1. What Makes a Criminal? Seminar 3 Criminology 102

2. Rational Choice Theory Based on the early work of Beccaria and classical theory Implies that all criminals are rational thinkers The basis for deterrence theory which is prevalent in our criminal justice system today Are Criminal Rational Thinkers? Does Rational Choice Theory work for all crimes? Cost vs. Benefit perspective The deterrence philosophy

3. Other Factors that Lead People to Crime Psychological Factors Brain chemistry Mental illness Cognitive thinking Personality Structures Learning Disabilities IQ Social Learning Others?

4. Biological Factors Genetics Biochemistry Brain functioning Diet Hormones Others?

5. Sociological Factors Strain The American Dream Poverty Learning Peers Parenting Neighborhoods Economy Racism/discrimination

6. Other Ideas Does anyone have other ideas? What field of study do you think works best for developing crime theory?