published_or_final_version / Social Work / Master / Master of Social Work

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2009. / Title from PDF title page (viewed Jan. 22, 2010). Includes bibliographical references (p. 65-71).

Thesis (M.S.W.)--University of Hong Kong, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 119-128).

Unauthorized computer access by employees is the most common hacking behavior in every company. Hence, it is necessary to first understand why an employee engages to commit it and then find effective methods of prevention to reduce the crime rate. Many studies on computer hacking has discussed the reasons for the behavior, for example: neutralization theory, differential association theory and containment theory. However, those theories and perspectives were adopted independently in past research. In this study, we combine those perspectives and create an integrated model to explain the employee¡¦s intention to commit unauthorized computer access. Data collected from 351employees in Taiwan confirmed our hypotheses and were tested against the research model. The results support the theoretical model in explaining how neutralization theory and containment theory may affect an employee¡¦s intention to commit unauthorized computer access. Finally, we found that neutralization is the most important factor to take into account when organizations develop and implement security policies or education which can decrease employees¡¦ intentions to commit unauthorized computer access.

This study examined the potential moderating effects that the fear of falling may have on potential white-collar crime perpetrators using rational choice and differential association theory perspectives. A self-report, factorial survey measurement tool utilizing three hypothetical vignettes placing respondents in a business situation with the potential to commit insider trading was given to 612 students at a Midwestern university. Results indicate that the fear of falling had no moderating effects, differential association theory was partially supported in Vignette 1, and rational choice theory was partially supported across all three vignettes.

This study uses a data set on adolescent offending, originally collected by a team of researchers at the Vera Institute of Justice in New York City, to critically examine the role of incarceration in criminal rehabilitation. A theoretical explanation of recidivism is constructed using four criminological theories: life course theory (Sampson & Laub 1993), differential association theory (Sutherland 1939), deterrence theory, and reintegrative shaming theory (Braithwaite 1989). This thesis uses these theories to investigate societal factors that may contribute to young offenders’ recidivism (versus successful rehabilitation). It is argued that youths who: (1) come from unconventional family environments, (2) possess deviant peer associations, (3) receive incarceration as punishment, and (4) undergo a stigmatizing shaming process are more likely to recidivate. The combination of these factors is also expected to be intensified during incarceration. An empirical examination of the effects of these factors on recidivism supports the main hypotheses advanced. Although conventional family environments and deviant peer associations are successful in determining first-time offending, results from this study suggest that these are inadequate as predictors of recidivism. Conversely, an extension of Braithwaite’s (1989) reintegrative shaming concept was found to be a strong predictor of subsequent offending. Medium sentence lengths in prison were associated with increased risk to recidivate. Most importantly, the results gathered some support for restorative justice approaches to criminal rehabilitation. Future considerations for recidivism research are explored. / Thesis (Master, Sociology) -- Queen's University, 2009-12-16 15:53:46.514

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Mental illness and substance use disorders have been determined to be leading predictors for recidivism among criminal offenders in the United States who are released to community supervision. Women make up an increasing in percentage of this criminal justice population; however, few studies have explored the role that gender plays in determining men and women's recidivism. Offender's education, employment, and peer association have also been reported to be predictors increasing the likelihood of recidivism among criminal offenders. This study was designed to determine if gender, mental illness, substance use disorder, employment, education, and peer association predicted recidivism. Differential association theory and gender pathways theory provided the theoretical framework for this study for examining archival data obtained from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency AUTO Screener and Supervision Management Automated Record Tracking System. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that substance use disorder significantly predicted recidivism, while employment decreased the likelihood of recidivism. This study did not find a significant interaction between mental illness and substance use disorder or mental illness only. Additionally, neither gender, education, nor peer association were found to be associated with recidivism. This study promotes social change by highlighting the increasing need for services for offenders and identifying the complex factors that impact recidivism. The findings from this study will be helpful to criminal justice agencies for developing programs that address the need of SUD and employment for offenders to reduce the likelihood of recidivism and increase public safety.

Athletics has been regarded as a means of encouraging youth to build character, discipline, and develop healthy habits. However, literature has emerged that asserts athletics do not prevent deviant behaviors, but instead, influence one to commit deviant acts. As such, this research examined effects of athletics on the commission of deviant behaviors via learning and techniques of neutralization theories. Subjects for this project included 325 college students from a southern regional university. Data were generated through the use of a self-report questionnaire, which measured variables pertaining to self-reported deviant behaviors including perceptions of peer deviance, neutralizing indicators, and sports participation. The findings suggest some support for each theoretical model, differential association and techniques of neutralization. Both theoretical models were supported, in general, with learning theory having the most support. When participation in sporting activity was considered, however, the results consistently showed no effect on various types of self-reported deviant behavior.

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