SAGE Reference - Encyclopedia of Criminal Justice Ethics

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Rational Choice Theory

By: Jeffrey P. Rush, Sheri Jenkins-Keenan & Kyle Lucas
In: Encyclopedia of Criminal Justice Ethics
Edited by: Bruce A. Arrigo
Subject:Values & Ethics, Criminal Justice Ethics

The rational choice theory is structured around the belief that humans make decisions based on complex equations weighing the costs, benefits, and opportunities presented by varying situations. This theory became popular following the publishing of Derek Cornish and Ronald Clarke's ...

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  Rush, J., Jenkins-Keenan, S., & Lucas, K. (2014). Rational choice theory. In B. A. Arrigo (Ed.), Encyclopedia of criminal justice ethics (Vol. 1, pp. 778-779). SAGE Publications, Inc., https://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781452274102.n279
  
  Rush, Jeffrey P., Sheri Jenkins-Keenan, and Kyle Lucas. "Rational Choice Theory." In Encyclopedia of Criminal Justice Ethics, edited by Arrigo, Bruce A., 778-79. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc., 2014. https://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781452274102.n279.
  
  Rush, J., Jenkins-Keenan, S. and Lucas, K. 2014. Rational Choice Theory. In: Bruce A. Arrigo Editor, 2014. Encyclopedia of Criminal Justice Ethics, Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. pp. 778-779 Available at: <https://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781452274102.n279> [Accessed 16 May 2022].
  
  Rush, Jeffrey P., et al. "Rational Choice Theory." Encyclopedia of Criminal Justice Ethics. Edited by Bruce A. Arrigo. Vol. 1. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications, Inc., 2014, pp. 778-79. SAGE Knowledge. 16 May 2022, doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781452274102.n279.
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