searchfortruth.info > Criminology

Criminology

Routine Activity Theory

by

ROUTINE ACTIVITY THEORY.

Developed by Lawrence Cohen and Marcus Felson during the late 1970s, routine activity theory is a criminological theory frequently used to explain crime and victimization. Routine activity theory is actually an outgrowth of another criminological theory rational choice. Rational choice theory assumes that the offender chooses to commit criminal activity based upon free-will. In other words, the offender uses a strategic thinking process to evaluate the risks, including the type of offense committed, the selection of the victim, and the chances of apprehension. If the rewards of committing the crime outweigh the consequences of apprehension, the offender will likely commit the criminal act. According to Cohen and Felson, crime and victimization is based upon three criteria: (1) a suitable target, (2) an absence of capable guardians, and (3) a motivated offender. Each of these variables will be explained as they relate to the victims actions and prevention strategies. A suitable target can be a person or object. Offenders select their targets

Read More!

How you can tell if the Simulations in Computational Criminology are any Good

by

Abstract

Computational criminology applies computer simulations to study topics of interest for criminologists. Just as for all computer modelling in science, the validity of the simulations ultimately depends on whether they are able to reproduce empirical phenomena with sufficient accuracy. The only way in which this can be determined is by comparing model output to real observations. This paper provides an overview of how such model evaluations can be undertaken.

Introduction

For well over a generation, complex computer simulation models have been important tools in the natural and social sciences. Such models can be broadly viewed as vehicles for studying complexity and emergent phenomena (Vicek 2000), and their applications are remarkably diverse. Models of climate change (Randall 2000) are perhaps the most visible illustration in the natural sciences. The functioning and growth of markets (Kirman and Vriend 2001; Tesfatsion 2002) is the archetype in economics. The impact of violence and revenge in primitive societies (Younger 2005) is an instructive instance from anthropology.

Read More!

Criminological Theories: Introduction Evaluation and Applications

by

Biological Theories

Terms

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). Mednick’s theory that individuals who inherit a slower than normal autonomic nervous system learn to control aggressive or antisocial behavior slowly or not at all. This leads to increased violence and criminal activity.
Behavioral Genetics. This covers a range of theories in which a combination of genetics and the environment influence behavior.
Biological School. A view of crime, also referred to as biological positivism, that claims that criminal behavior is the result of biological or inborn defects or abnormalities. This view directly conflicts with classical criminology, which claims that criminal activity is the result of free will....
Biosocial Arousal Theory. This theory states that an individual’s level of arousal works in conjunction with the social environment. Those with low levels of arousal are less likely to learn appropriate ways to deal with aggression and violence and thus are more prone to commit crime.
Born Criminal. One of three criminal types identified by Lombroso. This type of criminal is the most dangerous, and can be identified through their stigmata or identifying characteristics.

Read More!