Social Learning, Control, and Labeling theories are all examples of social process theories. Learning is defined as habits and knowledge that develop as a result of experiences with the environment, as opposed to instincts, drives, reflexes, and genetic predispositions. It is based on the idea that the mind organizes sensory experiences in some way, and is called cognitive psychology today. It is based on the idea that the mind requires a physical response by the body in order to organize sensory associations. Examples of operant conditioning include verbal behavior, sexual behavior, driving a car, writing a paper, wearing clothing, or living in a house.
Most social behavior is of an operant nature .
In 1924, he wrote a book called Criminology , the first fully sociological textbook in the field. He first put forth his theory in the second edition of 1934, revised it again in 1939, and the theory has remained unchanged since the fourth edition of 1947. When Sutherland died in 1950, Donald Cressey continued to popularize the theory. Sutherland's theory is tested mainly on juveniles because delinquency is largely a group crime. The principle research problem is determining which comes first , the delinquency or delinquent friends.