Week 6 - Media 1 - Overview of Criminological Theories and Evaluation

Apr 6, 2025

Criminology Lecture: Introduction to Theories in Criminology

Instructor Introduction

  • Instructor: Dr. Joshua Beale
  • Importance: One of the most crucial classes for criminology students at Flagler College
  • Focus: Heavy emphasis on theory, distinguishing criminology from criminal justice

Understanding Theories

Definition

  • Theories can address real situations, feelings, experiences, and human behaviors.
  • Aim to make sense of known facts.

Common Misunderstandings

  • Often confused with opinions or facts.
  • Misused in everyday language (e.g., "just a theory").

The Role of Theories in Criminology

  • Influence virtually every policy or action regarding crime.
  • Examples:
    • Speeding fines are based on the theory that people want to avoid paying fines.
    • Execution aims to deter others from committing similar crimes.

Categories of Theories

Theories of Making and Enforcing Laws

  • Not the focus of this course.

Theories Explaining Law Breaking (Course Focus)

  • Why social and legal norms are violated.
  • Differences in deviant behavior by location, community, and among individuals.

Evaluating Criminological Theories

Criteria for a Good Theory

  • Logical Consistency: Must be internally consistent without contradictions.
  • Scope: Should explain a wide range of criminal behaviors.
  • Parsimony: Use few concepts to explain phenomena.
  • Testability: Must be testable with objective, repeatable evidence.
    • Common issues include tautology (circular reasoning) and non-observable concepts (e.g., demon possession).
  • Empirical Validity: The most important criterion; theories must have empirical support.
    • Behavioral theories are often probabilistic rather than deterministic.
    • Quality of empirical tests is crucial.
  • Policy Implications: Theories should guide effective and reasonable policies.

Theory vs. Ideology

  • Theories should be devoid of emotion and personal principles.
  • Ideology often confuses objective theory with personal beliefs.
  • Example: A desire for a just system is ideology, not theory.

Conclusion

  • Importance of objective evaluation of theories.
  • Encouragement to reach out with questions via email or Canvas.

These notes provide a comprehensive overview of key concepts discussed in the lecture, focusing on the definition, role, evaluation, and implications of criminological theories.