the first criminal behaviours originate

• Cannot explain crime without exposure to role models

  • Some offenders come from law-abiding families with no criminal influences, suggesting biological or individual factors may play a role

• Not all people learn from observation

  • Many people observe crime but do not imitate it, suggesting factors like morality, empathy, or self-control also influence behaviour

• Punishment doesn't always work

  • SLT predicts that punishment should reduce crime, yet many reoffend despite punishment

  • This suggests other influences, such as addiction or personality traits, may be involved