Question 1

Is integration a viable way to reduce the number of theories in criminology? Defend your position. What alternatives exist?

Accepted Answer

Integration can be a viable way to reduce the number of theories in criminology. By integrating various theories, researchers and practitioners can create a more comprehensive understanding of criminal behavior and develop more effective strategies for preventing and addressing crime. Integration allows for the synthesis of different perspectives and the identification of common themes and patterns, ultimately leading to a more cohesive and unified approach to understanding and addressing crime.

One alternative to integration is the continued proliferation of individual theories in criminology. However, this approach can lead to fragmentation and a lack of consensus within the field, making it difficult to develop cohesive and effective strategies for addressing crime. Another alternative is to focus solely on one or a few theories, which can limit the understanding of criminal behavior and overlook important contributing factors.

In conclusion, while integration may not be the only way to reduce the number of theories in criminology, it offers a promising approach to creating a more cohesive and comprehensive understanding of crime. By integrating various theories, researchers and practitioners can develop a more unified and effective approach to addressing crime.

Question 2

An argument in favor of integration suggests that falsification failed to:

Accepted Answer

A)   Increase the number of criminological theories
B)   Increase explained variance
C)   Reduce crime through policy
D)   Determine the cause of crime B

Question 3

Under Colvin's coercion theory, coercion is said to occur when one is compelled to act in a certain way through direct force or intimidation from others through the pressure of impersonal economic or social forces.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  True

Question 4

Integrated theories pit two or more theories against each other in an empirical test for accuracy.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 5

Why does theory falsification require an "all or nothing" approach?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why does theory falsification require an "all...

Question 6

What are the six types of deviance according to Tittle's control balance theory? How are they defined (provide examples)? Are these reasonable constructs to measure deviance?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the six types of deviance...

Question 7

What are the similarities and differences of individual theories and structure/process theories of crime?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the similarities and differences of...

Question 8

How do integrated theories propose to reduce the number of viable theories in criminology?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How do integrated theories propose to reduce...

Question 9

A concern with integrated theories is the potential for competing assumptions about human behavior.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

Are micro-level theories or macro-level theories better at explaining crime? Pick a theory at each level (micro and macro) and describe how an integrated theory that incorporates both would explain criminal behavior or desistance from crime.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Are micro-level theories or macro-level theories better...

Question 11

Integrating theories can require modifications of the original theories being integrated.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 12

How is a risk factor approach different from traditional criminological theory explanations of crime?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How is a risk factor approach different...

Question 13

Tittle's control balance theory proposes that crime is a function of:

Accepted Answer

A)   Internal self-control
B)   External social controls
C)   Informal social controls over the life course
D)   Control exerted by others and self

Question 14

Agnew's general theory is not testable because the sheer number of variables could overwhelm a statistical package.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 15

Bernard and Snipes argue there are two types of theories, individual difference theories and:

Accepted Answer

A)   Micro level theories
B)   Structure/process theories
C)   Cultural deviance theories
D)   Integrated theories

Question 16

Micro theories are essential to the explanation of crime rates.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 17

Restorative justice policies align with control balance theory.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 18

A newer approach to assessing theories, _______________, relies on structured probabilities.

Accepted Answer

A)   Risk factor
B)   Falsification
C)   Competition
D)   Integration

Question 19

Describe the different levels addressed by Integrated Systems Theory. How is this integrated theory different from the individual components it combines in a unified theory? What are the challenges in testing this theory?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the different levels addressed by Integrated...

Question 20

John Braithwaite indicates that there are two types of shaming. These are:

Accepted Answer

A)   Reintegrative and disintegrative
B)   Disintegrative and stigmatizing
C)   Stigmatizing and wholesome
D)   Remorse and conforming

Exam 15: Integrated Theories

Is integration a viable way to reduce the number of theories in criminology? Defend your position. What alternatives exist?

An argument in favor of integration suggests that falsification failed to:

Under Colvin's coercion theory, coercion is said to occur when one is compelled to act in a certain way through direct force or intimidation from others through the pressure of impersonal economic or social forces.

Integrated theories pit two or more theories against each other in an empirical test for accuracy.

Why does theory falsification require an "all or nothing" approach?

What are the six types of deviance according to Tittle's control balance theory? How are they defined (provide examples)? Are these reasonable constructs to measure deviance?

What are the similarities and differences of individual theories and structure/process theories of crime?

How do integrated theories propose to reduce the number of viable theories in criminology?

A concern with integrated theories is the potential for competing assumptions about human behavior.

Are micro-level theories or macro-level theories better at explaining crime? Pick a theory at each level (micro and macro) and describe how an integrated theory that incorporates both would explain criminal behavior or desistance from crime.

Integrating theories can require modifications of the original theories being integrated.

How is a risk factor approach different from traditional criminological theory explanations of crime?

Tittle's control balance theory proposes that crime is a function of:

Agnew's general theory is not testable because the sheer number of variables could overwhelm a statistical package.

Bernard and Snipes argue there are two types of theories, individual difference theories and:

Micro theories are essential to the explanation of crime rates.

Restorative justice policies align with control balance theory.

A newer approach to assessing theories, _______________, relies on structured probabilities.

Describe the different levels addressed by Integrated Systems Theory. How is this integrated theory different from the individual components it combines in a unified theory? What are the challenges in testing this theory?

John Braithwaite indicates that there are two types of shaming. These are: