1|Page
CMY3701 ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 1 2026 (Answer Guide) 351504
– Due 08 April 2026
VERIFIED AND CERTIFIED ANSWERS. WRITTEN IN REQUIRED FORMAT AND WITHIN
GIVEN GUIDELINES. IT IS GOOD TO USE AS A GUIDE AND FOR REFERENCE, NEVER
PLAGARIZE. Thank you and success in your academics.
UNISA, 2026
Contents
QUESTION 1 .......................................................................................................................................... 2
Critically evaluate Cohen and Felson’s (1979) Rational Choice Theory as an
explanation for criminal behaviour (15) ..................................................................................... 2
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 2
2. Core Assumptions of Rational Choice Theory ........................................................................ 2
2.1 Crime as a Rational and Purposeful Action ....................................................................... 2
2.2 Cost–Benefit Analysis .............................................................................................................. 2
2.3 The Role of Opportunity .......................................................................................................... 3
3. Offender Decision-Making Processes........................................................................................ 4
3.1 Situational Evaluation .............................................................................................................. 4
3.2 Short-Term and Opportunistic Decisions ........................................................................... 4
4. Contemporary Examples of Rational Choice in Crime .......................................................... 4
4.1 Cybercrime .................................................................................................................................. 4
4.2 Street Robbery and Theft ........................................................................................................ 5
4.3 White-Collar Crime .................................................................................................................... 5
5. Critical Evaluation of Rational Choice Theory ......................................................................... 5
5.1 Strengths of the Theory ........................................................................................................... 5
5.2 Limitations of the Theory ........................................................................................................ 5
6. Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................ 6
QUESTION 2 .......................................................................................................................................... 6
Critically examine the statement: ................................................................................................ 6
References ............................................................................................................................................. 8
, 2|Page
QUESTION 1
Critically evaluate Cohen and Felson’s (1979) Rational Choice Theory as an
explanation for criminal behaviour (15)
1. Introduction
Rational Choice Theory, as developed by Lawrence E. Cohen and Marcus Felson in
1979, is a central framework within environmental and opportunity-based explanations
of crime. The theory argues that criminal behaviour is the result of rational decision-
making processes in which offenders weigh potential costs and benefits before
engaging in crime. Rather than focusing on individual pathology or deep socialisation
processes, the theory shifts attention to situational conditions that make crime more or
less likely. This answer critically evaluates the theory by outlining its core assumptions,
explaining how offenders are believed to make decisions, and illustrating its relevance
using contemporary examples.
2. Core Assumptions of Rational Choice Theory
2.1 Crime as a Rational and Purposeful Action
A key assumption of Rational Choice Theory is that crime is intentional and goal-
oriented. Offenders are viewed as rational actors who commit crimes to achieve
specific outcomes, such as financial gain, excitement, or social status. Criminal
behaviour is therefore not seen as random or purely impulsive, but as the outcome of
conscious choice-making (Cohen & Felson, 1979).
This assumption challenges earlier positivist theories that emphasised biological or
psychological abnormalities as primary causes of crime. Instead, Rational Choice
Theory assumes that most individuals possess free will and can choose between lawful
and unlawful actions depending on circumstances (Cornish & Clarke, 1986).
2.2 Cost–Benefit Analysis
CMY3701 ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 1 2026 (Answer Guide) 351504
– Due 08 April 2026
VERIFIED AND CERTIFIED ANSWERS. WRITTEN IN REQUIRED FORMAT AND WITHIN
GIVEN GUIDELINES. IT IS GOOD TO USE AS A GUIDE AND FOR REFERENCE, NEVER
PLAGARIZE. Thank you and success in your academics.
UNISA, 2026
Contents
QUESTION 1 .......................................................................................................................................... 2
Critically evaluate Cohen and Felson’s (1979) Rational Choice Theory as an
explanation for criminal behaviour (15) ..................................................................................... 2
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 2
2. Core Assumptions of Rational Choice Theory ........................................................................ 2
2.1 Crime as a Rational and Purposeful Action ....................................................................... 2
2.2 Cost–Benefit Analysis .............................................................................................................. 2
2.3 The Role of Opportunity .......................................................................................................... 3
3. Offender Decision-Making Processes........................................................................................ 4
3.1 Situational Evaluation .............................................................................................................. 4
3.2 Short-Term and Opportunistic Decisions ........................................................................... 4
4. Contemporary Examples of Rational Choice in Crime .......................................................... 4
4.1 Cybercrime .................................................................................................................................. 4
4.2 Street Robbery and Theft ........................................................................................................ 5
4.3 White-Collar Crime .................................................................................................................... 5
5. Critical Evaluation of Rational Choice Theory ......................................................................... 5
5.1 Strengths of the Theory ........................................................................................................... 5
5.2 Limitations of the Theory ........................................................................................................ 5
6. Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................ 6
QUESTION 2 .......................................................................................................................................... 6
Critically examine the statement: ................................................................................................ 6
References ............................................................................................................................................. 8
, 2|Page
QUESTION 1
Critically evaluate Cohen and Felson’s (1979) Rational Choice Theory as an
explanation for criminal behaviour (15)
1. Introduction
Rational Choice Theory, as developed by Lawrence E. Cohen and Marcus Felson in
1979, is a central framework within environmental and opportunity-based explanations
of crime. The theory argues that criminal behaviour is the result of rational decision-
making processes in which offenders weigh potential costs and benefits before
engaging in crime. Rather than focusing on individual pathology or deep socialisation
processes, the theory shifts attention to situational conditions that make crime more or
less likely. This answer critically evaluates the theory by outlining its core assumptions,
explaining how offenders are believed to make decisions, and illustrating its relevance
using contemporary examples.
2. Core Assumptions of Rational Choice Theory
2.1 Crime as a Rational and Purposeful Action
A key assumption of Rational Choice Theory is that crime is intentional and goal-
oriented. Offenders are viewed as rational actors who commit crimes to achieve
specific outcomes, such as financial gain, excitement, or social status. Criminal
behaviour is therefore not seen as random or purely impulsive, but as the outcome of
conscious choice-making (Cohen & Felson, 1979).
This assumption challenges earlier positivist theories that emphasised biological or
psychological abnormalities as primary causes of crime. Instead, Rational Choice
Theory assumes that most individuals possess free will and can choose between lawful
and unlawful actions depending on circumstances (Cornish & Clarke, 1986).
2.2 Cost–Benefit Analysis
