Rational Choice

• Early theorists in the field of criminology explained criminal behavior as the result of the exercise of free will. According to this component of criminology theory, people simply choose to commit crimes. They make this choice either because the crime provides a thrill or because it is easier than obeying the law. This approach to explaining criminal behavior continues to be popular. Rational choice belongs to the classical school of thought in criminology.
  
  

Biological Factors

• The biological component of criminology theory suggests that a biological reason exists for why people commit crimes. Some researchers suggest this reason is genetic -- that criminal behavior is inherited, although this suggestion has been largely discredited. Biological and genetic research today focuses on indirect links to criminal behavior. For example, aggression has been linked to criminal behavior, and differences in the brain's neurotransmitter production have been linked to aggression. Accordingly, a biological basis suggests the possibility that the brains of criminals are different from the brains of non-criminals. Such an assertion is still a stretch, however, because of multiple intervening factors.
  
  

Psychological Factors

• Criminal behavior, from a psychological perspective, is a learned behavior, just like any other behavior. The behavior is learned sometimes through family interactions, from messages internalized from media and from criminal associations, such as friends.
  
  

Sociological Factors

• The sociological component of criminology theory is more difficult to grasp. The general idea is that the very structure of society and its institutions makes criminal behavior inevitable. People steal, for example, because they are poor and they have been taught that wealth is the ultimate goal.
  
  

Critical Thought

• The critical thought component of criminology theory can be viewed as an overall critique of the legal system, which makes certain behaviors criminal. According to this perspective, the only behaviors that are labeled as crimes are those committed primarily by particular disadvantaged groups. This component is also referred to as "radical criminology."