Sociology Colloquium, featuring Dr. Christopher Schreck: The other side of the crime equation: Testing a choice-based theoretical perspective explaining precautionary behaviors against crime

We are pleased to invite you to join us next Friday (Nov. 10, at 1pm, The Lavin-Bernick Center, LBC 202) for our Sociology Colloquium, featuring Dr. Christopher Schreck, Professor of Criminal Justice at Rochester Institute of Technology. Dr. Schreck's research focuses on explanations of crime, with a particular interest in crime target decision-making and precautionary behavior. He is the 2021 recipient of the Bruce Smith Sr. Award, the top honor given by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences in recognition of outstanding contributions to research. 

Title: The other side of the crime equation: Testing a choice-based theoretical perspective explaining precautionary behaviors against crime 

Abstract: Research investigating the criminal act often finds that target behavior significantly influences the would-be offender’s decision to act. This study presents and tests a choice-based model for explaining decision-making about precautionary behavior, which are actions intended to increase the difficulty and risk that the offender would face. The study adapts the principles of certainty, swiftness, severity, and self-control in order to understand not only the decision to take precautionary action but also to explain the choice (whether for weapons or nonweapons). We suggest potential indicators for each concept, and test relevant hypotheses among a representative sample of 1,305 adults in the United States. The study found that the decision to undertake precautions was significantly influenced by the key theoretical concepts, and the decision to procure a defensive weapon was less a function of risk perceptions than personal beliefs as well as attributes that are predictive of criminal involvement.

A lecture and Q&A will be held in LBC 202 on Friday, Nov. 10 at 1pm. A flyer for this event is attached in this message. Feel free to share the invitation with your students or colleagues who are interested in this talk. Looking forward to seeing many of you next Friday!