In the empirical article review, students are asked to identify a peer-reviewed criminological journal article that has adopted a clear theoretical perspective on the causes of criminal behavior (e.g. biological, psychological, social). Students may choose any article they like, on the proviso that it meets the definition of empirical research, with methods outlined.

Students are asked to prepare a 1000 word review of this article, including assessment of its strengths and weaknesses as well as to what extent it contributes to the literature overall. Special attention should be given to the methods used, whether they were reliable and, importantly, whether or not the results support the author/s theoretical position, use the theories in the assigned reading of this course( Williams, F. P. and McShane, M. D. (2017). Criminological Theory 7th Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall..)