Understanding a Theory - Essay Example

Understanding a theory I. Theory chosen: Differential association theory II. Theory limitations Differential association theory is only limited to the context of determining the influences that shaped a criminal behavior through socialization with other people. It does not take into account what particular behavior is learned that makes a criminal and why others are more susceptible to it. The context is also limited to criminal behavior and did not consider any deviant behaviors.III. Other disciplinary perspectiveMerton’s Strain Theory and Durkheim’s Basic Insight Theory would help to develop a deeper understanding of the issues addressed by Differential Association Theory.

Differential Association Theory is only limited to criminal behaviors and incorporating other disciplinary perspective such as Merton’s Strain Theory and Durkheim’s Basic Insight Theory would help expand its coverage to include deviations and nonconformist behavior and this would make us better understand why some people became criminals while others do not necessarily become criminals. Merton Strain Theory states some deviant behavior in society is necessary for it to function which comes about during socialization.

Socialization for Merton is the acceptable norm of how society should pursue its goals (Merton, 1998). Durkheim on the other hand marks the delineation point between the concept of right and wrong in a given society. IV. Two research methods to test the theoryExploratory research - exploratory research would best explain the areas of convergence in these theories which would help identify areas that is applicable from other theories that could be integrated into differential association theoryQualitative research – such correlation between the theories stated will be better articulated and their connections firmly established through qualitative research method.

ReferenceMerton, Robert (1988). Deviant Behavior. Special Issue:   Theoretical Approaches to the Study of Deviant Behavior: Issues and Prospects. Volume 9, Issue 1, 1988