ACR202 Criminology Theory: Assessment Task 1 - Research & Writing

This assignment provides comprehensive answers to five short-answer questions on criminology theory, fulfilling the requirements of Assessment Task 1 for the ACR202 Criminology Theory course at Deakin University. The answers address key concepts such as rational choice theory, positivism, psychological and sociological theories of crime, and quantitative and qualitative research methods. The assignment explores the utilitarian underpinnings of rational choice theory, emphasizing its role in explaining criminal behavior through a cost-benefit analysis. It further discusses the positivist approach to crime, highlighting the importance of scientific methods and evidence-based policies in addressing crime problems. The assignment delves into psychological theories, outlining the influence of individual thinking processes, and sociological theories, focusing on the impact of social structures and norms on criminal behavior. Finally, it examines the application of both quantitative and qualitative research methods in criminology, evaluating their respective strengths in understanding crime allocation, triggers and patterns. The assignment adheres to the Deakin Harvard referencing style and utilizes a minimum of five academic sources to support its arguments.

RUNNING HEAD: CRIMINAL LAW
Criminal Law

CRIMINAL LAW
Answer 1. In criminology, the concept of rational choices adopts a utilitarian conviction that
people are reasoning actor who weighs means and finishes, experience and advantages to create
a rational choice. Cornish and Clarke intended this technique to help in thinking about the
avoidance of situational crime. Many characteristics of the view of rational choice render it
particularly appropriate to function as a metatheory of criminology with a wide function in
explaining a range of criminal events. Rational theory choice explains many different
components; it is sufficiently wide to be applied to conditions of everyday life as well as crime.
Studies involves interviews with perpetrators on intentions, technique and goal decisions. The
view of rational choice has given a structure under which such data can be organized so that
more overall advantages are produced by individual research (Hirschi, 2017). This theory insists
on the calculation and deliberation of crime. All criminals are rational agents who exercise
deliberate decision-making, working at the same time to gain the highest benefit from their
current position. The reality that many perpetrators make choices relying on bounded rationality
is another element of this theory.
.Answer 2. It is true that crime problems can be addressed by science. Positivists believe that
attempting to deduce or prove world truths from supposed self-evident premises that are not
mainly based on perception of meaning is pointless. Positivists suggest that by adopting various
methods of research, like knowledge of things can be advanced by framing hypothesis for
prevention of crime, can help to solve the problem of crime.
After evaluating, it can be said that problem of science can be addressed through science because
two modern innovations that have enhanced crime prevention are prevention science and
evidence-based policy (Hirschi, 2017). Both are best recognized as frameworks that can be used
across a variety of situations, environment and communities (Smith & Tilley, 2013) Prevention
science has its origins in public health and starts with a prevention engagement based on the
evolutionary epidemiology of particular health or social issues. For instance, in the event of
adolescent violence prevention, prevention research has a given a bridge between an awareness
of the growth of acute violence and how prevention programs can interrupt that growth.
Thus, it can be said that science play an important role in identifying the main causes of crimes,
helps to prevent crimes and to counter these problems.
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Answer 3.
Psychological Theory:
Psychological crime theories argue that criminal behavior stems from individual differences in
thinking processes. There are many distinct psychology theories, but they all believe their actions
are governed by the person’s ideas and emotions. Thinking issues can contribute to criminal
conduct as such. For example an individual who commits a crime does not believe that what he
does is wrong, which leads him to act in first place (Beaver, 2017).
When it goes to psychological crime theories, there are four fundamental concepts. These overall
expectations are that the outcome of crime is :
 Failures in psychological growth
 Erudite actions of anger and violence
 Inherent behavior personas
 Relationship of criminality with mental illness
 Criminal behavior can be intended for the person to the extent that it covers certain feels
requirements.
Sociological Theory:
Psychological doctrines and Sociological doctrines of criminality are interconnected.
