Home

Learn more

Northern Essex Community College

Module 5 Writing Assignment

Review the assignment overview, learning objectives, directions, and submission expectations before submitting your work.

Overview
Biosocial criminology often generates debate because it intersects science, ethics, and criminal justice policy. Evaluating these theories requires careful, unbiased analysis and an understanding of how research assumptions influence policy outcomes.
In this assignment, you will examine the role of open inquiry in criminological research, with specific attention to biological and biosocial theories of crime and their policy implications.
Student Learning Objectives

(These objectives support the assignment and are not the questions to be answered.)

  • LO1: Evaluate biological and biosocial theories of crime using principles of objective and evidence-based inquiry (SLO3).
  • LO2: Analyze the social policy implications of biological and biosocial explanations of criminal behavior (SLO10).
Assignment Topic
Former American Society of Criminology president C. Ray Jeffery stated: “Open inquiry requires objective consideration of all points of view and an unbiased examination of each for its ability to shed light on the subject under study.”
In your paper, address the following:
  • Analyze what Jeffery’s statement means in the context of criminological research rather than simply agreeing or disagreeing with it.
  • Explain why open inquiry is especially important when evaluating biological and biosocial theories of crime.
  • Examine the potential social policy implications of biological and biosocial explanations of criminal behavior.
  • Identify and analyze at least one contemporary social or criminal justice policy that reflects biological or biosocial approaches to crime causation.
Your response should emphasize critical analysis, ethical awareness, and practitioner relevance rather than personal opinion.
Acceptable and Ethical Use of AI
  • Use AI to clarify the meaning of biosocial criminology or to summarize debates surrounding biological explanations of crime. Do not use AI to write sections of the paper.
  • Use AI to identify contemporary policies influenced by biological or biosocial thinking, then independently analyze those policies using course concepts.
Directions

Please read all instructions carefully before submitting your assignment.

  • Your paper should be 2-3 pages, using APA style, including 12 font and 1-inch margins.
  • A minimum of at least two (2) sources, with proper APA citations in a Reference Page and proper in-text citations.
  • Abstract NOT needed.
  • Submissions are checked against a Plagiarism Checker and AI Detector.
    • Direct quotes should not exceed 15% of the total paper.
    • AI Usage – you must use AI ethically. Papers written by an AI is cheating.
Submission Guidelines
  • Submit your assignment through the designated submission area.
  • Ensure your file is in [accepted format: Word, PDF, etc.].
  • Review the grading rubric before submitting your work.
Important Reminder

Important: All work must be your own. Follow course policies regarding academic integrity and the use of outside sources or tools.