User:Shivelyb/New sandbox

- Differential association-

Social learning theory
Social learning theory was developed by Ronald Akers, according to Chappell and Piquero, to expand upon Sutherland's theory. Skinner and Fream states that Aker's based his theory on "four major concepts: differential association, differential reinforcement/punishment, definition and imitations". Differential association explains how delinquent acts are learned from peer groups and more intimate groups, such as family, through interactions and ensuing normalization. Differential reinforcement follows the idea of a system of rewards and punishments as a learning mechanism. Definitions revolve around an individual's "beliefs, attitudes and orientations" regarding delinquent behavior. The last concept, imitation, is based upon an individual modeling another's behaviors from previous observations of said other. Akers argues that when all four concepts are considered together, they "determine whether one will be prone to engage in conforming or deviant behavior".