Section 7.2 Overview
Section 7.2, “Criminal Decision-Making,” examines the cognitive processes that lead individuals to commit crimes, emphasizing the role of rational calculations in balancing potential gains against risks. Drawing inspiration from Jeremy Bentham’s utilitarian model and expanded upon by Marcus Felson, this section moves the focus from underlying causes to the immediate decision-making processes influenced by environmental factors. Felson’s theory underscores the impulsive nature of criminal actions, positing that such decisions are frequently based on spur-of-the-moment opportunities rather than detailed planning. This shift highlights the importance of crafting crime prevention strategies that address the opportunistic nature of criminal behavior, underscoring situational factors’ significant influence on potential criminal actions.
Section Level Student Learning Outcomes
- SLO 1: Analyze the rational choice model and its application to criminal decision-making.
- SLO 2: Understand the influence of immediate environmental cues on criminal behavior.
- SLO 3: Evaluate strategies that disrupt the quick decision-making process of criminals.
- SLO 4: Examine the role of self-control in the propensity for criminal actions.
- SLO 5: Assess the implications of criminal decision-making theories for law enforcement and public policy.
Modification History File Created: 02/15/2024 Last Modified: 02/19/2024
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