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.