Non biological causes: SLT Flashcards
(12 cards)
How attention can lead to criminality
Attention is being interred In the behaviour of the model. Therefore Paying attention to a model engaging in criminal behaviour such as stealing a car, would lead to a reproduction of that behaviour
How does role models link to to criminality
Role models have higher status, older or are the same age as the individual. The model stealing the car could be an older sibling, gang leader, or celebrity on a film.
Retention
Retention is strong the observed behaviour and remembering the stages involved
Observer may use mental imagery to rehearse how the car was stolen, remembering the stages involved such as breaking the window, hot wiring, car in gear, accelerator
Reproduction
Individual has a low self-esteem, due to social comparison. and High self efficacy (belief that they can reproduce the behaviour)
If the observer is dependent on others and believes they have the motor skills to steal a car, they will be more likely to reproduce the behaviour and attempt to steal a car themselves
Motivation
Vicarious reinforcement is seeing role models being rewarded for behaviour. Internal: feelings of pride and happiness
external: being rewarded or complimented
If the observer see’s the model being praised by their friends or other gang members for stealing the car, they too will be motivated to also steal a car to receive the same praise.
vicarious punishment
seeing role models punished for behaviour : If the observer see’s the model be arrested after stealing the car, they will be discouraged from reproducing the same behaviour as they will not to receive the same punishment
Desensitisation
Desensitisation - Watching (media) violence may lead to aggressive behaviour by removing the anxiety about violence that normally inhibits its use. This is called desensitisation, and is the result of repeated exposure to violence (TV, games, real life). An indication that desensitisation has occurred is the reduction in physiological arousal when individuals are exposed to violence. Desensitisation leads to an individual becoming numb to the pain and suffering of others.
disinhibition
prolonged exposure to violence gives the message that violence is a normal part of everyday life. Unpunished or justified violence in the media reduces the viewer’s guilt or concern about the consequences of aggressive behaviour. Younger children are more likely to be affected as they are more likely to be drawn to high action violent episodes, giving no thought to the motives or consequences of the violence (Collins, 1989). Children who identify strongly with violent heroes are more likely to become disinhibited
evaluation: evidence
(+) Bandura’s Bobo Doll experiment (1961) showed that children imitate aggressive behavior observed in adult models, especially when the model is rewarded (vicarious reinforcement).
This supports the idea that criminal behavior can be learned through observation, particularly when it appears to bring rewards (e.g., money, status).
Evaluation: application
censorship and the watershed; film and game age-ratings
Also consider programmes with positive role models such as Blue Peter
Evaluation: comparisons (limitations)
Many people see violence or criminal behavior (e.g., in media or their environment) but choose not to imitate it — suggesting free will and individual differences play a role.
SLT ignores genetics and biological predispositions, such as the role of hormones
Evaluation: How good is the research
research that supports this theory is lab based and involves children. they don’t reflect real-life environments where crime actually occurs (e.g., peer pressure, complex social dynamics, long-term influences).
Much of the supporting research involves young children, who are more likely to imitate behavior without fully understanding consequences.
Adult criminality is more complex and influenced by many factors (e.g., moral reasoning, life experiences, emotions), so using children limits the theory’s applicability to adult offenders.
