According to differential association theory, how does learning criminal behavior differ from learning other types of behavior?

A. Learning criminal behavior is much more a peer group experience.

B. Learning criminal behavior is a matter of imitation.

C. Learning criminal behavior is greater in intensity.

D. There is no difference between learning criminal and noncriminal behavior

im confused between B and C

What about D? What do your text materials say?

According to the differential association theory, learning criminal behavior does differ from learning other types of behavior. Let's break down the options to understand the differences:

A. Learning criminal behavior is much more a peer group experience.
This option suggests that criminal behavior is primarily learned from one's peer group. While peer influence is indeed a crucial aspect of learning criminal behavior, it is not exclusive to criminal behavior and can also apply to learning other types of behavior.

B. Learning criminal behavior is a matter of imitation.
This option suggests that criminal behavior is learned through imitation. It implies that individuals observe and imitate criminal behaviors they see in others. While imitation plays a role in learning criminal behavior, it is also relevant to learning noncriminal behavior.

C. Learning criminal behavior is greater in intensity.
This option suggests that learning criminal behavior is more intense compared to learning other types of behavior. However, the differential association theory does not propose that criminal behavior is inherently more intense than learning other behaviors. It focuses on the content and quality of the learned behavior rather than intensity.

D. There is no difference between learning criminal and noncriminal behavior.
This option suggests that there is no distinction between learning criminal and noncriminal behavior according to the differential association theory. However, this is not the case. The theory posits that criminal behavior is specifically learned through social interactions and associations.

In conclusion, option B, which states "Learning criminal behavior is a matter of imitation," is a more accurate representation of the differential association theory. While criminal behavior is indeed influenced by peer groups, the theory emphasizes that learning criminal behavior is primarily a result of observing and imitating others engaged in such behavior.

According to differential association theory, learning criminal behavior differs from learning other types of behavior in that:

B. Learning criminal behavior is a matter of imitation.

Differential association theory suggests that individuals learn criminal behavior through interaction with others who already engage in such behavior. This learning process involves imitation and modeling the behavior of others who have a criminal background or exhibit criminal tendencies. It emphasizes the role of socialization and the influence of peers in shaping criminal behavior. Thus, option B is the correct answer.