Theories of Crime

The decision to commit a crime comes following a cost/benefit analysis.

• Cost theory

• Psychological theory

• Aggression theory

• Choice Theory

Criminal behavior is determined by biological, psychological, and social forces and is beyond the control of the individual. 

• Genetic theory

• External theory

• Hormone Theory

• Positivism

Inmate population testing, for testerone levels as they correlate to criminal activity, falls under which theory?

• Psychological theory

• Cultural theory

• Biological theory

• Sociological theory

Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory, our thoughts and actions correlate with unconscious motives

• Conflict Theory

• Sociological Theory

• Psychoanalytic Theory

• Seduction of Crime Theory

Behavioral theory attributing behavior to the id, ego and superego.

• Social psychology theory

• Social disorganization theory

• Psychoanalytic theory

• Strain theory

Deviant behavior is more likely to occur in places with society does not control the members.

• Chicago school theory

• Social disorganization theory

• Strain theory

• Cultural deviance theory

Crime results when people cannot reach financial goals through legitimate means.

• Social disorganization theory

• Strain theory

• Cultural deviance theory

• Social process theory

Illegal activity is taught.

• Cultural deviance theory

• Control theory

• Social process theory

• Learning theory

If a behavior is tagged as deviant, the individual will be tagged as a criminal and their behavior as a crime.

• Social process theory

• Learning theory

• Control theory

• Labeling theory

Theory hypothesis that individuals are kept in check by those around them, such as friends and family.

• Social process theory

• Control theory

• Labeling theory

• Learning theory