It’s “Just” a Theory Exercise 
Many laypeople will give their opinions on the relationship between phenomenon based on their hunches or 
observations; these are not theories. A theory explains and interprets the facts. A proper scientific theory must be 
falsifiable. Criminologists who create theories test their hypotheses. Many times the theorist will modify his or her 
theory based on the research. Upon more investigation, those theories that have yet to be falsified become accepted 
as a valid description between the phenomenon. 
Darwin’s theory of evolution has yet to be falsified. There are numerous unanswered questions, but as time goes 
by, scientists are discovering more and more evidence to support the theory. 
When I was an undergraduate student, I majored in Psychology; I thought I was in control of everything about 
me. However, when I took my first criminology class, I realized the social environment also had an impact on who 
I was becoming. For example, I did not choose my parents, their income, how many siblings I had, or where I lived. 
Each of those had an impact on who I was and who I became friends with in my childhood. Most of my childhood 
friends, who are still my friends, may have been based solely on how far away they lived from my parents instead 
of their character, interests, or personality. What do you think? 
 
ALISON S. BURKE, DAVID CARTER, BRIAN FEDOREK, TIFFANY MOREY, LORE RUTZ-BURRI, AND SHANELL
SANCHEZ
160