Theories regarding the effect of various factors on crime rates tend to be described as what?

Theories regarding the effect of various factors on crime rates are accurately described as abstract because they seek to explain complex social phenomena through generalized principles and concepts. These theories are not typically tied to specific instances or concrete cases; rather, they formulate overarching ideas about how social structures, economic conditions, and individual behaviors relate to crime.

An abstract approach allows researchers to create models and frameworks that can be applied to understand and predict criminal behavior across different contexts and populations. This level of theorization transcends individual cases, aiming instead to identify underlying patterns and relationships that could be relevant in various situations. In contrast, other terms such as empirical would involve data and observations, concrete would refer to specific instances or tangible outcomes, and pragmatic would emphasize practical application, rather than the theoretical constructs that define these theories.