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Theory . Read pages 59-69 in your text. To a scientist…. Unsupported or unproven speculation. Criminological theories . Concrete or abstract With theories and criminology involved criminal behavior. Testing theories. Logical consistency Scope Parsimony Testability Empirical validity
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Theory Read pages 59-69 in your text
To a scientist… Unsupported or unproven speculation
Criminological theories • Concrete or abstract • With theories and criminology involved criminal behavior
Testing theories • Logical consistency • Scope • Parsimony • Testability • Empirical validity • Usefulness and policy implications
Every criminological theory involves a Policy change
Types of theories • Meta theories • Not quite as testable using statistics • a way of interpreting reality • unit theories • Emphasize a certain problem • Make testable assertions about that problem • Does statistical evidence in support or refuse the theory?
Six classifications • Classical • Positive • Structure • Process • Consensus • conflict
summary • A theory is used to make sense a phenomenon • Every theory implies a policy change • Theories can be unit theories and metatheories • Criminological theories are rarely proven, just supported
summary • Empirical validity is the most important criterion for judging a theory • Empirical validity means that the theory is supported by research evidence