Law - Criminal Week 4 Assignment - Theories of Criminology

Week 4 Assignment - Theories of Criminology

Student Name

Crime and Criminal Behavior

Professor Spangler

Month Date Year

CRJ105 – CRIME AND CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR

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Week 4 Assignment - Theories of Criminology

Criminal Behavior Chart

Instructions

To complete Week 4 Assignment, Theories of Criminology, you must:

1. Each theory should be defined using 1 to 2 sentences, paraphrasing the information you obtain from your textbook.

2. Answer the scenario questions listed below each table.

Early and Classical Criminological Theories

Theory	Definition
Demonological	Assumes supernatural forces are the cause of criminal behavior
Classical Theory
Hedonism
Neoclassical Theory
Rational Choice
Deterrence
Ecological Theory

Scenario: Jayden

Jayden is a high school junior who has recently been trying new activities. What started with smoking pot, has since turned into trying other drugs with new friends he met at school. Though Jayden has been taught about the dangers of drug use, he likes the way that drugs make him feel and continues to experiment with various substances, always seeking pleasure. In 1-2 sentences, answer the following questions:

1. Which theory best describes Jayden’s pleasure-seeking behavior?

2. Why?

Biological Theories

Theory	Definition
Biological Positivism
Atavism
Physical Stigmata	Based on Lombroso’s theory, criminals can be identified based on facial characteristics
Social Darwinism
Somatypes

Scenario: Paul

Paul was recently arrested for theft. Much of his family is not surprised of Paul’s arrest as his older brother, cousin, and father have also been arrested and served jail sentences for theft and other similar behaviors. In 1-2 sentences, answer the following questions:

1. Based on the theories above, which would best describe the behavior of Paul and his family members that have been arrested?

2. Why?

Sociological Theories

Theory	Definition
Anomie
General Strain Theory
Subcultural Theory
Routine Activities
Social disorganization
Differential Association
Labeling Theory
Conflict Theory

Scenario: Alice

Each workday, Alice follows a similar pattern. After waking up, she takes a 3-mile jog on a route through a neighborhood trail by her home. After her jog, she showers, drinks a cup of coffee, and travels to work using public transportation. She rides the same train each morning and catches the same train each evening to return home. One day, her home is burglarized while she is at work. In 1-2 sentences, answer the following questions:

1. Which theory best describes how and why Alice was selected as a victim?

2. Why?