Retention

Definition

Retention refers to the process of maintaining or holding onto learned behaviors, attitudes, or skills over time. In the context of social learning and differential association theories, it plays a crucial role in how individuals internalize and continue to exhibit behaviors they observe in others, particularly those within their social circles. This concept is essential for understanding how behaviors can be influenced by the environment and the importance of repeated exposure to specific influences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Retention is influenced by factors such as the frequency and intensity of exposure to specific behaviors within one’s social environment.
2. Individuals are more likely to retain behaviors that are positively reinforced or rewarded in their social circles.
3. Retention can diminish over time if there is a lack of reinforcement or if individuals move away from the social context where the behavior was learned.
4. Social learning emphasizes that retention is not just about individual experience, but also about the influence of peers and social networks.
5. Effective retention of learned behaviors is critical for the development of identity and can contribute to either prosocial or deviant behavior patterns.

Review Questions

• How does retention contribute to the process of modeling in social learning theory?
  • Retention is essential for modeling because it ensures that observed behaviors are not just fleeting impressions but are integrated into an individual's behavioral repertoire. When someone sees a behavior being demonstrated, their ability to retain that observation allows them to replicate it later. This continuity helps reinforce the importance of social influences in shaping behavior and highlights how repeated observations can strengthen one's capacity to imitate.
• Discuss the relationship between retention and reinforcement in the context of differential association theory.
  • Retention and reinforcement are interconnected in differential association theory, as retention refers to how well individuals remember and keep learned behaviors, while reinforcement strengthens these behaviors through rewards or punishments. When a behavior learned from peers is positively reinforced—such as through approval or rewards—it enhances retention. Consequently, this cycle creates a stronger likelihood that individuals will continue engaging in those behaviors over time, solidifying the influence of their social environment on their actions.
• Evaluate the implications of retention for understanding patterns of criminal behavior within specific communities.
  • Understanding retention's role in shaping criminal behavior reveals how specific community dynamics can perpetuate deviant activities. In neighborhoods where crime is prevalent and observed behaviors are retained through modeling and reinforcement, individuals may adopt similar patterns due to social pressures. This analysis underscores the importance of addressing environmental factors in crime prevention strategies, as fostering positive role models and providing supportive reinforcements can disrupt cycles of criminal behavior and promote healthier community norms.

Related terms

Modeling: The process of observing and imitating the behaviors of others, which is fundamental to social learning.

Differential Association: A theory that explains criminal behavior as learned through interactions with others, particularly those who are more favorable toward deviance.

Reinforcement: The process of strengthening a behavior by providing a consequence that is rewarding or satisfying, which aids in retention.