THEORY & SOCIAL RESEARCH

What is a Theory? A logically interrelated set of propositions about empirical reality. A more or less integrated set of propositions and/or hypotheses that purport to explain phenomena and that guide research. A statement or set of statements describing the relationships among concepts.

Definitions Concept: A mental image that summarizes a set of similar observations, feelings, or ideas. Variable: Characteristics or properties that can vary (take on different values or attributes). Indicator: The question or other operation used to indicate the value of cases on a variable.

Concept: Binge Drinking Variables: Frequency of heavy episodic drinking Indicators: How often within the past two weeks did you consume five or more drinks containing alcohol in a row?

Concept: Social Class Variables: Income, Education, Occupational Prestige Indicators: Income + Education + Prestige

Major Theoretical Frameworks in Criminology Strain Concepts: Frustration, Anomie, Goals, Means Frustration brought about by structural malfunction Learning Concepts: Modeling, Interactions, Reinforcement Socialization into a subculture of deviance Control Concepts: Social Bonds, Self-Control Lack of control/stake in conformity leads to crime

Value of Theory for Social Research Police Officers Short-term Police Resolution Trainers Feminist Deterrence Activists Experiences Family Police Legal Assumptions Gender Crime Punishment

Social Theories and Predictions Effect of Arrest for Intimate Partner Assault Rational Choice Symbolic Interaction Theoretical Cost-Benefit Assigned Meanings Assumption Analysis Criminological Deterrence Labeling Deviance Component Prediction Costs of Abuse Labeled “abuser” too High

Theory Inductive Deductive Reasoning Reasoning Data

Theory Empirical Hypothesis Generalizations Data

Sherman & Berk (1984) Theory: Deterrence Hypothesis: Arrest for spouse abuse reduces the risk of repeat offenses Experimental Design: Arrest the offender Separate the Spouses Warn the offender Empirical Generalization: Pattern in the data consistent with the hypothesis deduced from the theory

Variables Independent Variable (IV): a variable that is hypothesized to cause, or lead to, variation in another variable. Dependent Variable (DV): the variable that you are tying to explain.

The greater the social disorganization in a community, the higher the rate of crime Crime rate If social disorganization is higher, then the crime rate is higher.

As one’s self-control gets stronger, the fewer delinquent acts one commits Self-reported delinquency If self-control is higher, then the number of delinquent acts is lower.

Crime is lower in communities where the police patrol on foot Presence of foot patrols Crime If a community has police foot patrols, then the level of crime is lower

Relationship Between Social Disorganization & Crime Rate Lo Lo Hi Social Disorganization

Relationship Between Self-Control & Number of Delinquent Acts Lo Lo Hi Self-Control