Envisage this scenario: a person is charged with sexual assault and during the court procedure a psychologist is asked to give their opinion on whether the defendant was responsible for their actions. One line of argument given was that the behaviour had clearly been learned as the defendant experienced abuse as a child. The psychologist put forward social learning theory (SLT) to support their opinion.
Task: using above scenario – Critically evaluate the contribution of SLT to understanding harmful sexual behaviour. You will need to present the theory, use the empirical literature to demonstrate: (1) how SLT might be applied to explaining this behaviour and, (2) critique the theory in terms of its contribution to understanding harmful sexual behaviour
Please present your work in an essay format.
Do make sure you demonstrate the synthesis of appropriate empirical literature, critical evaluation and consistent APA (7th edition) referencing, including doi numbers in your reference list.