NCJ Number
92847
Journal
Sociological Quarterly Volume: 24 Issue: 4 Dated: (Autumn 1983) Pages: 509-524
Date Published
1983
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Many theorists have suggested what might be considered elements necessary to committing a criminal act, but no one has attemped to formulate and test a model of criminal behavior which includes the elements appearing most often in the literature: motivation, freedom from social constraints, skill, and opportunity.
Abstract
This paper presents a review of conceptual problems in using two of these elements followed by a multiplicative model of criminal behavior containing all four elements. The model is then tested utilizing data pertaining to the purchase of stolen merchandise. All four elements are implicated in the activity. (Author abstract)