, CMY3701 Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026 - DUE 8 April 2026
SECTION A
1.1 Critical Evaluation of Cohen and Felson’s (1979) Rational Choice Theory
Cohen and Felson’s Rational Choice Theory, developed by Lawrence E. Cohen and
Marcus Felson, is an influential theory in criminology that explains criminal
behaviour as the result of rational decision-making. The theory suggests that
offenders choose to commit crimes after weighing potential costs and benefits
within specific social situations.
1. Core Assumptions of Rational Choice Theory
Rational Choice Theory is based on several key assumptions:
1.1 Crime is a Rational Decision
The theory assumes that individuals are rational beings who think logically before
acting. Offenders are believed to make conscious choices about whether to
commit a crime.
They consider:
Possible rewards (money, status, goods)
Possible risks (arrest, punishment, shame)
Effort required
Crime occurs when the perceived benefits are greater than the perceived risks.
1.2 Individuals Act in Their Own Self-Interest
SECTION A
1.1 Critical Evaluation of Cohen and Felson’s (1979) Rational Choice Theory
Cohen and Felson’s Rational Choice Theory, developed by Lawrence E. Cohen and
Marcus Felson, is an influential theory in criminology that explains criminal
behaviour as the result of rational decision-making. The theory suggests that
offenders choose to commit crimes after weighing potential costs and benefits
within specific social situations.
1. Core Assumptions of Rational Choice Theory
Rational Choice Theory is based on several key assumptions:
1.1 Crime is a Rational Decision
The theory assumes that individuals are rational beings who think logically before
acting. Offenders are believed to make conscious choices about whether to
commit a crime.
They consider:
Possible rewards (money, status, goods)
Possible risks (arrest, punishment, shame)
Effort required
Crime occurs when the perceived benefits are greater than the perceived risks.
1.2 Individuals Act in Their Own Self-Interest
