A mother takes her daughter to the grocery store and slips a can of tuna into her purse, yet tells her daughter that she herself should never shoplift. Judging from what research tells us about "practicing versus preaching," is the daughter likely to shoplift on a later occasion?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Research on "practicing versus preaching" suggests that children are more likely to imitate what parents do rather than what they say. Therefore, the fact that the mother shoplifted (even if it was just a can of tuna) sends a message to the daughter that shoplifting is acceptable behavior. This may lead to the daughter being more likely to shoplift in the future.

A Mother Takes Her Daughter to the Grocery Store and Slips