Criminology Resources
In the real world, criminology is not the same as what you see on TV, but there are probably a few things about criminology that you do have a good understanding of. If not, you're in luck: We have composed a comprehensive list of resources that will provide you with a solid foundation in criminology. From a history of criminology to the motives that lie behind the crimes, these resources cover everything you need to know in order to have a good understanding of what criminology really is.
Criminology Terms & Definitions - History of Criminology - Crime Theories - Crime Motives - Psychopaths
Criminology Terms & Definitions
- NCWC: The relationships between terms is crucial to having a real grasp of criminology. This website is the perfect way for you to gain a better understanding of those relationships.
- Dr. Tom Connor: Dr. Connor teaches readers how to understand criminal theory in three steps: You will gain important skills in translation, identification, and determining relationships.
- UCSB: A great glossary for more commonly used terms. These are terms you've more than likely heard before, but brushing up on them and learning their exact meaning can make you feel more confident using them.
- Academic Writing Tips: Here is a list of definitions for 10 of the most commonly used terms in reference to criminology. Learn the terms and how to correctly use them.
- Prenhall: Another great and comprehensive list of every term you will need to know. Sorted in alphabetical order, it's easy to find just the term you're looking for.
History of Criminology
- World of Criminology: If you would like an international perspective on the history of criminology, visit this website. It provides a very comprehensive collection of current criminology news and provides in an easy-to-navigate format.
- FSU: This site provides a timeline of events throughout history involving criminology. If you're a visual learner, this is a great tool to have at your fingertips.
- Crimezzz: Another great timeline, this one dating back to B.C. era. With photos and explanations, this is a great way to trace the advances and evolution of criminology throughout our history.
- SOE: Southern Oregon University's Criminology and Justice Department provides a look into the field of criminology and how it has changed over time. Just like the criminal justice field, criminology has made many advances in the classroom as well.
- LawBrain: A community of experts in their field, LawBrain offers a detailed account of criminology history. It covers everything from political criminology to the sociology of criminology.
Crime Theories
- Crimetheory: Crimetheory is a great and informative website involving different criminal theories. This site takes an in-depth look at studying the behaviors behind the crime.
- UCSD: A UC San Diego, Intro to Psychology and the Law takes a look into the psychological and sociological theories of crime. It's an interesting perspective from a university professor for students.
- Criminology: This is a very comprehensive site that delves into multiple theories on how people tick. Several different theories are discussed in depth; this site a must-see.
- Crime Theories: This site offers a comprehensive list of a variety of crime theories. According to the author, "No one theory explains crime," and this site details why they are correct in that assumption.
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: An interesting discussion on the theory of criminal law itself. Dive into the theories about the law rather than the criminal.
Crime Motives
- JRank: To understand why a person does what they do, this is a must-read. JRank helps you discover the real reasons people act out in a criminal way.
- Social Science: Social Science discusses personality types and gives a detailed list of different types of motives a person might have. This is a very comprehensive site you will visit over and over.
- OK State: This site outlines the specifics in motivation behind violent crimes. If you want to know the reasons behind these brutal crimes that some commit, this site will help you find the answers.
- environmentalET: The environmentalET breaks down emotional and motivational factors of the human psyche. Why we do what we do can be applicable to the criminal mind.
- truTV: What makes a person kill? truTV goes to great lengths to get to the answer of whether these people are victims or monsters.
Psychopaths
- NPR: Get inside the mind of a psychopath, literally. Investigator Kent Kiehl talks about multiple studies he's conducted on the minds of the extreme, including actual brain scans.
- Oregon Counseling: This resource clearly describes the personality of the psychopath, and it discusses different traits that a psychopath may have.
- Mind Disorders: A checklist for psychopathy. This site provides a detailed list of what goes into diagnosing a psychopath and the result of that diagnosis.
- John de Nugent: A very interesting look at past psychopaths in our history, Psychopaths in Power asks if having power may lead someone to becoming a psychopath.
- Scientific American: What is a psychopath? Scientific American explains just exactly what it means to be a psychopath and exposes some of the myths surrounding them.