Course Code: CRI 170

Course Title: Theories of Crime Causation

Student’s Activity Sheet: Module #18

Name:_________________________________________________________ Class number: _____

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_____________

Lesson Title: Classical Theories Materials: Ballpen, Paper, Notebook

& SAS
Lesson Objectives: References:
At the end of this module, you should be able to: Siegel, Larry J. et al. 2007. Juvenile
1. discuss the concepts of classical theories; and Delinquency: Theory, Practice and Law.
2. formulate examples based on real life situations using 9th Edition, Wadsworth Publishing
the concept of the theory. Textbook:
Panugaling, G.C. and Caño, G. J.
(2019). Theories of Crime Causation.
Rex Book Store Inc.

Productivity Tip: Score: /80

Schedule doing practice drills similar to the ones in
this module two more times this week. Spacing your
practice time will help you master the process!

A. LESSON PREVIEW/REVIEW

Introduction (2 mins)
How are you class? I hope you’re doing great. Today, our topic is all about, “The Classical
Theories”. But before that, let’s have a recap of our lesson last module. Yes, anybody from the group
who can recall what was the title of our module number 17? (The teacher must ask at least two (2)
students to answer). Okay, great! So, the title of our module number 17 was all about “The Nature
Theory”. The learning objectives for today are, first you have to: a) discuss the concepts of classical
theories; and b) formulate examples based on real life situations using the concept of the theory. Our
topic today is still connected with the previous module since it is still about theory. However, the focus
of our topic today will dwell only on what classical theories are all about. Are you guys ready? Alright,
let’s begin with this first activity!

B. MAIN LESSON
Activity 1: Content Notes (10 mins)
Instructions: Read and understand the concepts below and after that
you have to answer the questions that follow. Write it on the space
provided.

CLASSICAL THEORIES

Classical theories of crime causation hold primarily that the people’s decision to commit crime
is a matter of choice. Because it was assumed that people had free will to choose their behavior, those
who violated the law were motivated by personal needs such as greed, revenge, survival, and
hedonism. Utilitarian philosophers Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham argued that people weigh
the benefits and consequences of their future actions before deciding on a course of behavior. Potential
violators would stop their actions if the pain associated with a behavior outweighed its anticipated gain;
conversely, law violating behavior seems attractive if the future rewards seem far greater than the
1
 Course Code: CRI 170
Course Title: Theories of Crime Causation
Student’s Activity Sheet: Module #18

Name:_________________________________________________________ Class number: _____

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_____________

potential punishment (Siegel et al, 2007). These are the theories under classical:
1. Rational Choice Theory
Holds that person will engage in criminal behavior after weighing the consequences and
benefits of their actions. Criminal behavior is a rational choice made by a motivated offender who
perceives that the chances of gain outweigh any possible punishment or loss (Siegel et al, 2007).
"Rational choice" theory, which is derived mainly from the expected utility model in economics,
has become a "hot" topic in criminology, sociology, political science, and law. The rational choice theory
posits that one takes those actions, criminal or lawful, which maximize payoff and minimize costs
(Akers, 1990).

2. Routine Activity Theory

This theory was created by Lawrence E. Cohen and Marcus K. Felson, with the 1979
publication of their seminal article “Social Change and Crime Rate Trends: A Routine Activity
Approach.” They viewed that crime is a “normal” function of the routine activities of modern living;
offenses can be expected if there is a motivated offender and a suitable target that is not protected by
capable guardians (Siegel et al, 2007). Routine activity theory—also sometimes referred to as
lifestyle theory—has proven to be one of the more useful theories for understanding criminal
victimization and offending patterns in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

3. General and specific deterrence theory

General deterrence theory is aimed at making potential criminals fear the consequences of
crime showing that crime does not pay. It focuses on potential offenders and that these offenders must
receive punishment in a severe, swift and certain way. It is also manifesting societal deterrence which
aimed to target would be offenders (Siegel et al, 2007). For example: imposing long prison sentences
or in the Philippines lifetime imprisonment for violent or heinous crimes.
Specific deterrence theory holds that if offenders are punished so severely, the experience
will convince them not to repeat their illegal acts. Its main targets are those offenders who have already
been convicted and it also claimed that punishing more criminals will reduce their involvement in
criminal activity (Siegel et al, 2007).

