Question

Describe the steps in criminological theory building, and explain the role that social research plays in the development of theories about crime.

Answer 1

Steps involved in the  steps in criminological theory building are-

1. A Correlation Is Observed

2. Questions Are Raised about Causes

3.  Theory Is Proposed

4. Theory-Based Understanding Is Achieved

5. A Theory-Based Hypothesis Develops

6. The Hypothesis is Tested

7. Theory-Based Social Policy Results

Sociological research in criminology concludes that community has influences on the person in order to commit crimes.  For example various social learning theory maintains that individuals learn criminal behavior from the people encompassing them, and the social conflict theory also assumes that class warfare is the root cause which is responsible for the crime in society.