Description

In this assignment, students will demonstrate an understanding of the root causes of delinquent behavior by applying theories of delinquency to a case study.

Instructions

Step 1

Review the Module 3 Learning UnitLinks to an external site..

• Review the Module 1 Learning UnitLinks to an external site. for helpful information on locating scholarly sources and APA formatting.
• Review the Writing Assignment 2 Rubric which outlines how this assignment will be graded.

Download and use the pre-formatted APA Template 

Review the APA Guide and sample student paper which shows how the content, organization and formatting, and technical aspects of your paper should generally look to receive an "A" grade.

Read the Paper Format and Helpful Hints sections at the end of these instructions before beginning this assignment. Step 2

• Review the “Youth Stories” reading in Chapter 6 of your textbook.

Step 3

1. Cover page in APA format 

2. Paragraph 1: Developmental Theories Overview

• Provide a brief but interesting introduction to developmental views of delinquency, as outlined in Chapter 6.
• Be sure to briefly discuss what makes developmental theories different from other theories of juvenile delinquency covered in this module.

Briefly introduce why developmental theories are useful when reviewing a case such as the one described in the Chapter 6 “Youth Stories” reading.

Note: Cite any and all sources used in this paragraph with APA in-text citations.

3. Paragraph 2: Life Course Explanation

How would a propensity theorist explain Price's escalating delinquent and criminal activities?

• Be sure to use concepts and terminology relevant to propensity theories (for example: latent trait, propensity, self-control, impulsivity, and so on), as outlined in the Module 3 readings.

Note: Cite any and all sources used in this paragraph with APA in-text citations.

4. Paragraph 3: Propensity Explanation

• How would a propensity theorist explain Price's escalating delinquent and criminal activities?

Be sure to use concepts and terminology relevant to propensity theories (for example: latent trait, propensity, self-control, impulsivity, and so on), as outlined in the Module 3 readings.

Note: Cite any and all sources used in this paragraph with APA in-text citations.

5. Paragraph 4: Trajectory Explanation

• How would a trajectory theorist explain Price's escalating delinquent and criminal activities?
• Be sure to use concepts and terminology relevant to trajectory theories (for example: trajectories, various pathways to delinquency, adolescent-limited offenders, life course persisters, and so on), as outlined in the Module 3 readings.

Note: Cite any and all sources used in this paragraph with APA in-text citations.

6. Paragraphs 5-6: Policy Implications

Consider the discussion of policies related to developmental theories in the Module 3 textbook and learning unit readings.

Identify, research (using reliable, external (not your textbook) resources), and discuss one specific policy related to developmental theories that could be useful in the case described in the Chapter 6 “Youth Stories” reading.

Describe the policy, giving enough detail that your reader(s) understand the fundamental elements. Be sure to include how it is supposed to address issues and factors related to developmental theories.

• Discuss how this policy would have been useful in the Chapter 6 “Youth Stories” case, providing facts and evidence from the case and textbook readings to support your discussion.
• Note: Cite any and all sources used in this paragraph with APA in-text citations.
• 7. Paragraph 7: Conclusions
• Consider whether someone like Price can ever be truly rehabilitated.

Clearly state and explain which one theory of delinquent behavior covered in Chapters 3–6 of the textbook best explains Price's behavior.

If one of the developmental theories outlined in Chapter 6 best explains Price's behavior, explain which specific theory it is and why, using facts, evidence, and the proper terminology relevant to the selected theory.

• If another theory of delinquent behavior discussed in Chapters 3–6 of the textbook best explains Price's behavior, explain which specific theory it is and why, using facts, evidence and the proper terminology relevant to the selected theory. Possible theories to choose from include rational choice theory, biochemical biological trait theory, genetic biological trait theory, psychoanalytic psychological trait theory, General Strain Theory, cultural deviance theory, differential association theory, social control/bond theory, and labeling/social reaction theory.
• 8. Reference page in APA format