essay questions

A list of possible essay questions

1. Discuss classic strain theory and general strain theory (GST) in detail, focusing on 1)

whether general strain theory (GST) is a more convincing explanation for why individual

commit crime than classic strain theory and 2) major sources of strain and three key

propositions of GST.

2. Discuss Hirschi’s social bonding theory and Gottfredson and Hirschi’s general theory of

crime; 1) explain key elements of the social bond, 2) key dimensions of low self-control,

3) primary source of the development of self-control, 4) the main propositions of each

theory, and 5) various criticisms of each theory.

3. Why does crime occur according to routine activities and rational choice theories? For

each theory, explain 1) key concepts, 2) propositions, and 3) empirical findings in detail.

4. Discuss deterrence theory in detail, specifically focusing on 1) basic assumptions the

theory is based on, 2) key propositions, 3) key elements of effective punishment, and 4)

empirical findings on the effects of deterrence-based policy interventions on criminal

behaviors.

5. Compare and contrast social learning theories with general strain theory. Which offers a

more convincing argument for understanding crime and delinquency and why?

6. Moon et al. (2009) with a longitudinal data of 659 Korean adolescents examined key

propositions of GST; 1) describe main purposes of the study, 2) explain key strains,

negative emotions (two types), and conditioning variables used in the study, 3) overall

findings, and 4) limitations of the study.

7. Hay (2001) and Moon et al. (2014) tested key propositions of low self-control. First,

explain main purposes of each study. Second, describe key findings of each study.

Finally, discuss theoretical implications of each study’s findings in detail.