Author Question: What is a theory? What is the role of theories in the field of criminology? What will be an ideal ... (Read 86 times)

cartlidgeashley · **on:** Aug 17, 2018

What is a theory? What is the role of theories in the field of criminology?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Identify the four eras of criminology and discuss how they have influenced the current field of criminology today.

What will be an ideal response?

LegendaryAnswers · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 17, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: Responses should define theory, based on the description in the textbook, as a set of interrelated propositions that attempt to describe, explain, predict, and ultimately control some class of events. Answers should connect the role of theory building in the field as one that helps construct models to allow for better understanding of criminal behavior, and in turn, better development of social policies to reduce criminal behavior.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: Answers should define the four eras of criminology based on the textbook: the golden age of research (1900-1930), the golden age of theory (1930-1960), the age of theory testing and empirical methods (1960-2000), and the current era (21^st century) that is heir to the first three. Criminology has moved into the scientific or evidence-based criminology that we see today, building off of the previous periods.