Theory (chosen Theory) paper

criminology theory paper

Theory Paper (100 points) (student to content): Please select a criminological theory from any of the specific theories that you have learned about this semester. You should select the theory you believe is the most valid explanation of criminal behavior. Please answer the following questions in your paper. You should use the questions as subheadings in your paper.
1. Which theory do you think does the best job of explaining criminal behavior?
2. Explain in detail why you think this theory does the best job of explaining criminal behavior. 
3. Discuss the history of the development of the theory.
4. Has the theory been empirically supported?  In other words, cite 3-5 studies that have tested the theory and be sure to report the findings of these studies.
5. What policies could be implemented if the theory were to be adopted by the criminal justice system?
Your paper should have a title page, abstract page, and reference page. It should be typed, 5-7 pages in length, 12-point font, and double spaced. Be sure to include a reference page citing all of your sources using the American Psychological Association 6th edition.  This paper is a culmination of your learning for this semester.  Be sure that the paper reflects a breadth and depth of knowledge equal to a college level evaluation of the theory. 
Acceptable sources include books, journal articles, and newspaper articles. This assignment is due Week #7 and will be turned in using the Turnitin.com Assignment feature in Blackboard.

Keep in mind that the cover page, abstract, and reference page does not count towards the 5-7 pages and Wikipedia is not an acceptable source.   ▪ You must have 5-7 scholarly references. ▪ Assignments must be typed using a computer word processor.  Thus, typographical errors or hand edited corrections are not permissible. ▪ You are to post your paper in the Assignment/Turnitin feature in our Blackboard course.   ▪ Use the APA (American Psychological Association—6th Ed.) Style Manual for text (manuscript) and reference page citations of works used or cited. These sites provide a guide to using the APA style.
       These sites provide a guide to using the APA style
• APA Formatting and style guide – http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01 • How to cite sources APA style – http://www.nova.edu/library/dils/lessons/apa/ • Landmarks Son of Citation Machine – http://citationmachine.net

STRAIN THEORY
BIOLOGICAL THEORY
CLASSICAL/DETERRENCE THEORY
RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY
ROUTIME ACTIVITIES THEORY

SAMPLE SOLUTION

Abstract
There are many theories that have come forth to explain why criminals engage in criminal activities. Such theories have been used by psychologists and criminal justice systems to make judgments on what motivates a criminal. However, one of the underlying principles of any theory is that it has to explain the known facts. It is surprising to note however that the strain theory has had little research towards proving its utility in explaining criminal behavior despite its novelty in criminal justice systems. The research presented hereby tries to fill this void by presenting the history and significance of strain theory by packaging it as the most reliable one among the many other theories that can…