phestudiesAutumn Study Challenge
Day 2: Why are you studying this topic?
I actually had a choice in choosing my assignment topic, which was a much harder decision to make than I thought it would be.
For this essay, I had to choose two studies that attempt to answer the same research question using one or more of the main theoretical frameworks that orient environmental criminology (namely the opportunity theories: routine activities theory, rational choice theory, and crime a pattern theory) and compare and contrast them.
One of the readings for last week was an article written by three authors, two of which come from my university. They used an agent-based model to test whether the simulation produced results that are consistent with routine activities theory, rational choice theory and crime pattern theory. They created and ran a simulation of burglary to test the core concepts of the aforementioned theories and found that the criminal agents in the model acted exactly as these theories say they should.
I find that incredibly interesting because it's a relatively new piece of technology and software and has huge implications in terms of theory evolution, research practice, policy making and prevention and intervention.
I'm incredibly anxious about writing this essay because it's my first one for my post grad degree and I'm really scared I'm going to mess it up. At least it's an interesting topic :)
Also, using theorganisedstudent‘s Essay Planning printable.