Chat with AIExam 1: Introduction to Criminological Theory
Dr. Jane Smith has developed a psychological theory that explains crime in terms of a mental disorder she calls "antisocial tendency." She prepares a questionnaire to test this theory, which includes an "antisocial tendency scale" (ATS). Items on the ATS include questions like "How many times in the past year have you shoplifted items from a store?" and "How many times in the past year have you used illegal drugs?" The ATS is administered to a large sample of people in the general population as well as a large sample of inmates in the state prison. Dr. Smith finds in this study that inmates score significantly higher on the ATS than people in the general population. She concludes that an important discovery has been made, namely, that a mental disorder, "antisocial tendency," is in fact an important cause of criminal behavior. The theory has been empirically validated.
Evaluate the theory and the research on which Dr. Smith bases her conclusion on the criteria of testability and tautology.
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Answered by Examlex AI CopilotThe theory developed by Dr. Jane Smith, which explains crime in terms of a mental disorder called "antisocial tendency," is testable to some extent. The questionnaire she prepared, including the "antisocial tendency scale" (ATS), provides a measurable way to assess the presence of this mental disorder. The items on the ATS, such as questions about shoplifting and drug use, are specific and can be quantitatively analyzed. This allows for the theory to be tested through empirical research.
However, the research conducted by Dr. Smith may be tautological in nature. Tautology occurs when the conclusion of a study is essentially restating the premise or hypothesis. In this case, the conclusion that "antisocial tendency" is an important cause of criminal behavior may be tautological because the ATS was designed to measure behaviors that are already considered criminal. Therefore, the higher scores of inmates on the ATS may simply reflect their criminal behavior rather than a distinct mental disorder.
In conclusion, while the theory of "antisocial tendency" is testable through the use of the ATS questionnaire, the research conducted by Dr. Smith may be tautological in nature. Further research and analysis would be needed to fully validate the theory and its implications for understanding criminal behavior.
How do we judge whether one explanation for crime is preferable to another? Identify and discuss criteria for evaluating criminological theories. Which do you consider to be most important, and why?
(42) Answered by Examlex AI CopilotWhen evaluating criminological theories, there are several criteria that can be used to judge whether one explanation for crime is preferable to another. These criteria include empirical validity, parsimony, scope, logical consistency, and practical utility.
Empirical validity refers to the extent to which a theory is supported by empirical evidence. This can include both quantitative and qualitative research that demonstrates the relationship between the variables proposed by the theory. The more empirical support a theory has, the more preferable it is compared to a theory with little or no empirical support.
Parsimony refers to the simplicity of a theory. A theory that can explain a wide range of criminal behavior with a few basic principles is generally considered preferable to a theory that requires numerous complex variables and assumptions.
Scope refers to the range of criminal behavior that a theory can explain. A theory that can account for a wide variety of criminal acts is generally considered preferable to a theory that only explains a narrow range of behaviors.
Logical consistency refers to the internal coherence of a theory. A theory that is free from contradictions and can be logically applied to different situations is preferable to a theory that is internally inconsistent.
Practical utility refers to the extent to which a theory can be used to inform policy and practice. A theory that can guide effective interventions and crime prevention strategies is generally considered preferable to a theory that has little practical application.
Of these criteria, empirical validity is often considered the most important when evaluating criminological theories. This is because theories that are supported by empirical evidence are more likely to accurately explain criminal behavior and provide a basis for effective interventions. However, all of these criteria are important and should be considered when evaluating criminological theories.
Sound policy and practice must be shown empirically to be effective in achieving stated goals such as reduction of recidivism.
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VerifiedTrue
Causality is more applicable in social sciences than hard sciences.
(34) The better empirical tests of theories do all of the following except:
(41) "Every policy to prevent or reduce crime implies a criminological theory." Discuss. Consider the implications of your answer for theory testing.
(33) In the text, Akers and Sellers discuss different ways of classifying criminological theories. Identify two of these classification schemes, and discuss their usefulness in organizing criminological data.
(33) A variable correlated with crime is necessarily a cause of crime.
(37) According to Akers and Sellers, the most important criterion for evaluating a theory is:
(34) Suppose that a theory proposes that growing up in deteriorated, inner-city neighborhoods produces hopelessness and despair, which lead to crime. Suppose further that, in a test of the theory, researchers find that, compared with residents of middle-class suburban neighborhoods, a higher proportion of residents of deteriorated, inner-city neighborhoods commit crime. However, the researchers also find that many people who grow up in deteriorated, inner-city neighborhoods remain law-abiding and some even establish highly successful legitimate careers. Would we be correct in concluding that the theory has no empirical validity, or should we conclude that the theory has strong validity? Why or why not? What conclusion about empirical validity is most reasonable given these findings?
(42) To what extent does one's political, social, religious, or other philosophical leaning influence preferences for different theoretical perspectives or vice versa? Give examples, and refer to any empirical evidence that may be available.
(34) Discuss the central questions toward which criminological theories are directed.
(38) Theory and fact are inversely related: As criminologists uncover more facts about crime, there is less need for theory.
(35) Criminological theories have successfully identified factors that are both necessary and sufficient causes of crime.
(37) How strong can a criminological theory be if it is not testable? Discuss how and why empirical falsification is important to theory.
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