What is a theory and how do I know if it is a good theory?
Topic: What is a theory and how do I know if it is a good theory?
Readings: 5.1, 5.2
These readings will introduce you to theory. Theory is used in Criminology to describe, explain, predict and hopefully control criminal behavior. These readings introduce you to the science component of criminal justice- criminology. While criminal justice is the study of police, courts and corrections, criminology is the study of crime and criminal behavior. While different, they interact! It is important to understand why “people do what they do” in an effort to inform the criminal justice components to help gain a better understanding of crime and criminality, in addition to biological, psychological and social factors that influence criminality.