4. Victim precipitation theory

Victim precipitation theory viewed that some people may actually initiate the confrontation
that eventually leads to their injury or death. It was first presented by Von Hentig (1941) and applies
only to violent victimization. Its basic premise is that by acting in certain provocative ways, some
individuals initiate a chain of events that lead to their deaths (Walsh, 2012). For example, a wife who
was able to kill her husband because the husband kept on beating her by the time he got drunk is one
example. The husband became a victim in this case since the perpetrator (the wife) is just acting based
on self-defense.
The concept of victim offender interaction can be classified either active or passive precipitation (Walsh,
2012).
Active precipitation occurs when victims act provocatively, use threats or fighting words, or
even attacks first the offenders (Siegel, 2012). For example, when the person who shouts and utters
profane language at his enemy but the latter has a knife and stabs the former to death.
Passive precipitation occurs when the victim exhibits some personal characteristic that
unknowingly either threatens or encourages the attacker (Siegel, 2012). For example, Bee who has
tattoos all around his body may be a threat to somebody especially if Bee is already drunk. Even
though he did nothing wrong but the other person got threatened and attacked B leading either to his
injury or immediate death.
2
 Course Code: CRI 170
Course Title: Theories of Crime Causation
Student’s Activity Sheet: Module #18

Name:_________________________________________________________ Class number: _____

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_____________

5. Incapacitation theory
Incapacitation theory stands to reason that if more criminals are sent to prison the crime rate
should go down; keeping known criminals out of circulation (Siegel et al, 2007). This theory supported
the idea of imprisonment of criminals.

Let us answer the questions below based on your readings:

1. Who are the advocates of Classical theory?

Frederick W. Taylor, Henri Fayol and Max Weber
Answer: ___________________________________________________________________

2. What are the theories under classical?

Answer: ___________________________________________________________________
Rational Choice Theory, Deterrence Theory

3. Who created the Routine Activity theory?

Cohen and Felson
Answer: ___________________________________________________________________

Activity 2: Skill-building Activities (18 mins + 2 mins checking)

This is a self-assessment; you have to answer the question honestly.
After that check your answers against the Key to Corrections found at
the end of this SAS. Write your score on the space provided.

Score: over 20

2. 1 Let us test your skill! In this activity,

you are going to identify what theory
under classical is being portrayed on the
diagram shown below and after that you
have to formulate a scenario (real life
situations) depicting the said diagram.
Write it on the space provided. (20
points)

Routine Activity Theory is applied to a bustling urban

neighborhood with motivated offenders seeking money
and status. Budget cuts, reduced police presence, and
suitable targets make the area attractive for criminal
activities. To reduce crime, community members and
3
authorities must work together to improve guardianship
and implement preventive measures.
 Course Code: CRI 170
Course Title: Theories of Crime Causation
Student’s Activity Sheet: Module #18

Name:_________________________________________________________ Class number: _____

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_____________

2.2 What theory under classical you chose the MOST and the LEAST when it comes to its explanation
regarding crime causation. Support your answer. Limit your answer to ten (10) sentences only. Write it
on the space provided. (10 points)
Score: over 10
Rational Choice Theory is the most comprehensive and influential theory of crime causation, emphasizing rational
decision-making and self-interest. It provides a clear explanation for various types of criminal behavior, including
opportunistic crimes and planned offenses. However, Deterrence Theory, related to Rational Choice Theory,
oversimplifies the complex nature of criminal behavior. It focuses on the fear of punishment and assumes
individuals are rational actors, but neglects other factors like social influences, mental health issues, and situational
contexts. Research shows that certainty and swiftness of punishment have more significant deterrent effects than
severity alone, challenging Deterrence Theory's central premise.
2.3 In your own words, discuss the concept of classical theory. Limit your answer to ten (10) sentences
only. Write it on the space provided. (10 points)
Score: over 10

Classical theory, a 18th-century criminology perspective, emphasizes rationality, free will, and
individual choice in explaining criminal behavior. It believes individuals engage in crime after weighing
potential benefits and costs, driven by self-interest. Classical theory shaped modern crime control and
prevention approaches, but has been criticized for its individualistic focus and limited consideration of
social and environmental factors. Modern criminology continues to refine classical ideas and integrate
broader societal and psychological factors for more comprehensive crime causation.

