ABSTRACT
As we move from the first stage of the multi-stage model of theory integration, where the focus is on identifying risk factors, to the second stage of the multi-stage model, where the focus is on organizing these risk factors into triads, we see a significant increase in model complexity. Although simplicity is one goal of theory development, such simplicity should not come at the expense of a comprehensive understanding of crime and criminals. In an effort to achieve this goal, Chapter 9 illustrates how antecedent, mediating, and moderating triads can be formed by combining risk factors. This is an important step in the theory integration process and illustrates precisely how criminology can move beyond the single-variable theories that have defined it from its inception. Besides discussing the inner workings of triads in general, several specific examples are provided. Some of these examples include antecedent triads relating to the origins of reactive criminal thinking, mediating the peer influence and selection effects with criminal thought process, and investigating the moderating effect of perceived certainty of punishment on both intentions to commit crime and future involvement in crime.
