1. THEORY & SOCIAL RESEARCH

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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?

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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. Theory
Inductive Deductive
Reasoning Reasoning
Data

10. Theory
Empirical Hypothesis
Generalizations
Data

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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

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

17. Relationship Between Self-Control & Number of Delinquent ActsLo
Lo Hi
Self-Control