Podcast
Questions and Answers
In side-by-side integration, how are different theories typically applied to cases?
In side-by-side integration, how are different theories typically applied to cases?
- Theories are applied sequentially, with each theory building upon the previous one.
- Theories offer parallel explanations, with the applicable theory varying depending on the case's specific criteria. (correct)
- One theory is selected to explain all cases, disregarding others.
- Theories are combined into a single, unified explanation for all cases.
Which of the following best describes theoretical reduction as a form of up-and-down integration?
Which of the following best describes theoretical reduction as a form of up-and-down integration?
- Creating a completely new theory by blending concepts from multiple existing theories.
- Applying theories from different disciplines to provide a more comprehensive explanation.
- Focusing on a narrower range of phenomena by discarding irrelevant aspects of a broader theory.
- Demonstrating that the concepts and propositions of one theory can be fully encompassed within another. (correct)
What is the defining characteristic of theoretical synthesis in theory integration?
What is the defining characteristic of theoretical synthesis in theory integration?
- Reducing a complex theory to its most basic components.
- Applying existing theories to different stages of the lifespan.
- Creating a new theory with novel concepts and propositions not present in the original theories. (correct)
- Using theories from different disciplines to explain the same phenomenon.
Which type of theoretical integration is represented when a researcher combines micro-level and macro-level theories to explain a phenomenon?
Which type of theoretical integration is represented when a researcher combines micro-level and macro-level theories to explain a phenomenon?
According to Thornberry, what is a key limitation of traditional criminological theories that his interactional theory attempts to address?
According to Thornberry, what is a key limitation of traditional criminological theories that his interactional theory attempts to address?
Which of the following perspectives provides constructs for Thornberry's interactional theory?
Which of the following perspectives provides constructs for Thornberry's interactional theory?
Which concept refers to an individual's connection to parents, reflecting the extent to which they value and respect their parents' opinions and expectations?
Which concept refers to an individual's connection to parents, reflecting the extent to which they value and respect their parents' opinions and expectations?
Which concept reflects the degree to which an individual is dedicated to educational pursuits, valuing academic achievement and future prospects?
Which concept reflects the degree to which an individual is dedicated to educational pursuits, valuing academic achievement and future prospects?
Which of the following best describes the primary goal of theoretical integration in criminology?
Which of the following best describes the primary goal of theoretical integration in criminology?
A criminologist argues that integrating theories with differing assumptions about human nature is inappropriate. What is the core of their argument?
A criminologist argues that integrating theories with differing assumptions about human nature is inappropriate. What is the core of their argument?
A researcher combines rational choice theory and social learning theory by linking the concepts of 'costs and benefits' with 'rewards and punishments.' This is an example of which type of integration?
A researcher combines rational choice theory and social learning theory by linking the concepts of 'costs and benefits' with 'rewards and punishments.' This is an example of which type of integration?
Which of the following is a potential issue when considering the integration of criminological theories?
Which of the following is a potential issue when considering the integration of criminological theories?
In end-to-end integration, how are propositions from different theories typically linked?
In end-to-end integration, how are propositions from different theories typically linked?
Which approach aims to reduce the number of criminological theories by testing the predictions of competing theories against empirical evidence?
Which approach aims to reduce the number of criminological theories by testing the predictions of competing theories against empirical evidence?
Which of the following examples illustrates end-to-end integration?
Which of the following examples illustrates end-to-end integration?
A criminologist attempts to integrate two theories but finds that the resulting integrated theory is extremely complex and difficult to test using available data. Which of the following concerns about theoretical integration does this situation exemplify?
A criminologist attempts to integrate two theories but finds that the resulting integrated theory is extremely complex and difficult to test using available data. Which of the following concerns about theoretical integration does this situation exemplify?
Which of the following best exemplifies a reciprocal relationship between concepts, as emphasized by Thornberry's model?
Which of the following best exemplifies a reciprocal relationship between concepts, as emphasized by Thornberry's model?
