1. The Role of Theory in Criminology

2. Why Have Theory?

3. Crime Theory and Common Sense
“She was born that way”
“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?”
“He was labeled a trouble maker at a young age”
Current events/draw

4. Aspects of Theory Articulated propositions Unarticulated propositions
Empirical validity

5. Drawing the Relationships Between Variables
Direct (causal) effect
A affects C directly
Indirect (mediated) effect
A affects C indirectly by first affecting B
B is a mediating variable A C
Parenting, low self-control, crime A B C

6. Drawing the Relationship Between Variables
Interaction effect
The relationship between A and C differs depending on B A C
Low self control, crime, and opportunity
Formal sanctions, informal sanctions, crime
B moderates the relationship
between A and C B

7. Explaining Delinquency
Neighborhood
Poverty
Poor Parental
Supervision
Delinquent Friends
Delinquency