Crime Theory

Theories are a series of interconnected proposals. Theories are an effort to describe, explain, predict, and finally control a period of events. We are able to base our experiments and select the contenders for the experiments off of our theories. We are able to test our theories by how well the cumulated data describes, relates to and predicts reality. Theories act as patterns for interpreting specific data that we may refer back to. These patterns ensure we stay on topic and are able to obtain the proper results needed to verify our theories.

Many authors have clarified the dissimilarity between a theory and what is mistaken for a theory. Bacharach (1989) stated that data, typologies and metaphors are not theories. Whereas, Sutton and Staw (1995) mentioned that references, variables and constructs, diagrams and figures, and hypotheses are not theories in themselves

P3 – Describe two theories of criminal behaviour and the factors that contribute to them

In the United States, from an early age we are taught that individual wealth is a measure of personal success. Wealthy people are viewed as powerful, happy, and successful. They are also viewed as having access to educational and occupational means that provide them with opportunities to increase their wealth. Strain theory as it relates to digital crime involves the feeling of people in the lower and middle social classes that they do not have equal opportunities or access to those same educational and occupational opportunities. Instead of pursuing legal means to increase their wealth, some of the people who commit white collar crimes are those from the lower and middle classes who are stressed and strained due to finances and their

- “The purpose of a theory: in scientific disciplines is to guide research to enhance the science by supporting existing knowledge or generating new knowledge”. A theory not only helps us to organize our thoughts and ideas, but it may also help direct us in what to do and when and how to do it. The use of the term theory is not restricted to the scientific world, however. It is often used in daily life and conversation. For example, when telling a friend about a

certain expectations or goals could be factors in the decision in committing a crime. This type

2. Theory simply means we come up with a problem, and we look for a solution. A theory is a series that tries to

According to Haralambos and Holborn (2008), a theory is a set of ideas which attempts to explain how something works.

There is a wide array of theories about the cause of crime ranging from predisposition to environmental factors. Research and development of these delinquency theories have progressed and been categorized by biological, psychological, and sociological theories. A major biological theory is Richard Dugdale’s theory of inheritance. There are several psychological theories with two of them being intelligence theory and Sigmund Freud’s personality trait theory. Sociological theories includes Emilie Durkheim’s functionalist theory and Edwin Sutherland’s differential association theory. Overall, there are a wide range of theories and theorists that try to determine what factors influence deviance and why deviance occurs in society.

Theory is an explanation of a happening or circumstance that is based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning.

A theory is primarily meant to explain or predict an event, behaviour or outcome. Proponents of a theory look for evidence to support the theory. This evidence should be independently observed and consistent after repeated observations. Some theories are speculative or ideas or guesses floated to encourage researchers to undertake the observations required to prove or disprove the theory. The question often debated is what comes

theory is, one must understand exactly what natural science involves, as well as its purpose and its

We might want to supplement Sutherland 's differential association theory with another theory in the symbolic interactionist tradition, namely labeling theory. Which states that the theory of how the self-identity and behavior of individuals may be determined or influenced by the terms used to describe or classify them? It is associated with the concepts of self-fulfilling prophecy and stereotyping. Labeling

A theory, according to Lahey (2003), is a tentative explanation of facts and relationships in Science. Mylers (1995) also defines a theory as an integrated set of principles that organize and predicts observable behaviours or events. Also a theory is a comprehensive explanation of natural phenomena which leads to accurate prediction. In Psychology, there are various theoretical perspectives. They are the learning (behavioral) theory, Psychoanalytical theory, Humanistic theory, Cognitive theory, Biological theory, Evolutionary theory and Socio- cultural theory. Helping behaviour is a desirable behaviour in the society. We can use the various perspectives to explain

Criminology focuses on the causes, incidences and control of individual and group criminal behaviour. In criminology, there are many theories that focus on causal analysis of the crime. They are termed as the crime-causation theories. These theories aim at coming up with certain generalization as to be able to explain the causal connection between the factors which may lubricate or lead to the existence of crime in our society and crime itself. The debate on why people commit crime is a difficult one to settle down. Causation theories in criminology are important as their understanding will help us to