Jack and his family moved to a new town when Jack was 14 years old. Prior to moving, Jack and his family had lived in the same town since Jack was born and Jack never engaged in any type of delinquent acts. When school started, Jack had only been in town for a few weeks and had not made friends. Not really knowing anyone, Jack began hanging out with a group of kids who were into having a "good time." These kids, Jack noticed, always seemed to have money. They drank alcohol, sold their own or their siblings' ADHD medication, and stole from the local superstore. Jack also noticed that they never, as far as he could tell, got caught. If they did, they never suffered any negative consequences. After a while Jack, too, began to engage in the same activities as his new friends. Which of the following theories best explains Jack's behavior?

Question

Jack and his family moved to a new town when Jack was 14 years old.  Prior to moving, Jack and his family had lived in the same town since Jack was born and Jack never engaged in any type of delinquent acts.  When school started, Jack had only been in town for a few weeks and had not made friends.  Not really knowing anyone, Jack began hanging out with a group of kids who were into having a "good time."  These kids, Jack noticed, always seemed to have money.  They drank alcohol, sold their own or their siblings' ADHD medication, and stole from the local superstore.  Jack also noticed that they never, as far as he could tell, got caught.  If they did, they never suffered any negative consequences.  After a while Jack, too, began to engage in the same activities as his new friends.  Which of the following theories best explains Jack's behavior?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Social learning theory best explains Jack's behavior, as it suggests that individuals learn behaviors through observing and imitating others, especially when those behaviors are rewarded or not punished. In Jack's case, he began to engage in delinquent acts after observing his new friends' behaviors and noticing their lack of negative consequences.

Jack and His Family Moved to a New Town When