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The Role of Theory in Criminology
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What is a Theory?
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Why Have Theory? Answers the question, why?
Make sense of the facts we observe Predict what may happen in the future Shape and direct scientific research Shape and direct policies to reduce crime
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Examples of Theories
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Crime Theory and Common Sense
“It’s all in the genes” “He’s from the wrong side of the tracks” “She got in with the wrong crowd” “What he needs is a good stiff kick” “It’s the parents fault” “We’ve got to stop coddling criminals” “It’s the music she listens to” “How else could he hope to get rich?” “His teachers expected him to fail, so he did” Current events
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What is Criminological Theory?
Articulated propositions Specify the relationships between variables Unarticulated propositions Assumptions about human beings Cognitive (empirical) validity Does the theory fit with research results?
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Specifying the Relationships Between Variables
Direct (causal) effect A affects C directly Indirect (mediated) effect A affects C by affecting B B is the mediating variable A C A B C
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Specifying the Relationship Between Variables
Interaction effect The relationship between A and C differs depending on B A C B - B conditions the relationship A and C - B moderates the relationship A and C
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Specifying the Relationship Between Variables
Correlation, not causation A and C are correlated but not causally related A C
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Specifying the Relationship Between Variables
Exogenous variables Not explained by the causal diagram or model Endogenous variables Explained by the causal diagram or model
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Causal Diagram
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A Basic Issue Is criminal behavior caused or is it the product of free will? If caused, are criminals biologically different than non-criminals, or is it their social experiences that matter most?
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