Traditional sociological theories suggested that offences were the consequences of anomie, a
word meaning “normlessness” or a sense of an absence of social norms, an absence of
connection with culture. Crime is the result of inability to socialize with people correctly and
the lack of possibilities among communities. Durkheim thought that crime was an
unavoidable reality of culture and argued that crime should be maintained within sensible
limits. Sociological theories are defined by the fact that society “constructs” crime.
Therefore, certain kinds of human behavior are detrimental to community as whole and are
considered as such. However, it is also true that other activities that society recognizes as
criminal are not harmful to others and are therefore criminalized without adequate ground,
these are the so-called “victimless” offenses (Walker, 2017).
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After analyzing, it can be said that both the theories of criminality are not independent but
are interconnected. However, the most suitable theory that indicates the perspectives of crime
is Sociological theory because as per Sociological theory, Society generates circumstances
for an individual to commit a crime. That is to commit offences; individuals are affected by
the culture. There is a link between the phrases sociological and community, so it can be
noted that sociological theorists see crime as a social issue not an individual. Examples of
Sociological techniques to regulate crime are also social programs directed at correctly
socializing children and offering assistance for single-family homes. These programs include
career activities (providing educational and career classes and job possibilities) (Stucky,
2009).
Answer 4. Quantitative Research:
The main techniques of studies to study the allocation and triggers of crime are quantitative
methods. Using quantitative techniques such as survey studies, field study and assessment
study as well as others assist criminologists to collect useful, accurate, and valid criminal
information (Hutter & Bailey, 2010).
Qualitative Research:
Qualitative method provide a deep knowledge of activities and handling of crime, criminals
and the judicial scheme that far exceeds that provided by isolated statically analyzes.
However, the most appropriate approach, which benefits understanding of crime, is
qualitative research because:
 It is a superior means in criminology and criminal justice for conducting purposeful
research.
 The information acquired from qualitative research is more informative and richer.
 It offers a better understanding compared to what can be achieved through
quantitative research.
 It focuses on meanings, features, traits of occurrences, individuals, relationship, and
experience.
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Answer 5. There are various theories of crime, which defines the causes of crime. In
criminology, it is very essential to examine why individuals commit in the continuing
discussions on how to handle and prevent crime. Over the years, many theories have emerged
and continue to be explored, individually and in combination as criminologist seek the best
solutions to eventually reduce crime types and levels (Miller & Mullins, 2017).
The main theories, which define the causes of crime, are:
Coherent choice theory: People usually behave in their self- interest and create criminal
choices after weighing against the rewards prospective hazards.
Public Disorganization Theory: The physical and social environments of an individual are
mainly accountable for the cognitive decisions made by the individual. In specific, Elevated
crime levels are more probable to occur in neighborhood that has fraying social
constructions.
Social Learning Theory: People create motive for crime and criminality abilities through the
individuals they work with.
Social Control Theory: Most of the persons commit crime if not because of the controls that
the community puts on them through organizations like colleges, workplaces, and relatives.
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Bibliography
Beaver, K., 2017. BiosocialTheories of crime. Abingdon-on-Thames: Routledge.
Hirschi, T., 2017. Causes of Deliquency. Abingdon-on-thames: Routledge.
Hirschi, T., 2017. On the compatibility of rational choice and social control theories of crime.
The reasoning criminal , pp. 105-118.
Hutter, M. & Bailey, A., 2010. Qualitative Research Methods. Toronto: Sage publisher.
Miller, J. & Mullins, C. W., 2017. The status of feiminist theories in criminology. In taking
Stock, pp. 217-249.
Smith, M. J. & Tilley, N., 2013. Crime Science:Crime Science Series. Abingdon: Routledge.
Stucky, T., 2009. Researching Theories of Crime and Deviance. Oxford: Oxford University
Press.
Walker, J., 2017. Social, Ecological and Envronmental Theories of crime. Abingdon: Routledge.
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