Exam 6: Differential Association and Social Learning Theories

According to Miller's theory of lower-class focal concerns, the values of upper and middle classes differ greatly from the values of lower classes.

Wolfgang and Ferracuti's subculture of violence theory argues that criminal subcultures tend to be uniform entities and exhibit little variation based on geographic region.

Anderson's code of the street:

Differential association and social learning theories build directly on earlier contributions from psychological and biological positivism.

Which of the following is not a legitimate criticism of social learning theory?

What are some practical implications of differential association and social learning theories in the criminal justice system and wider society?

Differential association and social learning theories are good examples of conflict theories that dismiss any notion of consensus around laws and norms.

Differential association and social learning theories assume that "birds of a feather flock together," not "if you lie with dogs, you get up with fleas."

Which of the following was not a major influence on the differential association and social learning theories?

The micro-level counterpart to differential association is known as differential social organization.

How might the biological and psychological theories explored earlier be integrated within learning theories?

What aspects of criminality do differential association and social learning theories attempt to explain?

How did the history of and assumptions made by differential association and social learning perspectives impact their development?

Research on social learning theory:

Both individual criminal behavior and subcultural aspects of crime are addressed by differential association and social learning theories.

Social learning theory has influenced rehabilitation programs that are used in prisons.

Which of the following is false with regard to Akers's social learning theory?

Gordon is a drug dealer who does not use drugs himself. As a youngster, Gordon was often around both his uncle and older brother and observed them dealing on many occasions. Gordon feels little guilt or shame about what he is doing because he views himself as a salesman who is offering a desired commodity to willing customers. He also has strong ties to his family despite his criminal activities. Gordon is fairly intelligent and could easily get a normal job. Based on all of this information, which of the following theories can most effectively explain Gordon's behavior?

Does having delinquent peers always result in criminality? How does this statement connect to the differences between causation and correlation?

According to Akers's social learning theory, which set of definitions helps to justify or excuse criminal behavior?