Criminological Theories: The Truth as Told by Mark Twain (From Adventures in Criminological Theory, V 1, P 1-16, 1989, William S Laufer and Freda Adler, eds. -- See NCJ-115630)

• NCJ Number: 115631
• Author(s): D M Gottfredson
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 16 pages
• Sale Source: Transaction Publishers
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper presents principles useful in evaluating any theory, using illustrative material from Mark Twain.

Abstract

Theories consist of postulates, theoretical constructs, logically derived hypotheses, and definitions. The basic metasystem, including the theorist's theory of knowledge, should be clear. This portion of theory construction should include explicit statements of the postulates that form the starting point for theory development. The types of theoretical constructs in the theory should be explained and justified in relation to their empirical meanings, and the derivation of hypotheses from the assumptions should be demonstrated according to accepted logic rules. Operational definitions of terms used in the hypotheses should be provided, the construct validity of resulting variables should be justified, and evidence of reliabilities should be offered. The empirical evidence bearing on the hypotheses must be presented. Limits to generalizability, both on the basis of definitional concepts of measured variables and on the basis of such considerations as samples observed, should be explained. The theory should be re-examined based on the evidence and revised accordingly. 23 references.