...When to Apply Rational Choice Theory A widely used model to study human behavior, called Rational Choice Theory, helps to simplify social phenomena by assuming these properties: utility maximization, consistency, expected value, individuals as relevant agents, homogeneity, and equilibrium. Almost all social scientists, especially economists, use this model to predict human behavior, and sometimes their results may contradict the actual phenomenon; in other words, they were unaware that their experiments failed to meet one or more of the Rational Choice Theory assumptions. For example, in situations like enlisting in the military and eventually going to war, where individuals fail to maximize utility and contradicts the assumptions of the Rational Choice Theory, applying the theory would be nonsensical. However, when dealing with situations in which individuals behave rationally like sex workers in the prostitution industry, whereby all Rational Choice Theory assumptions are met, the theory explains phenomena exceptionally well. The example of soldiers going into battle clearly contradicts the assumptions necessary for the Rational Choice Theory to hold. By definition, a rational human being would choose the option that gives him the highest level of utility. In deciding to join the military and fight in war, the costs of making this decision heavily outweighs the benefits. Comparatively, this problem resembles the “Voter’s Paradox” in which Anthony Downs explained using a...
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...The primary assumptions of Rational Choice Theory, is the beliefs that “human beings are rational and self-interested beings who are affected by the consequences of their actions” (Miller, 4). It is said that a person considers reason to their actions, such as: opportunities; the results that may come of the actions (advantages), costs, benefits. A person is capable of finding reasons to support their actions or at least try to create something to make them feel like the decision they make is justifiable; “rational choice theorists is not that individuals are purely rational in their decision making, but rather that they do consider the costs and benefits” (Hagan, 116). Miller (2009), said that “various costs and benefits that are considered by the would-be offender are the subjective ones” (p. 8), in other words, a soon to be offender will choose to commit an offense after...
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...The rational choice theory explains that the rational actors will choose to engage in crime rather than non-crime, when the actor perceived net benefits of crime is larger than the perceived net benefits of non-crime (Benson and Simpson 2015,). The rational choice that is conducted because of the influence of the rational actors’ self interest. “Self-interest is the driving force of our society: people tend to try to improve their personal situation (Kirchgassner 2014, 1119 ). Self interest is different for all individuals because their interest is affected by numerous materialistic elements. Simpson and Piquero conducted a research whether low self control contributes to executing a crime. The research indicated that low self control...
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...Introduction The theory of bounded rationality is one that been a cause for discussion in economist circles around the world for many years. The theory, originally coined by Hebert Simon surrounded the limitation of humans to process the amount of information available to make a logical, economic decision and the consumer would therefore, settle for something that satisfyingly sufficient, or ‘satisfice’(Simon 1955). Furthermore, the theory expanded over time to also include mans use of heuristics to simplify cognitive effort in the decision making process (Simon and Newell 1972) and it was argued that ‘logical and economic’ decisions were never reached by humans due to emotions and judgement controlling the decision making process and causing a range of biases and errors (Tversky and Kahneman 1986). The theory identified that humans would use these heuristics, such as rule of thumb or an estimation, to find something that is satisfactory to their needs rather than making the ideal economic decision. I agree with the notion that the world is ‘too complex for people to solve problems by employing strict logical rules and comprehensive thought processes’ (Simon 1955) and am also of the belief that humans will rely on heuristics to make the cognitive process more straightforward. Rational Consumer Choice Rational consumer choice theory has been around for many years and stems from the ideal that consumers act in a ‘rational’ fashion when making economic decisions. Not as...
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...The Rational Choice theory implies that individuals who commit crimes commit them after contemplating the risks of getting caught and the pending punishment, along with the rewards of accomplishing the criminal act. However, individuals who do not commit a crime decide that accomplishing the criminal act is too risky and not worth the reward. In other words, whether you are a criminal or not, rational thinking takes place, based on this theory. The Deterrence theory implies that if a punishment is severe, certain, and swift enough a would-be criminal will evaluate the gains and losses prior to participating in criminal acts. There are two elements to the Deterrence theory, general deterrence and specific deterrence. General deterrence is intended...
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...Student’s Name: Course Name: Instructor’s Name: Institution: Date: Consumer choice theory is a microeconomics branch that tries to relate preferences to both consumer demand curves and consumer expenditures. The theory analyses the way consumers maximize their need to consume which is measured by their preferences against the limited ways on their expenditure. Consumers do this by utility maximization subject to a constraint on their budget. Other times it gets referred to as the theory of consumer behavior. Through the study of this theory, researchers can explain why the consumers would buy more of the product when its price is less as compared to when its price is high. Another elaboration of the theory is that it shows the reason why the households spend their income as they always do (Haugtvedt, Herr, & Kardes, 2008). The greater assumption is that every consumer is rational and aims at maximizing their satisfaction. Some major theories explain the consumer behavior. First is the Cardinalist approach or the marginal utility theory and the second is the ordinalist approach or the analysis of the indifference curves. The former describes extra satisfaction a consumer derives after consuming an extra unit of a commodity while consumption of all other products remains unchanged. The law of diminishing marginal utility gives a thorough elaboration on why the demand curves always have a downward sloping nature. The latter shows the line of combinations (indifference curves)...
