Mapping Criminological Theory

Abstract

Teaching criminological theory can be difficult because concepts and propositions are abstract. Even if students can recall fundamental concepts for multiple‐choice tests, this does not indicate whether they understand the basic structure of the theory. Concepts maps, a two‐dimensional diagram, linking concept by propositions, can be used to teach, evaluate, and illustrate complex theories of crime and delinquency. This paper discusses concept mapping as a teaching and evaluation tool with examples from the classroom. Concept maps can be used effectively for evaluation; however, instructors should be careful that they do not “teach to the map” and use it as a memorization exercise.

Notes

1. Most criminology texts use similar limited maps; I used Siegel’s because I was familiar with the text.

2. In this paper, concepts are italicized and propositions placed in quotes.

3. Instructors could simply show their expert map among colleagues to get feedback.

4. When I first introduced concept mapping in a course different from the one used in this article, I had students fill in the concepts to get them acquainted with the process. An informal assessment indicated that students did not enjoy this task and preferred to create their own maps from a list of concepts.

5. The University’s Human Subjects Committee approved the collection of the concept maps from the students. Students signed a permission form to use their maps for research on the condition of anonymity. Only one student refused to participate. The names and sex of the students have been changed in this report.

6. Note that Jennifer used the term “criminal behavior” instead of “delinquency.” I used the interview as an opportunity to ask her if she knew the difference in the terms and she did.

7. The author thanks Richard Rosenfeld for his comments on the map.

8. This map is not exactly hierarchical. It does reflect a general hierarchy, however.

9. See, for example, Felder and Soloman’s (2008) on‐line “Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire” at http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.html