Does Social Learning Theory Condition the Effects of Low Self-Control on College Students' Software Piracy?

Abstract

Although researchers have examined software piracy using several correlates and theories, it is not clear whether low self-control has an effect on software piracy and if social learning theory can condition the effect that low self-control has on college students’ software piracy. Using data collected from three hundred and eighteen undergraduate college students, this study examines the effect that low self-control has on software piracy and whether social learning measures (i.e., associating with deviant peers and attitudes) condition this effect. The results show that low self-control does have an effect on software piracy and that social learning theory measures (i.e., associating with several deviant peers and high levels of positive attitudes toward software piracy) condition this effect.