short response

Theories are often one dimensional in that they only consider a complex issue through a narrow lens. Researchers who take an interdisciplinary approach take existing theories and identify their limitations, flesh them out to encompass more disciplinary perspectives, and then test them using multiple methods.

Begin by choosing ONE of the following theories:

1) MARTYRDOM THEORY (Cognitive Psychology): This theory looks at individuals who are ready to die while committing violence against others. According to Ariel Merari (1998), these persons “wish to die for personal reasons” that include “personality factors” and broken family backgrounds.”

2) DIFFERENTIAL ASSOCIATION THEORY (Sociology): This theory is a way of viewing criminal behavior as something that is learned by interacting with other people.

3) INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT THEORY (History): This theory claims that gender discrimination in the workplace is caused and perpetuated by long-standing institutional forces.

4) STRUCTURAL THEORY OF HOMELESSNESS (Public Policy): “Structuralists believe that increased homelessness over the past two decades was caused by loss of affordable rental housing and increasing numbers of poor people in large cities” (Thomas J. Main, 2009).

Once you have identified your theory, craft a discussion that accomplishes the following:

Identify the theory’s limitations. What factors should be taken into consideration in order to reach beyond the theory’s definition as described here?
Name and explain at least one other disciplinary perspective that would lend itself to developing a deeper understanding of the issues addressed by the theory
Name and describe two different research methods that can be used to test the theory you are writing about. Give a detailed explanation of how each study would be designed and carried out.