CCJ 3680: Criminology
Research Paper
Due: Thursday, 11/11
For your Research Paper, students need to choose a type of crime and use four criminological theories to explain why this crime may occur.
Organizing Your Paper
Choosing the Crime
You initially need to choose one of eight index crimes from the Uniform Crime Report (the Uniform Crime Report refers to the FBI dataset for measuring crimes in the U.S.). The eight index crimes include:
Homicide
Rape
Robbery
Aggravated Assault
Burglary
Larceny
Motor Vehicle Theft
Arson
Choosing the Theories
After choosing one of the eight crimes, you need to choose four theories from the course that you believe can explain why this crime occurs. In this course, we have / will cover ten theories including:
Cultural Conflict Theory
Anomie / Strain Theory
Social Disorganization Theory
Differential Association / Social Learning Theory
Labeling Theory
Social Control / Social Bond Theory
Life Course Theory
Trait Theory
Routine Activities Theory
Rational Choice Theory
Writing the Paper
Title Page
Include the title of your paper, your name, course number, my name, and date (do not include large size font/different colors/pictures).
Introduction – (1 page)
Provide a brief summary of the crime problem in America and the theories you will be discussing. Introduce your thesis statement. For example:
“This work will examine criminological theories surrounding potential motivations for arson including labeling, routine activities, trait, and social learning theories.”
Body – (4 pages)
You should have around one page for each theory-crime connection. You should include two paragraphs on each page. The first paragraph should explain the theory. The second paragraph should explain how it connects to your chosen crime. For example:
Paragraph One: “Labeling theory refers to…”
Paragraph Two: “Labeling theory can help explain arson offending…”
Importantly, you need to make sure to include references for each theory explanation and each connection to the specific crime. When explaining the theory, you can often use the textbook (although outside sources work as well). When connecting to the crime, you will need to identify outside sources (i.e., academic articles) that explain your connection. The best way to do this is through google scholar. For instance, in google scholar search:
“Labeling theory and arson”
You will find articles that connect to each theory this way. These articles will also help you understand how these theories work to explain crime as well. Please refer to the APA folder in Schoology for further help seeking out academic articles as outside sources.
Conclusion – (1 page)
Summarize your research paper. Highlight the key components identified in each of the four subsections. Provide any concluding remarks about the future for criminological understanding of the chosen crime problem in America.
References
You will need to use APA citations (for assistance, see Schoology folder). Importantly, you will need to include at least four academic articles – one for each theory-crime connection. You should also cite the course text and materials. In other words, your References page should include at least six sources.
General Guidelines / Formatting
The assignment should be around 6 pages, excluding the title page and references (do not forget to include these). You must use APA formatting for the title page and references. Although, you do not need to include an abstract.
The paper needs to be double-spaced, in Times New Roman 12-point font, have 1” margins, and be written in formal Standard English. It also needs to include page numbers.
Please check for spelling and grammar mistakes before handing in your papers. It is always beneficial to have someone else proofread your work.
Late papers will result in one letter grade reduction for each day late.
Do’s
Use empirical evidence to provide objective analysis.
Use proper in-text / references using APA citations.
Don’ts
Use I/me/we.
Provide opinions (only use objective evidence).
Use hypothetical/rhetorical questions.
Use tricks to make the paper look longer than it is.
Plagiarize!
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