According to the developmental approach within the given framework, which factor is likely to have a more significant influence on delinquent behavior during middle adolescence (ages 15-16)?
According to the developmental approach within the given framework, which factor is likely to have a more significant influence on delinquent behavior during middle adolescence (ages 15-16)?
Which of the following aspects of attachment to parents is NOT explicitly mentioned as a consideration within the social control concepts?
Which of the following aspects of attachment to parents is NOT explicitly mentioned as a consideration within the social control concepts?
Which of the following statements best describes a limitation of the integrated theoretical model?
Which of the following statements best describes a limitation of the integrated theoretical model?
What core element defines the 'Commitment to School' concept within the framework of social control?
What core element defines the 'Commitment to School' concept within the framework of social control?
In the context of social learning concepts related to delinquency, what is the primary emphasis of 'Association with Delinquent Peers'?
In the context of social learning concepts related to delinquency, what is the primary emphasis of 'Association with Delinquent Peers'?
During late adolescence (ages 18-20), which of the following factors is expected to gain more importance in influencing behavior, according to the developmental approach?
During late adolescence (ages 18-20), which of the following factors is expected to gain more importance in influencing behavior, according to the developmental approach?
Which of the following represents a concept from social learning theory related to explaining delinquent behavior?
Which of the following represents a concept from social learning theory related to explaining delinquent behavior?
Flashcards
Falsification
Falsification
Reducing the number of criminological theories by testing and discarding those with unsupported predictions.
Theoretical Integration
Theoretical Integration
Reducing the number of theories by merging two or more separate models of offending.
Conceptual Integration
Conceptual Integration
Merging theories by finding similarities between concepts in different theories.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Signup and view all the flashcards
Rewards and Punishments
Rewards and Punishments
Signup and view all the flashcards
Propositional Integration
Propositional Integration
Signup and view all the flashcards
End-to-End Integration
End-to-End Integration
Signup and view all the flashcards
Weak social bond --> delinquent peer associations --> crime
Weak social bond --> delinquent peer associations --> crime
Signup and view all the flashcards
Side-by-side integration
Side-by-side integration
Signup and view all the flashcards
Theoretical Reduction
Theoretical Reduction
Signup and view all the flashcards
Theoretical Synthesis
Theoretical Synthesis
Signup and view all the flashcards
Inter-disciplinary integration
Inter-disciplinary integration
Signup and view all the flashcards
Micro-Macro Integration
Micro-Macro Integration
Signup and view all the flashcards
Unidirectional Relationships
Unidirectional Relationships
Signup and view all the flashcards
Non-developmental Theories
Non-developmental Theories
Signup and view all the flashcards
Interactional Theory
Interactional Theory
Signup and view all the flashcards
Adoption of Delinquent Values
Adoption of Delinquent Values
Signup and view all the flashcards
Association with Delinquent Peers
Association with Delinquent Peers
Signup and view all the flashcards
Attachment to Parents
Attachment to Parents
Signup and view all the flashcards
Commitment to School
Commitment to School
Signup and view all the flashcards
Belief in Conventional Values
Belief in Conventional Values
Signup and view all the flashcards
Reciprocal Relationship
Reciprocal Relationship
Signup and view all the flashcards
Developmental Approach
Developmental Approach
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
- The key themes include introduction to integration, falsification, different types of integration, and Thornberry's interactional theory.
Introduction to Integration
- Criminological theory has an abundance of theories.
- Efforts to reduce the number of theories include falsification and integration.
Falsification
- Falsification involves testing competing theoretical perspectives to see if their predictions are backed or refuted.
- Unsupported theories are falsified, and can be discarded.
- A problem is that even if a theory is not well supported, it tends to be retained.
Integration
- Theoretical integration merges two or more separate models of offending.
- This forms one integrated theory that offers a more complete explanation of criminal behavior.
- An example is combining social bond theory and social learning theory.
Differing perspectives on integration
- Proponents believe integration would improve the empirical validity of traditional theories.
