Rational Choice Theory

Question 1

How does it draw on classicism theory?

Answer 1

It argues people commit crime based on profit-loss and pleasure-pain principle.

Question 2

Ronald Clarke and Derek Cornish theory

Answer 2

Offenders make a sequence of choices influenced by social and psychological motivations. These are called the 6 propositions.

Question 3

6 propositions

Answer 3

1) Crimes are purposive to benefit the offender.
2) Offenders aim to make the best decision based on risks.
3) Decision-making varies depending on the nature of the crime and specific benefits likely to follow.
4) Decisions about becoming involved in crime that differ from those relating to commission of act.
5) Involvement decisions comprise 3 stages at different points in criminal career.
6) Event decisions involve a series of choices made at each stage of the criminal act.

Question 4

3 stages of the 5th proposition

Answer 4

Initiation - is the person ready to commit crime?
Habituation - should they continue after they’ve started?
Desistance - should they, at some stage, stop?

Question 5

4 stages of the 6th proposition

Answer 5

• Preparation
• Target selection
• Escape
• Aftermath

Question 6

Crime scripts

Answer 6

Step-by-step accounts of the decision-making process involved in particular crimes.

Question 7

Why should we use crime scripts?

Answer 7

They help us to understand how crime is related to needs, wants and contexts. They also help us think of responses.

Question 8

Tunnell’s findings

Answer 8

Rational decision making was limited and based on unrealistic assessments of risk, where little planning took place and limited awareness of sanctions.

Question 9

Cromwell et al’s findings on burglary

Answer 9

There was a partial rational calculation of gains and risks.

Question 10

De Hann and Voss findings on street robbery

Answer 10

There were elements of rationality but also elements of impulsivity and desperation.