*Intro to Criminological Theories (2)

Summary

This lecture covers the concept of theoretical progress in criminology, emphasizing the importance of empirical support in advancing criminological theories. It highlights various theories, including control theory, cultural deviance theory, and strain theory, each with differing views on human nature and the causes of crime. The discussion also introduces key research concepts like mediating, moderating, and background variables in studying crime causation. Lastly, the lecture stresses the role of theory in shaping policies and the need for strong theoretical foundations in policy-making within criminal justice.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Theoretical progress is crucial in criminology, ensuring more knowledge is gained at the end of research compared to the beginning.
• 📊 Empirical support is a key factor in determining whether a theory progresses or should be discarded.
• 🔬 Theories with empirical backing give the impression of progress, but this is only true if proper research methods and measures are used.
• ❌ If a theory lacks empirical support despite quality studies, it should be discarded for a more supported theory.
• 📚 Control theories assume humans are inherently evil, becoming criminal when impulses are not controlled.
• 👥 Cultural deviance theories suggest humans are inherently social, becoming criminal through exposure to deviant group norms.
• 😇 Strain theories assume humans are inherently good, with crime occurring when external pressures force deviant behavior.
• ⚖️ Mediating, moderating, and background variables are important in criminological research, affecting the relationship between causes and outcomes.
• 📖 Theories guide criminology research and provide frameworks for policy development and evaluation.
• 🏛️ Strong theoretical foundations are essential for effective policy creation, but many criminal justice policies are based on weak or unsupported theories.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of developing theories in criminology?

The main purpose of developing theories in criminology is to advance knowledge in the field by gaining more understanding of criminological concepts. Theoretical progress is considered to have been made when there is more knowledge at the end than there was at the beginning.

What constitutes theoretical progress in criminology?

Theoretical progress occurs when researchers use quality research methods, data, and measures of theoretical concepts to determine whether a theory is supported or not. It is achieved if studies consistently show that a theory has empirical support or do not have support, allowing for its refinement or dismissal.

What is the role of empirical support in theoretical progression?

Empirical support plays a critical role in theoretical progression. If quality studies consistently show that a theory is not supported, it should be discarded in favor of a more supported theory. Theoretical progress has still been made in this process because strong empirical evidence indicates whether the theory is valid.

What types of theories will be covered in the lecture?

The lecture will cover various theories including control theories (such as social control and self-control theories), cultural deviance theories (such as social disorganization, differential association, and labeling theories), and strain theories (including Merton’s anomie theory and Agnew’s general strain theory).

What is the assumption about human nature in control theories?

In control theories, the assumption about human nature is that humans are inherently evil, and people become criminals when their inherent evil impulses are not sufficiently controlled.

What is the main view of crime according to strain theories?

According to strain theories, the main view of crime is that humans are inherently good and do not want to break the law, but people may become criminals when external pressures or strains force them to act out in aggressive and deviant ways.

What is the importance of theory in explaining crime?

Theories are essential in criminology because they help explain the underlying causes of crime. They offer insights into why individuals engage in criminal behavior, going beyond superficial appearances to understand how the world operates based on empirical research.

What are mediating, moderating, and background variables?

Mediating variables explain the effects of an independent variable (X) on a dependent variable (Y, usually crime or delinquency). Moderating variables alter the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable. Background variables help explain the variation in exposure to the independent variable.

Why is it crucial for policies to be based on strong theoretical foundations?

It is crucial because policies based on strong theoretical foundations are more likely to be effective. When theories are evaluated before policy implementation, they provide a solid basis for decision-making and prevent reliance on weak or untested assumptions about the issues being addressed.

What is a common issue with many criminal justice policies?

A common issue is that many criminal justice policies are built on weak theoretical foundations or are based on assumptions about a problem without consulting criminological research, making them less effective in addressing the issues they aim to solve.