Introduction to Criminological Theory Most theories of crime are based on which branch of study Psychology Biology Economics or True or False Most theories of crime have a high degree of empirical validity Which major classification approach suggests that theories can be divided by those who believe in societal agreement and those who believe in societal disagreement Chapter 1 Sociology Chapter 1 A consensus versus conflict B structure versus process C classical versus positive D social versus intellectual Chapter 1 Which of the following statements is most accurate with respect to a good theory 1 A good theory uses a single approach to measure theoretical concepts 2 A good theory is one that can be tested and that best fits the evidence of research 3 A good theory uses quantitative validation rather than qualitative validation 4 A good theory is one that is most popular criminologists Brief History of Criminology 1800s Some publications Sociology 1890s College courses in Sociology 1895 Books crime delinquency biological theories Brief History of Criminology Early 1900s Progressive Era Concern over harsh social consequences of industrialization and urbanization Need rehabilitation of criminals assist the poor humane treatment of the insane Brief History of Criminology 1918 First true Criminology textbook Criminality is an abnormal pathological form of behavior psychology 1924 Sutherland Criminology Critique of biological psychological theories focus on social conditions Brief History of Criminology 1930 1945 Criminology sociological analysis in the U S 1950s Movement to separate Criminology from Sociology Brief History of Criminology 1945 1970 WWII ended students on GI Bill rise in sociology criminology courses Focus on mainstream criminality simplistic observations Took for granted that there is a stable reality that can be directly observed described and theorized about Belief that our social structure is fine consensus just need to mend a few rips and tears a little reform no big deal Brief History of Criminology Since 1970s Growth of negativity political unrest conflict Persistence of racial discrimination economic inequality Mainstream ideology micro persists but has been challenged Brief History of Criminology Criminology is highly fragmented today Mainstream theories and attitude that crime is the result of the failure of individuals However radical critical Marxist and feminist theories are widely studied today Theory There are thousands upon thousands of theories What is the cause of illness Some theories make sense others seem absolutely ridiculous Is the Earth round or flat What is Theory Varying definitions What is Theory A theory is an explanation which provides grounds for predictions that must be TESTABLE 1 Begins with a set of concepts with definitions These concepts are defined nominally dictionary definition and operationally more technical how will the concepts be measured Example Violence Nominal definition operational definition What is Theory between two or more variables What is Theory 3 Causality 3 criteria Lack of spuriousness cause and the effect Paradigms vs Theory Paradigms are schools of thought 2 Consists of a set of propositions or theoretical statements which must state a relationship Correlation Association concepts or variables must be related to one another Time order sequence the cause must precede the effect in time no fact other than the variable must affect the relationship between the Usually one paradigm dominates a discipline at one time After scrutiny and testing it fades and a new paradigm emerges Paradigms vs Theory Not all researchers and practitioners in a discipline adopt the dominant paradigm to guide their work there are always competing paradigms Examples of paradigms within Criminology Policing reactionary vs community policing prevention Courts leniency probation vs get tough on crime Corrections rehabilitation vs retribution Where do theories come from Personal experience observation Common sense Past knowledge history Evaluating Theory General vs Restricted Evaluating Theory Parsimony measured Empirical Validity how much evidence supports the theory Scope how many different types of crimes can be explained by the theory concepts are clearly and concisely defined Easily understood and able to be Avoid tautological or circular reasoning Example drugs and crime Logical consistency complex technical jargon can be problematic Problems with Crim Theory No theory of crime fully meets ALL of these scientific criteria Many fail to adequately define their concepts operationalization Many are not testable Many lack scientific evidence Problems with Crim Theory outside of individuals Purpose of Theory victimology Another problem misplaced comparison to the natural sciences We study human behavior which is not as concrete more abstract and unpredictable Crime is complex multi faceted and based on a wide range of factors that operate inside and Valuable contributions to our understanding of crime deviance delinquency justice and Expand knowledge of the world around us Stop repeating past mistakes crime prevention solutions to problems Policy implications We still learn something valuable from theories of crime that have been falsified Better understanding of human behavior Theory vs Philosophy Both attempt to explain or predict behavior But philosophies aren t testable Examples Theory abnormal brain chemicals can lead to aggressive behavior Philosophy possession by evil spirits causes aggression Be wary of philosophical ideals often based on conjecture and opinion Criminal Justice Policy little empirical validity Most CJ policies are based on philosophies and very few on theories or on theories that have Most policies are based on the belief that people are rational Most policies are not based on scientific understanding of behavior How this course differs from other Crim theory courses This course will introduce mainstream theories of crime AND theories that have been ignored or trivialized It s important to understand the historical context in which each theory was developed and have a general understanding of the theorist s social and professional background What and who influenced the theorist Why do Students HATE Theory It often seems irrelevant to the real world It s abstract and complex and not always easily understood Or it s TOO simple BUT we use theory everyday without even realizing it
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