Week 2: Revisiting Theories

Question 1

How to Determine a Good Theory?

Answer 1

• Testability
• Best fit to research evidence

Other criteria for a good theory:
- Logical soundness
- Ability to make sense of conflicting positions
- Sensitizing qualities
- Popularity

Question 2

How to Distinguish Between Levels of Abstraction?

Answer 2

• Macro theories explain crime rates
• Micro theories explain individual behaviour

Question 3

What is the Link Between Theory, Research & Policy?

Answer 3

• Theory > Research > Policy

Question 4

What is the Timeline of the Different Schools?

Answer 4

1. Classical Criminology
2. Positivist School
3. Chicago School
4. Anomie Theory
5. Subcultural Theories of Crime
6. Social Learning Theory
7. Labeling Theory
8. Social Control Theory
9. Social Conflict Theory

Question 5

What is Marxist Conflict Perspectives in Criminology?

Answer 5

• Marxist theories focus on social, political, and economic structures that give rise to crime

Question 6

What are the 8 Features of Corporate Crime that Distinguishes it from other types of Crime?

Answer 6

1. Made up of complex or technical actions
2. Blend with legitimate behaviour
3. Victimization tends to be diffuse
4. Money sums quite large
5. Rarely prosecuted
6. Does not fit stereotype of a real crime
7. The media does not report it
8. They don’t see themselves as criminals