Is your criminology dissertation going nowhere like an unsolvable murder case?
Is it time to call in the Sherlock Holmes of dissertations for your criminology dissertation?
If so just continue reading this article and all your worries regarding the topics and theories for your criminology dissertation will go away.
What is Criminology?
Criminology is the study of crime from a social and individual perspective and phenomenon. Criminologists study what exactly is going on in the criminals’ minds. It does not deal with the direct prevention of the crime but with what leads to the factors that caused it. Criminologists also try to explain why some actions are considered a crime in one part of the world and not the other.
How to write a criminology dissertation?
Writing a criminology dissertation can be a challenging but rewarding task. Here are some general steps to follow when writing your dissertation:
- Choose a topic: The first step is to choose a topic that interests you and is relevant to criminology. You can look for inspiration in current research, news articles, or personal experiences. Once you have a criminology topic, do some preliminary research to make sure there is enough literature available to support your research.
- Conduct a literature review: Before you begin writing, conduct a thorough literature review to see what research has been done on your topic. This will help you identify gaps in the literature and shape your research question.
- Develop a research question: Your research question should be clear, concise, and specific. It should address a gap in the literature and be answerable through empirical research.
- Choose a research method: Depending on your research question, you may choose to use qualitative or quantitative research methods or a combination of both. Make sure to choose a method that is appropriate for your research question and that you are comfortable using.
- Collect data: If you are using empirical research methods, you will need to collect data. This may involve conducting interviews, surveys, or experiments.
- Analyze data: Once you have collected your data, you will need to analyze it using statistical or qualitative methods. This will help you answer your research question and draw conclusions.
- Write your dissertation: With your research question answered, it’s time to write your dissertation. Start with an introduction that outlines your research question, followed by a literature review, methodology, results, and discussion. Make sure to follow the guidelines set by your university or department.
- Edit and proofread: Once you have written your dissertation, take the time to edit and proofread it carefully. This will help ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and error-free.
- Submit and defend: Finally, submit your dissertation and prepare to defend it in front of a committee. Be prepared to answer questions about your research and your conclusions.
Some Widely Discussed Theories of Criminology
1. Classical Theory:
When the perpetrator considers that the benefits outweigh the costs. For example, ABC robs a bank because he thinks he can get away with millions and he will be a millionaire from there on end.
2. Positive Theory:
The perpetrator commits a crime because it was caused. For example, ABC robs a bank because he was born dirt poor and could not afford to eat.
3. Individual Trait Theory:
Criminals have several psychological traits that differ from noncriminals. For example, ABC has wanted to rob a bank since he was a kid. He has always fantasized about robbing a bank and takes great satisfaction in having such fantasies.
4. Social Disorganization Theory:
Crime is caused due to disorganized communities because they lead to criminal culture. For example, ABC robbed a bank because his community and neighborhood were disorganized and had no law and order.
5. Differential Association Theory:
Crime is learned through association with a criminal or a criminal organization. For example, XYZ was murdered because he comes from a gang that has a history of murder.
6. Strain General Strain Theory:
A person is under strain and pressure when he does not meet the success he foresees for himself. Hence he commits the crime under strain trying to attain that success. ABC robbed the bank because he could not fulfill his dream to become a millionaire and it stressed him out. Hence he decided the only way he can be a millionaire is by robbing a bank.
7. Routine Activities Theory:
People’s daily routine activities affect the likelihood they will be an attractive target who encounters an offender in a situation where no effective guardianship is present. For example, XYZ killed a girl because he knew her daily routine when she passed a certain alley.
8. Labeling Reintegrative Shamin Theory:
People become criminals when they are constantly labeled as criminals. For example, QWE committed fraud because he was constantly labeled a cheat. He thought what the hell; if everybody calls me a cheat I might as well commit it.
9. Critical Theory:
Inequality in power and wealth leads to crime. For example, XYZ was sick of inequality hence he robbed the bank.
Note: Things are not as black and white as stated in the examples. These examples are given just to give you a proper idea.
I hope these theories will help you come up with criminology dissertation topics and ideas Base your topic on any one of the theories. Then base it on a situation. This results in criminology dissertations being much simpler and more interesting.