Criminal Behavior

The ten (10-12) paper: Includes cover page, content page, abstract page, references page and the body of research Focus of the Research Paper Select a criminal justice topic/problem to define, describe the scope and consequences of the problem, interpret the issue with a criminological theory, and assess society’s responses to the problem (including public policies and other less formal responses).

Papers should also present a clearly reasoned alternative that is supported by scholarly research. While the following example can be modified to suit your needs, using this outline as a guide will likely result in a high quality final paper: Title Abstract What is the topic problem?

Which theory best explain the issue? Why does this problem qualify as a “theories of criminal behavior issue”? What are the individual and social implications of this problem?

Discussion of implications should be supported by accurate research data. What do the experts say about the problem? What have we, as a society, done about this problem?

Again, consider public policies and other, less formal responses. How is this working? Describe an alternative.

Discuss why the alternative is, or can be, an effective response to the problem. Remember to consider negative consequences of the alternative response. Conclude with reflections and thoughts about your chosen social problem. This is a good place to include personal opinions, assuming you wish to share them in a research paper.

The Research Paper: Must be 10 to 12 double-spaced pages in length, and formatted according to APA style. Must include a title page with the following:

Title of paper Student’s name Course name and number Instructor’s name Date submitted Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement. Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.Must use at least five scholarly resources.

Must document all sources in APA style Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style. OR Criminological Theory Criminological theory has undergone many changes over the years. From the relatively simplistic theories pertaining to physical appearance to the modern-day psychopathy and biosocial conceptualizations, criminological theory has matured considerably over time.

After completing reading Chapters 2, 8, and 9 of the text, you will summarize a well–known criminal case including a description of the offense(s), the investigation of the crime, and the outcome. It is important in any investigation or analysis of criminal behavior to evaluate both endogenous and exogenous theories of criminal behavior and analyze how our biases and assumptions influence our assessment of individuals and the role of psychological profiling in law enforcement.

It is also important to determine culturally–based behavior patterns that may be specific to certain segments of the population. Preliminary sources of this type of information may come from reliable media sources in their coverage of scholarly works as well as government publications of research findings. These may direct you to more focused resources for scholarly references.

In your paper Identify and analyze the behavior of the offender(s) relative to the psychological history and evaluation of the offender(s). Describe the psychological, behavioral, environmental, and cognitive factors that you believe led to the offender’s criminality. The goal is to provide an analysis of the psychological history of the offender as it pertains to the offense(s). Summarize the psychological history of the offender as it pertains to the offense(s).

Be sure to include as much information as possible regarding the offender’s childhood, adolescence as well as adulthood (if applicable). Provide examples of behavior that reflect psychological influences. Discuss the nature of any mental health referrals or treatment that occurred and the outcome. Identify psychological issues that were present, as demonstrated through statements and/or behavior of the offender, but not identified or treated.

The Case Summary and Offender Profile Must be three to six double-spaced pages in length (not including title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the MGA Writing Center.

Must include a separate title page with the following: Title of paper Student’s name Course name and number Instructor’s name Date submitted Must use at least five scholarly sources in addition to the course texts. Must document all sources in APA style as outlined in the MGA Writing Center.