- Criminological theorizing was/is dominated by sociology.
- Opponents question the appropriateness of integrating theories with differing human nature assumptions.
- A point of concern is the increased complexity, making it less parsimonious and more difficult to test.
Types of Integration
- Types of integration include conceptual and propositional.
- Propositional integration includes end-to-end, side-by-side, and up-and-down
Conceptual Integration
- Synthesis of models occur when theorists draws similarities between concepts in different theories.
- Words identifying concepts might differ, but meanings are similar.
- Rational choice theory (costs and benefits) and social learning theory (rewards and punishments) are an example.
Propositional Integration
- Combining specific concepts or propositions from different theories.
- Three main types exist based on how concepts or propositions are linked together.
- These are end-to-end, side-by-side, and up-and-down integration.
End-to-End Integration
- Used when theorists expect one theory or propositions to come before or after another in their ordering.
Side-by-Side Integration
- Side-by-side integration is used when cases are classified by a criterion.
- Two or more theories offer explanations depending on the case type.
- Moffitt's Dual taxonomy classifies offenders (AL or LCP) and different perspectives account for each.
Up-and-Down Integration
- Up-and-down integration is considered the classic form of integration.
- Theoretical reduction and theoretical synthesis are the two main forms.
Theoretical Reduction
- Used when concept/propositions of theory B can be accommodated in theory A.
- Theory A = general strain theory and Theory B = Merton's Anomie/strain.
Theoretical Synthesis
- Done by combining elements of theory A and theory B in a new theory C.
- This requires a new theory with new concepts/propositions not already in the original theories.
- An example is social control + social learning + new propositions.
Additional Considerations
- Integration of theories can be intra- or inter-disciplinary.
- Integration differs in terms of analysis levels, such as micro vs. macro.
- This can be micro-micro, macro-macro, or micro-macro.
Thornberry's Interactional Theory (1987)
- Traditional criminological theories have limitations, particularly unidirectional and non-developmental relationships.
- Thornberry developed an interactional theory of delinquency to address these limitations.
Key Concepts
- The theory has 5 primary constructs derived from social control and social learning.
- They are attachment to parents, commitment to school, belief in conventional values, adoption of delinquent values, and association with delinquent peers.
- A sixth concept is delinquent behaviors.
Social control concepts
- Attachment to parents involves affective relationships.
- Attachment to parents considers parent-child conflict, parenting skills, and communication patterns.
- Commitment to school represents conformity (success, education importance, activities).
- Belief in conventional values involves legitimacy to middle-class values.
Social learning concepts
- Adoption of Delinquent Values indicates acceptance of activities that are seen as acceptable.
- Adoption of Delinquent Values considers behaviors and a willingness to violate the law.
- Association with Delinquent Peers considers the level of attachment to peers, actions, reactions to conforming/deviant behaviour.
Reciprocal Relationships between concepts
- Unidirectional means one concept affects another (A → B).
- This implies one thing influences the other, not the other way around (e.g., attachment to parents decreases the association with delinquent peers).
- Reciprocal implies each concept affects the other (A → B; B → A).
- For example, attachment to parents decreases association with delinquent peers; AND the association with delinquent peers decreases attachment to parents.
- Thornberry specifies most key concepts as reciprocal.
Developmental Approach
- The theory provides a different model for different developmental periods.
- In middle adolescence (15-16), parents have less of an effect and delinquent values have more of an effect.
- In late adolescence (18-20), commitment to family and conventional activities emerge.
Limitations
- The model's complexity (reciprocal effects, age-graded) lacks parsimony.
- It is more difficult to test which inhibits gaining support.
- It also diminishes the likelihood that the theory is readily used to direct policy.
- This does not address differing assumptions of human nature held by social control and social learning perspectives.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Explore integration in criminology, including falsification and different types of integration. Theoretical integration merges separate models, offering a comprehensive explanation of criminal behavior, such as combining social bond and social learning theories. Also covered is Thornberry's interactional theory.
