Theory/Methods Comprehensive Exam – January, 2008
You have eight (8) hours to complete this exam (9:00a – 5:00p)
When you are done, please make a copy of your answers on the accompanying media device.
Section #1 (Answer 1 of 2)
1.
Assume that you are writing a chapter in a book entitled “Criminological Theory: Theoretical and
Methodological Issues.” The theme of this book is to present an analysis of the emergence of
several major theoretical models which have been characterized by significant discussion,
empirical research, and keen debate.
Provide a draft of one (1) chapter in which you review and analyze the major literature on one
(1) theoretical model of your choice. In your analysis be sure to discuss its emergence, major
propositions, empirical research which purports to test the theory’s explanatory and predictive
power, and the key points in the debate. As part of your analysis, be sure to discuss how
theoretical propositions connect to good research design, i.e., research design which can
investigate the theory’s explanatory and predictive power.
NOTE: Whichever theory you choose precludes you from re-selecting that theory for
discussion in Q#4. Also, if you choose to answer Q#3 you would not be allowed to select
Strain/Anomie Theory in this question. Finally, you would not be allowed to double up your
chosen theory in Q#1 with the substantive issue you choose for Q#5.
2.
As a member of the program committee, it is your task to organize a panel for the upcoming
2008 Academy of criminal Justice Sciences meeting. You have been given the following
guidelines: (1) select three panelists whose work continues to influence criminological theory;
(2) each panelist must represent a different theoretical perspective; and (3) the panel must
consist of both individual theorists and structural theorists. Each panelist will be asked to
discuss what he or she believes is the main cause of criminal behavior.
First, discuss which panelists you have chosen and why. Second, discuss what each panelist
would say and how they might agree or disagree with each other.
Section #2 (Answer 1 of 2)
3.
Anomie/Strain Theory has evolved considerably since Durheim introduced the concept of
“anomie” in the late 1800s. Identify four (4) theorists (or pairs of theorists) that have
contributed to the evolution of both Anomie and Strain Theory since the early 1900s. Be sure to
articulate how each of the theorists modified the theory. Finally, discuss some of the published
research that tests each of the variations of the theory you previously identified in your
response.
4.
In his 2006 Sutherland address, Daniel Nagin advocated that criminologists consider moving
“choice” to center stage in criminological theorizing. Select and discuss two (2) theories in
criminology that easily integrate “choice” in their framework and explain the role that choice
plans in these theories. Then, select and discuss two (2) theories that do not include “choice” in
their theoretical framework. Be sure to include discussion of the role of cognition and emotion
(arousal) in your answer.
Section #3 (Answer 1 of 2)
5.
Identify a substantive issue from any area of interest to you. Explain what the problem is and
why it is a problem that criminologists should be concerned with. Cite relevant literature to
justify your choice. Select any of the two (2) following approaches and construct two (2)
different research projects aimed at adequately studying the issue: primary or secondary survey
analysis, the experimental or quasi-experimental approach, qualitative analysis, and archival
analysis. Explain how the technique you selected first can compensate/overcome for
shortcomings identified in the second approach. Next, explain how the technique outlined in
the second approach is intended to compensate for shortcomings identified in the first
approach.
6.
A recent study by Hipp (2007) examined how (and if) income, race, and neighborhood
characteristics impact crime rates in urban areas. If asked, how would you design a study on
this topic? In your response, make sure you consider the unit of analysis, the population to be
studied, sampling, data collection, data analysis, and generalizability of the findings.
Section #4 (Answer 1 of 2)
7.
Using the work of John Hagen on power-control theory, critical theorists like Colvin & Pauly,
Bonger, and Greenberg, and various feminist theorists, discuss this thesis: “Crime cannot be
adequately explained unless the nature of power in society is taken into account.”
8.
Over the past couple of decades, criminologists have redirected their attention to the important
role that the family plays in the causation of crime, including such issues as the early onset of
problem behavior, the stability of criminal involvement, and why offenders desist from crime.
Discuss the relevant methodological issues pertaining to research regarding the family in crime
causation from both a sociological and individual perspective, including how the two (2)
perspectives might differ.