Welcome to the Companion Website

Introducing Criminological Thinking: Maps, Theories, and Understanding is an accessible and user-friendly criminological theory text for students, instructors and researchers. In addition to the unique use of concept maps, mind maps, and other visual techniques to consider theory-based inquiry, this text combines an exploration of the core elements of theory with relevant examples drawn from biology, psychology, sociology, critical traditions, and integrative efforts. Unlike in other theory texts, the chapters are arranged by level of explanation to help students understand how theories from different disciplines interact with each other as a foundation for many contemporary criminological theories.

Authors Jon Heidt and Johannes Wheeldon have developed a seven-step model to identify key aspects of different theories including their historical and social context, base assumptions, scope, problem foci, terms/concepts, related research, and practical ramifications. This text offers both a student-friendly theoretical discussion and accessible visual examples to explain criminological theory and its applicability to social science research.

This site is intended to enhance your use of Introducing Criminological Thinking: Maps, Theories, and Understanding by Jon Heidt and Johannes P. Wheeldon. Please note that all the materials on this site are especially geared toward increasing your effectiveness with this material and for maximizing the potential for your students to learn.

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge Jon Heidt and Johannes P. Wheeldon for writing an excellent text and ancillaries.