Discussion Week 3

Discussion: Applying Theory to Criminal Justice Events

Criminological theories are systematic explanations for observed phenomena. That is, criminological theories rely upon either research experiments or real-life events to test their validity. In this course, you do not need to conduct full research experiments; but, you do need to conduct basic research and consume research done by others in order to effectively plan, prepare, and act upon real-life criminal justice events in your career. Theories also guide consumers of research in organizing concepts, developing strategies, and interpreting data; things you will utilize in other courses throughout this program of study.

Prepare for this Discussion by selecting a criminological theory and a particular criminal event or type of crime. Think about how this theory could be used to analyze the criminal event or type of crime.

(PLEASE USE A CURRENT EVENT OR TYPE OF CRIME FROM THE UNITED STATES)

Question 1:

  • Identify the criminological theory and the criminal event/type of crime you selected.
  • Explain how this criminological theory might be used to analyze the criminal event or type of crime you selected.
  • Explain why you think this criminological theory is or is not appropriate for analyzing this criminal event or type of crime.
  • Explain how this theory could be applied in order to prevent the criminal event/type of crime you selected.

Question 2: 

Considering international or domestic terrorism, what theory or theories do you think best explain terrorist behavior? Support your stance for your rationale. 

PLEASE READ ALL OF THE INSTRUCTIONS

TURN IT IN APPROVED 

PHD LEVEL

 

Required Readings

Introduction to Criminology, 2nd Edition, by Schram, P. J. Copyright 2017 by Sage College. Reprinted by permission of Sage College via the Copyright Clearance Center.

Identify the Key Elements or Tenets of a Criminological Theory

Required Readings

Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Personality disorders [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 8 minutes.
Accessible player –Downloads–Download Video w/CCDownload AudioDownload TranscriptCredit: Provided courtesy of the Laureate International Network of Universities.

Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Origins of criminal behavior: Psychological factors [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 5 minutes.
Accessible player –Downloads–Download Video w/CCDownload AudioDownload TranscriptCredit: Provided courtesy of the Laureate International Network of Universities.

Apply a Criminological Theory to a Crime/Criminal

Required Readings

Evaluate a Criminological Theory and Apply it to Crime Prevention

Required Media