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Chapter 2 Causes of Crime

Learning Objective 1
Discuss the difference between
a hypothesis and a theory in the context of criminology

Learning Objective 1
Theory
An explanation of a happening or
circumstance that is based on observation, experimentation and reasoning.

A hypothesis
A possible explanation for an observed
occurrence that can be tested by further investigation. Hypotheses are tested using the scientific method.

Learning Objective 2
Explain why classical
criminology is based on choice theory

Learning Objective 2
Choice Theory
Offenders make the choice to commit
crime.

Offenders weigh the expected costs of


offending against the expected benefits of offending.

Swift and certain punishment is the most


powerful deterrent to criminal offending.

Jeremy Benthams Theory of


Utilitarianism

Learning Objective 3
Contrast positivism with
classical criminology.

Learning Objective 3
Positivism
Criminal behavior is determined by
biological, psychological, and social forces beyond the control of the individual.

Cesare Lombroso is the Father of


Criminology.

Learning Objective 3
Modern Choice Theory
James Q. Wilsons rational choice theory. Jack Katzs seduction of crime theory.

Choice Theory and Public Policy


The best deterrent to crime is severe
punishment.

Trait Theories

Learning Objective 4
List and Describe the three
theories of social structure that help explain crime

Learning Objective 4
Sociological Theories
The Chicago School and Social
Structure Theories

Social disorganization theory Strain theory Cultural deviance theory

Social Structure Theory and Public


Policy

Changing neighborhoods conditions can


prevent crime.

Learning Objective 5
List and briefly explain the
three branches of social process theory

Learning Objective 5
Social Process Theories
Learning Theory Control Theory Labeling Theory

Social Process Theory and Public


Policy

Crime prevention focuses on juvenile


offenders and steering them away from offending and the system.

Learning Objective 6
Describe how life course
criminology differs from the other theories addressed in this chapter

Learning Objective 6
Life Course Theories
Self-Control Theory Continuity Theory of Crime
Life-Course-Persistent offenders Adolescent Limited offenders

Learning Objective 7
Discuss the connection
between offenders and victims of crime

Learning Objective 7
Victimology
The Risks of Victimization Routine Activity Theory
Suitable Target Likely Offender Absence of a Guardian

Repeat Victimization The Victim-Offender Connection

Learning Objective 8
Contrast the medical model of
addiction with the criminal model of addiction

Learning Objective 8
Models of Explanation
The Psychopharmacological Model The Economically Impulsive Model The Systemic Model

Models of Addiction
The Medical Model of Addiction The Criminal Model of Addiction

Learning Objective 9
Explain the theory of the
chronic offender and its importance for the criminal justice system

Learning Objective 9
Wolfgangs Chronic Offender
A small group of offenders, 6%, are
responsible for a disproportionate amount of crime.

Habitual offenders laws provide harsher


sentences for repeat offenders.

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