Suppose That a Theory Proposes That Growing Up in Deteriorated

question 15

Essay

Suppose that a theory proposes that growing up in deteriorated, inner-city neighborhoods produces hopelessness and despair, which lead to crime. Suppose further that, in a test of the theory, researchers find that, compared with residents of middle-class suburban neighborhoods, a higher proportion of residents of deteriorated, inner-city neighborhoods commit crime. However, the researchers also find that many people who grow up in deteriorated, inner-city neighborhoods remain law-abiding and some even establish highly successful legitimate careers. Would we be correct in concluding that the theory has no empirical validity, or should we conclude that the theory has strong validity? Why or why not? What conclusion about empirical validity is most reasonable given these findings?

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Definitions:

Social Dominance

A theory suggesting that societies are structured in hierarchies, with certain groups dominating over others.

Evolutionary Psychology

A conceptual strategy in the realms of social and natural sciences, exploring the configuration of the psyche based on recent evolutionary insights.

Individual Differences

Variations among individuals on a variety of psychological and physical characteristics, such as abilities, preferences, and traits.

Psychologically Evolved Mechanism

Psychologically evolved mechanisms are innate aspects of the human mind that have developed over time to solve specific problems of survival or reproduction.