Skills Being Assessed
In this assignment, you will practice the following skills:
Communication
The ability to actively seek and deliver information, articulate ideas, effectively listen, and connect to various audiences, settings, and situations.
Problem Solving
The ability to identify and frame problems, explore ideas, and create effective, ethical, and evidence-based solutions.
Overview
While working in the criminal justice system, professionals will encounter various criminal behaviors. The purpose of this assignment is to familiarize you with each of the theories of criminal behavior, as well as apply various theories to practical scenarios.
Preparation
Review Chapters 5-8 of your textbook, Introduction to Criminology: Theories, Methods, and Criminal Behavior to prepare for this assignment. Please use the Criminology Theories Table 5.1, from Chapter 5, for reference as you complete this assignment.
Scenario
You are part of a task force that is assessing the increase in criminal behavior within your community. The police and city leaders want to know more about how criminological theories play a role in the causation of crime. You find the best way to present the information is through a chart and using some recent events as scenarios to determine which theory applies to that specific criminal behavior.
Instructions
Complete the tables in the Week 4 Assignment Template Download Week 4 Assignment Templateto address the following:
- Define theories identified with themes of Sociological, Biological, Early, and Classical.
- Apply the most relevant theory for each scenario.
For each theory within the table be sure to:
- Fill in the appropriate definition as it aligns with its theory.
Formatting Requirements
Please refer to the Library site for all support. (For paraphrasing assistance please refer to this link: Tips for Paraphrasing). Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
Resources
- Chapters 5-8 of your textbook, Introduction to Criminology: Theories, Methods, and Criminal Behavior.
- Week 4 Assignment Template Download Week 4 Assignment Template.
The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is:
- Define the major theories of criminal behavior: Early, Classical Biological, and Sociological.
For additional assistance, Criminal Justice Instructor, Edward Spangler, has provided a help video for more clarity. Please access below:
Week 4 Assignment – Theories of Criminology
Student Name
Crime and Criminal Behavior
Professor Spangler
Month Date Year
CRJ105 – CRIME AND CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR
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Week 4 Assignment – Theories of Criminology
Criminal Behavior Chart
Instructions
To complete Week 4 Assignment, Theories of Criminology, you must:
1. Each theory should be defined using 1 to 2 sentences, paraphrasing the information you obtain from your textbook.
2. Answer the scenario questions listed below each table.
Early and Classical Criminological Theories
|
Theory |
Definition |
|
Demonological |
Assumes supernatural forces are the cause of criminal behavior |
|
Classical Theory |
|
|
Hedonism |
|
|
Neoclassical Theory |
|
|
Rational Choice |
|
|
Deterrence |
|
|
Ecological Theory |
Scenario: Jayden
Jayden is a high school junior who has recently been trying new activities. What started with smoking pot, has since turned into trying other drugs with new friends he met at school. Though Jayden has been taught about the dangers of drug use, he likes the way that drugs make him feel and continues to experiment with various substances, always seeking pleasure. In 1-2 sentences, answer the following questions:
1. Which theory best describes Jayden’s pleasure-seeking behavior?
2. Why?
Biological Theories
|
Theory |
Definition |
|
Biological Positivism |
|
|
Atavism |
|
|
Physical Stigmata |
Based on Lombroso’s theory, criminals can be identified based on facial characteristics |
|
Social Darwinism |
|
|
Somatypes |
Scenario: Paul
Paul was recently arrested for theft. Much of his family is not surprised of Paul’s arrest as his older brother, cousin, and father have also been arrested and served jail sentences for theft and other similar behaviors. In 1-2 sentences, answer the following questions:
1. Based on the theories above, which would best describe the behavior of Paul and his family members that have been arrested?
2. Why?
Sociological Theories
|
Theory |
Definition |
|
Anomie |
|
|
General Strain Theory |
|
|
Subcultural Theory |
|
|
Routine Activities |
|
|
Social disorganization |
|
|
Differential Association |
|
|
Labeling Theory |
|
|
Conflict Theory |
Scenario: Alice
Each workday, Alice follows a similar pattern. After waking up, she takes a 3-mile jog on a route through a neighborhood trail by her home. After her jog, she showers, drinks a cup of coffee, and travels to work using public transportation. She rides the same train each morning and catches the same train each evening to return home. One day, her home is burglarized while she is at work. In 1-2 sentences, answer the following questions:
1. Which theory best describes how and why Alice was selected as a victim?
2. Why?