Integrating Criminological Theory

theory

• A statement about relationship between observable phenomena

• Explanation based on observation, experimentation, & theoretical reasoning

hypothesis

a possible explanation which can be:

1. empirically tested

2. theoretically accounted for

Directly, Theory competition, theoretical integration

what are the 3 ways Theories can be evaluated & developed?

direct

looks at:

• Logical consistency, scope, parsimony, & testability

• Empirical assessments

Theory competition

Logical, conceptual, &/or empirical comparison of  ≥2 theories to determine which offers the better explanation

theoretical integration

≥2 Theories are combined to make a new theory – attempting to more comprehensively explain crime

• May be “complimentary” theories (DA + Learning → SLT)

• May be “competing” theories that, upon reflection, are not as incompatible as once thought

Elliott; Gottfredson and Hirschi

_______ strongly in favor of theoretical integration, while _______ were strongly opposed

conceptual integration, propositional integration, with-in level, cross-level

what are the 4 varieties of integrating theories?

Elliot

academic for one of the many notable integrated theories called Integrated model of strain, bonding, & learning

Krohn

academic for one of the many notable integrated theories called Network analysis

thornberry

academic for one of the many notable integrated theories called Interactional theory

Tittle

academic for one of the many notable integrated theories called Control balance theory

Elliot, Thornberry, Krohn, Tittle

names of the four academics for the integrated theories

conceptual integration

Concepts from one theory are shown to overlap in meaning with concepts from another

propositional integration

Explains how 2 or more theories make

• The same predictions about crime

• Propositions that can be put together

  Even though each theory may begin with different concepts & assumptions

with-in level

(i.e., only micro or only macro level)

cross-level

(e.g., micro & macro or structural & processual)