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...Choice Theories Roslyn Wooten CJA/490 September 9, 2013 Ray Cueller Choice Theories “Criminology is the study of why individuals commit crimes and why they behave in certain situations. If people can understand and learn why a person commits a crime, there can be ways to develop control in crime or rehabilitate the criminal. In criminology there are many theories. Some relate crime to the individual; they believe that an individual weighs the pros and cons and makes a conscious decision or choice if to commit a crime or not. It is believed that a community should support the responsibility of ensuring their citizens do not commit any crimes by offering them a safe and secure place in which to live. It is also believed that some individuals have latent traits that will determine how they will react when put in certain negative situations. In studying these theories and applying them to individuals, it is hoped that psychologists can deter criminals from repeating crimes and help them in their rehabilitation”. * “Choice Theory: The belief that individuals choose to commit a crime, looking at the opportunities before them, weighing the benefit versus the punishment, and deciding whether to proceed or not”. * “Classical Theory: Similar to the choice theory, this theory ascertains that people think before they proceed with criminal actions; that when one commits a crime, it is because the individual decided that it was advantageous to commit the crime”. ...
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...The Choice Theory By Adrienne Clarey CIS170 Professor Nick George The Theory that I selected was the Choice Theory according to the choice theory the individual commits the crime because he or she make a rational choice to do so by weighing the risks and benefits of committing the act. If the risk (e.g.,) (apprehension and punishment) out weight the benefits, then the person will not commit the act, and vice versa. But in a more perfect world that might be true. I think that the criminal mind does not have a rational thought process, because even if the crime has a negative outcome the criminal will still commit the crime. I think that it is more of a personal satisfaction more than anything else. The theory is related to earlier drift theory (Matza: 1964) where people use the techniques of neutralization to drift in and out of delinquent behavior, and the Systematic Crime Theory (an aspect of Social Disorganization Theory developed by the Chicago School), where Edwin Sutherland proposed that the failure of families and extended kin groups expands the realm of relationships no longer controlled by the community, and undermines governmental controls. This leads to persistent "systematic" crime and delinquency. He also believed that such disorganization causes and reinforces the cultural traditions and cultural conflicts that support antisocial activity. The systematic quality of the behavior was a reference to repetitive, patterned or organized offending as...
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...Criminal Acts and Choice Paper James Hankerson CJ4/204 October 19, 2011 Lyndsey Hix Criminal Acts and Choice Paper There is not one answer to why crime happens. Every day criminals makes choices whether to commit a crime or not, and they are not thinking about the consequences that follows. In cities and communities crime has grown enormous to new highs, since the economy is down and the poverty level is up. There’s many reasons why so much crime is happening, but the poverty level is one of the main reasons, with people losing their jobs, losing their homes, and don’t have the financial resources to feed their families make individuals seek other alternatives. Theorists have worked long hard hours to find clarifications that allow a nonviolent, noncriminal individual to understand what goes on in the heart, mind, body, and soul of a criminal. In this paper the questions that would be explained are, describe choice theories and how they relate to crime. I’ll list, and describe the common model in how society determines is considered to be criminal and how it impacted by choice theories of crime. Choice Theories and how they relate to Crime? We almost always have choices, and the better the choice, the more we will be in control of our lives (Glasser, 2009). Choice theory is described also known as the rational theory is the idea that people tend to make choices in a way that maximizes advantages while minimizing cost (Wisegeek, 2011). There are two main theories in the criminal...
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...INDIVIDUAL Assignment Coversheet This form is to be completed by students submitting hard copies of essays or assignments for a Faculty of Social Sciences subject. Assignments are to be submitted to the relevant academic. ------------------------------------------------- PLAGIARISM ------------------------------------------------- Deliberate plagiarism may lead to failure in the subject. Plagiarism is cheating by using the written ideas or submitted work of someone else. The University of Wollongong has a strong policy against plagiarism. See Acknowledgement Practice/Plagiarism Prevention Policy at http://www.uow.edu.au/about/policy/UOW058648.html ------------------------------------------------- Please note: Students MUST retain a copy of the Assignment Receipt for any work submitted. Student Name: Leanne Brooks Student Number: 9659072 Subject Code & Name: EDGS916 Assignment Title: Assessment Task 3 Tutorial/Practical Group: Wednesday 8pm (Day and Time) Tutor’s Name: Ray Handley Assignment Due Date: 26th October, 2015 DECLARATION We certify that this is entirely our own work, except where we have given fully documented references to the work of others, and that the material contained in this assignment has not previously been submitted for assessment in any formal course of study. We understand the definition and consequences of plagiarism. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The marker of this assessment item may, for the purpose of assessing this assignment, reproduce...
