KRM 310
Study unit 1 The Role of Theory
What is a theory?
A theory is a highly organized statement of the basic assumptions and logically interrelated assertions
about the phenomenon or class of phenomena under study, which attempt to describe, predict, explain,
and control the subject matter.
They are generalizations which explain 1. Relationships of events and, 2. Conditions of a relationship.
The goals of theory:
4 main goals for crime theories:
1) Theory as description:
The statements embodied in the theory mesh with what we know about crime and criminals.
The descriptions must have high levels of accuracy, reliability and validity.
The descriptive questions are framed in a “what is it?” format.
2) Theory as explanation:
Answers a different set of questions: “why is it?”.
Explanation suggests a deeper penetration into the problem of crime, especially compared to simple
description.
They account for the very being of things under study, providing reasons as to why such crime
phenomena exist.
3) Theory as prediction:
Prediction is the act of foretelling or making known beforehand.
Emphasizes time.
Identifies when something will occur by specifying the conditions conducive to its occurrence.
Involves the “when is it?” question.
Social, behavioral and physical scientists often express prediction in probabilistic terms, stating the
likelihood that, given a set of conditions, some event (in this case crime) will occur.
It may have a 10% or a 90% probability of occurring; however, even physical scientists rarely deal in 0
or 100% probability.
4) Theory as control:
Premium on pure science is placed (the creation of knowledge for its own sake) at the expense of the
pursuit of applied knowledge.
If theorists who know the most about such issues do not get involved, then persons who know less
about the theory’s constituent parts about its strengths and weaknesses will define the policy and
practice agenda.
Building blocks of theories (5 marks):
1. Assumptions:
A theory’s assumptions are beyond testing.
They constitute the theory’s core belief system.
They are either accepted or rejected but are not generally subject to testing or modification.
2. Assertions:
Occur once assumptions have been stated, understood and accepted.
Study unit 1 The Role of Theory
What is a theory?
A theory is a highly organized statement of the basic assumptions and logically interrelated assertions
about the phenomenon or class of phenomena under study, which attempt to describe, predict, explain,
and control the subject matter.
They are generalizations which explain 1. Relationships of events and, 2. Conditions of a relationship.
The goals of theory:
4 main goals for crime theories:
1) Theory as description:
The statements embodied in the theory mesh with what we know about crime and criminals.
The descriptions must have high levels of accuracy, reliability and validity.
The descriptive questions are framed in a “what is it?” format.
2) Theory as explanation:
Answers a different set of questions: “why is it?”.
Explanation suggests a deeper penetration into the problem of crime, especially compared to simple
description.
They account for the very being of things under study, providing reasons as to why such crime
phenomena exist.
3) Theory as prediction:
Prediction is the act of foretelling or making known beforehand.
Emphasizes time.
Identifies when something will occur by specifying the conditions conducive to its occurrence.
Involves the “when is it?” question.
Social, behavioral and physical scientists often express prediction in probabilistic terms, stating the
likelihood that, given a set of conditions, some event (in this case crime) will occur.
It may have a 10% or a 90% probability of occurring; however, even physical scientists rarely deal in 0
or 100% probability.
4) Theory as control:
Premium on pure science is placed (the creation of knowledge for its own sake) at the expense of the
pursuit of applied knowledge.
If theorists who know the most about such issues do not get involved, then persons who know less
about the theory’s constituent parts about its strengths and weaknesses will define the policy and
practice agenda.
Building blocks of theories (5 marks):
1. Assumptions:
A theory’s assumptions are beyond testing.
They constitute the theory’s core belief system.
They are either accepted or rejected but are not generally subject to testing or modification.
2. Assertions:
Occur once assumptions have been stated, understood and accepted.
