Instruction
Define and discuss what theory is in criminology, as well as its purpose, giving examples.
The purpose of this assignment is to give the student an overview of the concept of theory. Many textbooks start right in with the first theory without ever making sure that the student knows what the nature of theory is, or the characteristics of good theory. Examples are given for how theories are generated, tested, and evaluated. Some of the important issues to focus on in this chapter are definitions of theory, the importance of theory, the types of theory, assumptions behind theories, the effect of time and place on theory creation and acceptance, determining what “good” theory is, and the various ways that theories can be classified.