How it is learned

• What determines the level of criminal influence?

  • the frequency, length, and personal significance of associations with criminal influences
• What are the two key learning mechanisms in Differential Association Theory?

  1. operant conditioning - deviant behaviour is reinforced (e.g. Praise from peers) or punished (e.g. disapproval)
  2. Vicarious reinforcement - individuals observe others being rewarded for criminal behaviour and imitate them
• How do social groups establish norms?

  • social groups create a sense of what is ‘normal’ behaviour, which individuals conform to