Discuss the Difference Between a Hypothesis and a Theory in the Context

question 97

Essay

Discuss the difference between a hypothesis and a theory in the context of criminology. Why is the scientific method an important part of criminology?

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Definitions:

Behavior Modification

A systematic approach to changing behavior through the application of the principles of conditioning, including both reinforcement and punishment.

Time-Outs

A disciplinary technique used to remove a child from an environment where inappropriate behavior has occurred, to encourage reflection and calm down.

Successive Approximations

A method used in conditioning and learning in which behaviors are broken down into simpler steps and rewarded progressively as they become closer to the desired behavior.

Shaping

A method used in behavioral psychology to gradually teach new behaviors through the use of reinforcement for successive approximations to the desired behavior.