Problem: In order to understand and explain human and criminal behavior, criminologists use sociological, biological, and psychological theories. The focus of sociological theories is on society and the environment. The biological theory suggests that genetics or brain structure is responsible for criminal behavior. Psychological theories describe how the mind influences a person's behavior. Emile Durkheim significantly contributed to sociological and criminological theory in the early twentieth century. He helped define and establish the field of sociology as an academic discipline.