Activity 4: Check for Understanding (5 mins) (30 points)

4.1 As promised, today is a scheduled 30-item summative assessment
from modules 15-17. It’s a multiple choice. Just encircle the letter of
your choice.

1. Who founded the school on human physiognomy?

Score: over 30
A. Giambattista della Porta C. Johann Lavater
B. Franz Joseph Gall D. Johann Spurzheim

2. Who is Giambattista della Porta?

A. Italian physician C. Natural philosopher
B. Forensic psychiatrist D. Both A and C

3. What was the description of Porta when it comes to thieves?

A. Thief has long arms. C. Thief has large lips and sharp vision
B. Thief has sharp vision D. None of these

4. Physiognomy is important because it will serve as a meaningful course for examination to make clear
connections between the physical ___ and moral character.
A. face C. body
B. soul D. stigma

5. Physiognomy is derived from the ancient Greek word “gnomos” which means:
A. Character C. Face
B. Moral D. Beauty

6. Physiognomy is derived from the ancient Greek “physis” which means:

4
 Course Code: CRI 170
Course Title: Theories of Crime Causation
Student’s Activity Sheet: Module #18

Name:_________________________________________________________ Class number: _____

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_____________

A. Lover C. Nature
B. Beauty D. Face

7. It deals with the study of facial features and their relation to human behavior.
A. Phrenology C. Physiognomy
B. Biology D. Social Psychology

8. Who supported the argument of Giambattista della Porta regarding thief?

A. Cesare Beccaria C. Enrico Ferri
B. Cesare Lombroso D. Raffaele Garofalo

9. Who was able to revive the work of Porta?

A. Cesare Lombroso C. Johann Kaspar Lavater
B. Franz Joseph Gall D. Johann Spurzheim

10. According to physiognomy, if you’ve got an angular face, you’re probably a criminal. Is it true or
false?
A. True C. False
B. Partly true D. Partly false

11. Who are the advocates of Phrenology?

A. Franz Joseph Gall C. Johann Kaspar Spurzheim
B. George Combe D. All of these

12. Who served as research assistant and collaborator of Franz Joseph Gall in the study of
phrenology?
A. Franz Joseph Gall C. Johann Kaspar Spurzheim
B. George Combe D. Johann Kaspar Lavater

13. Franz Joseph Gall later named his phrenology theory to?
A. Craniology C. Brainiology
B. Biosociology D. Neurology

14. It posited that bumps on the head were indications of psychological propensities.
A. Craniology C. Physiognomy
B. Phrenology D. Neurology

15. The theory of brain and science of character reading.

A. Craniology C. Physiognomy
B. Phrenology D. Neurology

16. It is otherwise known as “the only true science of mind".

A. Craniology C. Physiognomy
B. Neurology D. Phrenology

17. What is known to be the organ of the mind?

A. Brain C. Cerebrum
B. Hypothalamus D. Cerebellum
5
 Course Code: CRI 170
Course Title: Theories of Crime Causation
Student’s Activity Sheet: Module #18

Name:_________________________________________________________ Class number: _____

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_____________

18. Who introduced phrenology to Britain?

A. Lorenzo Niles Fowler C. George Combe
B. Franz Joseph Gall D. Johann Kaspar Spurzheim

19. It is the study of the conformation of the skull as indicative of mental faculties and traits of character.
A. Criminology C. Physiognomy
B. Neurology D. Phrenology

20. As the ___ takes its shape from the brain, the surface can be read as an accurate index of
psychological aptitudes and tendencies.
A. cranium C. skull
B. amygdala D. hypothalamus

