Here is the synopsis of our sample research paper on Theories in Criminology. Have the paper e-mailed to you 24/7/365.
Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 4 page paper looks at four theories related to criminology: rational choice, anomie, labeling theory and social learning theory. The ideas are compared and contrasted. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Page Count:
4 pages (~225 words per page)
File: RT13_SA706CJ3.rtf
Buy This Term Paper »
Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
are a variety of theories, one of which is Social Learning Theory (SLT). Major tenets of Social Learning Theory include things such as reinforcement and learned drives. Snyder (1995)
sees the theory as being applicable to contemporary film. He says that "potentially positive aspects of the motion picture experience may be counterbalanced by its proclivity to psychologically damage todays
youth" (Snyder, 1995, p.325). He further claims that a significant influence on youth, and juvenile delinquents in particular, may be related to the concept of Social Learning Theory, as it
proposes that repeated exposure to almost any type of stimuli tends to induce positive feelings toward it (Snyder, 1995). This to some extent explains why victims will follow and defend
their kidnapers and why violent film creates positive feelings toward violence itself. Social Learning Theory has also been applied to deviance and used as an explanation for criminal behavior. Some
well known labelists are Frank Tannenbaum, Jack Henry Abbott, and Alvin Gouldner (Goode, 1994). Some critics of labeling theory judge it too harshly and many textbooks credit labelists with having
the notion that regardless of why punishment was inflicted, it has the consequence of reinforcing deviant behavior (Goode, 1994). In their defense, the author notes that labelists do not
generally support such simplistic notions (Goode, 1994). In other words, one label does not necessarily create a criminal, but the concept is at odds with social learning theory, which is
more complex. While these theories are certainly different from one another, and challenge each other, they can co-exist. In fact, one can se that society has an influence on individuals
in different forms. One can see a world where both the film medium and name calling do harm to individuals. Labeling theory tends to focus on negative consequences of labeling
...