Assignment task:
Research question: Will harsher sentencing decrease crime rates? Related Theory: Deterrence theory suggests that people are more reluctant to commit crime if they believe they will receive a harsher punishment. The fear of their consequences can deter their choices to commit criminal activity. Hypothesis: The implementation of harsher sentencing will deter and lower crime rates. Using the deterrence theory equation one can formulate the hypothesis that harsher punishments will only deter crime more. The theory provides the foundation to the creation of the hypothesis.