21. It is otherwise known as a diminished ability to identify and or communicate feelings.

A. Alexia C. Dyslexia
B. Anorexia D. Alexithymia

22. Who conducted a long study about feeblemindedness?

A. Henry Goddard C. Franz Joseph Gall
B. Lorenzo Niles Fowler D. George Combe
23. Individuals with lower IQ levels are more likely to commit more light offences. Is it true or false?
A. True C. False
B. Partly true D. Partly false

24. Women are more likely to transmit intelligence genes to their children. The statement is:
A. True C. False
B. Partly true D. Partly false

25. Who concluded that delinquent boys were 5 to 10 times more likely to be mentally deficient than
non-delinquent boys?
A. William Healy C. Augusta Bronner
B. Both A and C D. Johann Kaspar Spurzheim

26. This theory holds that low intelligence is genetically determined and inherited.
A. Nature C. Physiognomy
B. Phrenology D. Nurture

27. He concluded that at least half of all juvenile delinquents were mentally defectives through what he
called feebleminded.
A. George Combe C. Franz Joseph Gall
B. Lorenzo Niles Fowler D. Henry Goddard

28. Who made a conclusion that every mentally deficient individual is a potential criminal?
A. George Combe C. Franz Joseph Gall
B. Lorenzo Niles Fowler D. Henry Goddard

29. Families manifesting feeblemindedness show criminality and that sex delinquency in such families
is practically the rule. The statement is:
6
 Course Code: CRI 170
Course Title: Theories of Crime Causation
Student’s Activity Sheet: Module #18

Name:_________________________________________________________ Class number: _____

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_____________

A. True C. False
B. Partly true D. Partly false

30. According to nature theory, low IQ serves as a predictor of criminal behavior. The statement is:
A. True C. False
B. Partly true D. Partly false

C. LESSON WRAP-UP

Q1. What does classical mean?

Answer: Classical has a root word classic which means standard or model.
Q2. Who is the father of classical criminology?
Answer: Cesare Beccaria
Q3. What is the main concept of classical theory?
Answer: Its main concept is that people have freewill; that people have all the freedom to choose
between right and wrong and despite knowing that his action is wrong still he chooses it then he
deserves punishment.

Activity 4: Thinking About Learning (5 mins)

A. Work Tracker
You are done with this session! Let’s track your progress. Shade the
session number you just completed. You mark the place in the work
tracker which is simply a visual to help you to track how much work you
have accomplished and how much work there is left to do.

B. Think About Your Learning

Instruction: There are two (2) parts of this activity; first, give me your feedback regarding our module
today by shading any of the circles below. And then support your answer. Write it on the space
provided. And then on the second part would be your self-evaluation on achieving the learning targets.

B.1 Fist to Five Activity:

______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________ 7
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
 Course Code: CRI 170
Course Title: Theories of Crime Causation
Student’s Activity Sheet: Module #18

Name:_________________________________________________________ Class number: _____

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_____________

B.2 This is a self-evaluation on achieving the learning targets: Just place a check (/) mark on the
space provided.
1. I CAN discuss the concepts of classical theories. _______
2. I CAN formulate example based on real life situations _______
using the concept of the theory.

KEY TO CORRECTIONS:

Answer on Activity 2.1

ROUTINE ACTIVITY THEORY
Rubrics on Activity 2.2 and 2.3 Rate
Organization of thoughts=4 points
Grammar = 3 points
Readability = 2 points
Neatness = 1 point
TOTAL= 10 points

TEACHER-LED ACTIVITIES:

1. In-classroom learning session:

1) Collect completed work in the SAS;

2) Allocate your contact time with students to individual or small group mentoring, monitoring, and
student consultations;
3) You may administer summative assessments (quizzes, demonstrations, graded recitation,
presentations, performance tasks) during face-to-face sessions;
4) You may also explore supplementary activities that foster collaboration, provided that social
distancing is observed; and,
5) You may provide supplementary content via videos, etc.

Congratulations! That’s enough for today; study the Psychological Theories found in (Page 74-
86) of our textbook. Thank you!

Sources: Learning How to Learn: How to Succeed in School without Spending All Your Time Studying,
a Guide for Teens and Kids by Barbara Oakley and Terrence Sejnowski, 2018
8