10/12/2021
By Karen Mullins

The School of Criminology and Justice Studies is proud to announce a Dissertation Proposal Defense by Lisa M. Thompson entitled: “Exploring Offender Decision-Making Through the Lens of Moral Foundations Theory.”

Friday, Oct. 22
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Zoom ID: 513 193 5376

Committee:

  • Neil Shortland, Chair
  • Jason Rydberg
  • Andrew Harris
  • Jason Silver, Rutgers University

Abstract: To date, the study of offender decision-making has been primarily rooted in rational choice perspectives (RCP), perpetuating the concept of the “rational offender” who relies on systematic evaluations when choosing a course of action. However, the wider study of “everyday” decision-making suggests that decision outcomes are not determined solely by cost-and-benefit analyses, but also by emotions, including fear and uncertainty, and our commitment to personal values. The proposed study takes an interdisciplinary approach to offending and decision-making when faced with uncertainty over high-stakes outcomes, using the lens of Moral Foundations Theory to explore the role of moral endorsements on the decision to engage in deviant behavior.