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...Glaser’s Seven Deadly Habits Choice Theory (also known as Reality Theory), developed by William Glasser, (2013) involves a central idea that individuals are responsible for their own choices. Inherent in this idea is the concept that one cannot control the actions or feelings of another. With this in mind, it is imperative to create a classroom in which students feel respected, safe and happy. This involves creating and understanding relationships with students and an effort to pay attention to the relationships students develop with each other in the classroom. (Not to mention the relationships teacher form with peer groups, administrators and stake holders in their educational communities). Glasser refers to the following behaviors as the “seven deadly habits” of teachers. These are behaviors which prevent the establishment of caring and safe learning environments by creating disharmony and discord in the classroom and prevent the establishment of healthy relationships. • Criticizing • Blaming • Complaining • Nagging • Threatening • Punishing • Rewarding others in an attempt to control behavior Glasser suggests teachers should establish the habit of replacing these negative behaviors with seven “connecting habits” which he identifies as: • Caring • Listening • Supporting • Respecting • Encouraging • Trusting • Negotiating differences I know that it is important to maintain a respectful, safe and happy environment for my students in the band room...
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...William Glasser Reality Therapy/Choice Therapy Introduction “Choice theory is the theoretical basis for reality therapy; it explains why and how we function”. (Corey, 2013, p.306) The following report will explore the work of William Glasser. William Glasser, 1925 – 2013, was an American psychiatrist who developed a theory on human behaviour. Glasser believed that our behaviour is the cornerstone for how our lives are developing, for how we feel and how we act. He believed that we have control over our behaviours and thus we have control over what we think and how we act. It is through reality therapy that a client can learn how to change his or her behaviour. The use of strategies, by a qualified therapist, can set about achieving a happier life for the client. These set of strategies are not a set of rules to follow, but, are used in accordance with the progress of the client, thus requiring a qualified therapist, as outlined by The William Glasser Institute (2010). Glasser believed that using terms such as depressed or angry shows a lack of personal responsibility. Instead Glasser used terms like depressing, headaching, angering. He said that these are only part of our behaviour, people are not depressed, they are depressing themselves, as argued by Corey (2013). Philosophical principles. “Many of the problems of clients are caused by their inability to connect, to get close to others, or to have a satisfying or successful relationship with at least one significant...
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...Introduction This paper is an exploration of William Glassers Choice Theory. Firstly I will briefly look at definitions of counselling and how counselling has evolved. I will then look at his background, the philosophy and theory behind his therapy and how it is applied. Finally I will discuss what I feel are some of its strengths and weaknesses before finishing with my conclusion. Definitions of Counselling. There are many definitions of counselling, but most share the same idea: it is when one person helps another. To me counselling represents one word more than any other: CHANGE. One person is unhappy with some area of their life and wants it to change while the other person helps to facilitate that change. Just as there are many definitions of counselling there are many types of counselling with different philosophies. In fact “Karasu (1986) reported having come across more than 400 distinct models of counselling and psychotherapy “(McLeod, 2008, p.10). There is evidence of unhappy people in every society in history and the treatments were as varied in the past as they are today. As far back as the fourteenth century asylums were used to house the mentally ill, which also included people with speech disorders, epilepsy and depression. Up until the 19th century these places were more interested in removing them from the general public and locking them up than helping or curing them. Thankfully we have come a long way from this to a more accepting way of dealing...
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...Comparative Analysis Person Centered Therapy and Choice Theory/Reality Therapy By Austin (Russ) Duffy Introduction Person Centered Therapy; Carl Ransom Rogers, Born January 8, 1902 – Died February 4, 1987. Rogers was an American Psychologist who developed Person Centered Therapy (originally referred to as Client Centered Therapy in 1951) based on premise that clients are responsible for taking control of the changes they believe are needed in their lives. This would be a clear departure from Freud’s lengthy approach where the counselor would interpret the client’s story or life experience. Rogers believed, using empathetic understanding and unconditional positive regard people would have the potential given the proper tools to resolve their own problems. Rogers identified accurate empathetic understanding as another critical task of therapists. Choice Theory / Reality Therapy; William Glasser, born May 11, 1925 is an American psychiatrist who developed Choice Theory / Reality Therapy in the early sixties therapies. Choice Theory is an explanation of human behaviour developed by Dr. William Glasser. Reality Therapy is the application of Choice Theory within the context of helping relationships Glasser first developed this approach to use working in schools for troubled adolescents and may explain his life-long interest in both therapy and education. In 1985 the Institute of Guidance Counsellors arranged for Dr. Glasser to visit Ireland. By 1987 the Irish branch...
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...and by setting a tone in the classroom, and the tone of the classroom is set. My main goal is to have the right environment for all students to learn, without it, students will not be able to learn. I only have four classroom rules, they are: 1. Raise your hand to speak. 2. Be helpful, friendly, and fair to others. 3. Work quietly in your seats. 4. Show respect. Showing respect is the very important to me. If I have respect for my students, and they respect each other, this will lead to a safe environment. I will also have the students create their own classroom rule. I believe by doing so they are more likely to obey them and the consequences will not be fought against. I strongly believe in the “Choice Theory”, by William Glasser. He states that “students must have a choice and that if they help choose their curriculum and decide on the rules of the classroom they will then have ownership of their own learning”. If the student continues to misbehave, a phone call will be made to the parent. I also strongly agree on building a strong student-teacher relationship with my students. I want all of my students to feel comfortable, and not feel they are being treated unfairly, especially in a diverse classroom, where some students have different backgrounds. I do NOT want my...
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