Origins of Behavior, Essay Example

Origins of Behavior: Learning and Situational Factors

Social Learning

There are many factors that can be considered in the Origins of behavior.   Social learning is one of the theories that has a prominent role in learning and situational factors.  For example purposes, let’s consider a high school student.  It is not safe to assume that a teenager instinctively knows it is cool to drink beer.  However, being put in the environment, a party, where all their peers are drinking beer and having a good time, that teenager will associate that social experience when it comes time to determine if they should or should not drink.  Because society, in this case being other teenagers, engages in drinking beer at a party, that teenager has learned that it is acceptable and normal behavior.  It is important to consider the role that reinforcement of social learning plays as well. “Acceptance of the influence of both social and non-social rein forcers.” (Origins of Criminal Behaviour)  A parent punishing that teenager for drinking or their friends praising how drunk that teenager was around the school is forms of reinforcement.  Obviously other learning and situational factors could trump that teenager’s desire or need to participate, but social learning does play a very big part in many individuals’ behavioral decisions.

“Social Learning Theorists believe that we learn primarily by attending to our social environment.” (Origins of Criminal Behaviour)  Social learning is taught from the environment, family, friends, peers, and even co-workers.  This is not just true with teenagers; this is a very important theory for all ages when considering the origins of behavior.  Seeing first-hand a toddler reacts in the same capacity that another toddler acts shows that the social learning tool is instilled in each individual regardless of age.  Engaging in a constructive social environment will ensure a positive outcome in learning and situational experience.

Reference

Origins of Criminal Behaviour.  Learning and Situational Factors.  Retreived from:                     http://www.google.com/gwt/x?q=what+is+the+origins+of+behavior+learning+an            d+situational+factors&ei=iv82TvDyE4Lm8Aay64n9Ag&hl=en&source=m&u=ht            tp://members.shaw.ca/crimepsych/Documents/psy230/learning.pdf