Methods of studying crime in its collective and individual dimensions
Introduction The phenomenon of the serial killer has always captured the attention of criminologists, psychologists, and the general public alike. In criminology, serial killers represent one of the most extreme and disturbing examples of criminal behavior, where individuals repeatedly commit murder over an extended period, usually driven by psychological, social, or biological motives. Unlike ordinary…
Introduction: Unlocking the Minds Behind the Murders The phenomenon of serial killers occupies a unique and unsettling space in the realm of criminal behavior. These individuals—responsible for multiple murders committed over a period of time, often following a distinct modus operandi—have long fascinated criminologists, psychologists, law enforcement officers, and the public alike. Their actions defy…
Introduction: Rethinking Criminal Behavior through Social Learning The study of crime has historically been shaped by competing paradigms—biological determinism, psychoanalytic drives, rational choice, and sociological theories of anomie and strain. Within this vast intellectual terrain, the work of Albert Bandura stands out for offering a framework that is both psychologically sound and socially grounded. Bandura’s…
1. Introduction: Understanding The Thermal Law in Criminology The study of crime patterns and their causes has long intrigued sociologists, psychologists, and criminologists alike. One fascinating area of research that has gained significant attention is The Thermal Law—a concept that connects climatic temperature variations with fluctuations in criminal behavior. Simply put, The Thermal Law observes…
Introduction The link between climate and human behavior has intrigued scholars for centuries. One of the earliest thinkers to propose a connection between environmental factors and social dynamics was the 14th-century Arab scholar Ibn Khaldun. In his seminal work Muqaddimah, Ibn Khaldun suggested that heat and climate significantly influence individuals’ temperaments, social organization, and even…
Introduction to Criminological Theories Criminology is the scientific study of crime and criminal behavior. To understand the nature of crime, criminologists develop theories to explain why individuals engage in criminal acts. These theories encompass a variety of perspectives that focus on factors such as social reactions, psychological processes, environmental influences, and societal structures. In this…
Introduction Criminology is the scientific study of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. It aims to analyze the causes, nature, and consequences of criminal acts in society. Within this field, researchers use various tools to uncover patterns, test theories, and interpret criminal phenomena. Two core methodologies dominate criminological research: the statistical method and…
Introduction Understanding crime is one of the most critical challenges facing modern societies. As criminal activities evolve in complexity and frequency, the need for comprehensive tools to understand, measure, and control crime becomes more urgent. This is where the disciplines of criminology and criminal statistics intersect. Criminology, a social science that studies the nature, causes,…
Introduction Criminal statistics serve as one of the most essential tools for understanding crime trends, evaluating law enforcement performance, and shaping public policy. However, these statistics are far from perfect. In fact, a critical examination reveals several limitations and distortions that significantly undermine their reliability and validity. Despite their widespread use in criminology, policymaking, and…
Introduction The criminal justice system depends on accurate identification and classification of behavior. A major concern in this process is distinguishing apparent crime from actual crime. Misjudging this difference can lead to serious miscarriages of justice, including wrongful arrests, damage to reputations, and waste of resources. In this article, we explore this distinction in depth,…