Learning theory holds the perspective that all behavior, including criminal behavior, is learned from a person’s surroundings. Social learning theory, a subcategory of learning theory, suggests that individuals learn by watching and imitating and by being rewarded and punished. While there are various specific learning theories, they all suggest that criminal behavior is learned.

They also hold the perspective that how and what an individual learns from his or her environment is significant. This can be illustrated by how, in some neighborhoods, illegally carrying a gun or knife is normal because of the number of individuals carrying weapons for protection, and because those who do not carry guns or knives may find themselves at a distinct disadvantage.

It is not just social environments that influence learned behavior, however. Situational factors may contribute to learned criminal behavior, as well, such as when dangerous protests lead to mob mentality.

For this Discussion, select two crimes to which learning theory may be applied and consider how the general principles of learning theory may apply to them

Post a brief description of the crimes you selected. Explain each crime by applying a specific learning theory, using a different theory for each. Then, explain how the principles of learning theory may be used to account for each crime. Finally, explain the degree to which you think learning theory accounts for criminal behavior in general and why. Justify your position using specific examples and concepts from the resources or your research.

Note: Put the two crimes you selected in the first line of your post. You will be asked to respond to a colleague who posted to different crimes than you.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the resources.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings.

Evidence based practice is essential to effective social work practice. For this assignment, you are required to (a) identify a current practice problem relevant in your current agency (i.e., engaging clients when they don’t talk much, having negative perceptions about your client, counter), (b) after identifying your practice problem, conduct an extensive literature search as it relates to your practice problem that provides you with a complete understanding of the practice problem.

Based on your findings in the literature, what did you discover that will help you address your practice problem? How might your research guide your work in your field agency?  After reviewing the literature/research and comparing it to the practice problem, the student is expected to do the following:

Submit a 1-2 page reflection paper that:

1. Briefly discusses the literature
2. Briefly identifies the practice problem
3. Briefly explains how the literature will be used to address the practice problem while engaging in the agency.

NOTE: The goal is for you and the Field Instructor to have an open discussion regarding your identified problem while discussing evidenced based solutions to address them. Your field instructor will be evaluating your ability to demonstrate your competency in their field evaluation. In addition, you will submit this assignment for classroom credit. The Field Liaison will grade the assignment “PASS/FAIL,” see rubric for passing criteria.