KRM 310

Unit 1
Define the concept ‘theory’ and discuss the goals of theory.

Theory: Highly organised statement of the basic assumptions and logically

interrelated assertions about the phenomenon or class of phenomena under study,
which attempt to describe, predict, explain, and control the subject matter.
Goals of theory:
- Description: statements embodied in the theory mesh with what we know
about crime and criminals. Must have high level of accuracy, reliability and
validity. “What is it” format.
- Explanation: “why is it” format. A deeper penetration into the problem of crime.
They account for the very being of things under study providing reasons or
reason that such phenomena as crimes exist. Any theory that fails to explain
contributes little to theoretical enterprise.
- Prediction: emphasises time. It involves identifying when something will occur
by specifying the conditions conductive to its occurrence. “When is it”
question. Social, behaviour and physical scientists express prediction in
probabilistic terms stating the likelihood that, given a set of conditions, some
event-in this crime- will occur.
- Control:

Discuss the building blocks of theories.

Assumptions:
Assertions:

Distinguish between theory testing and theory building.

Discuss what ‘good theory’ is.

Discuss the framework for the classification of theories in Criminology.

Discuss the challenges for theory testing and theory building in Criminology.