In criminology, what do we call a theory that outlines general principles about crime?

A theory that outlines general principles about crime is referred to as a general theory. This type of theory aims to provide a broad framework or set of ideas that can be used to understand various aspects of criminal behavior, crime patterns, and the factors influencing crime across different contexts. General theories are significant in criminology because they seek to explain crime in a way that can be applied to multiple situations, rather than being limited to specific incidents or types of crime.

In the realm of criminology, general theories help researchers and practitioners develop a cohesive understanding of crime, which can inform policy-making, crime prevention strategies, and law enforcement practices. They strive for theoretical clarity and the ability to explain the complex nature of crime, making them foundational in criminological studies.

The other options, while relevant to specific contexts within criminology, do not encapsulate the broad, overarching nature of a general theory. Disciplinary theories may focus on specific disciplines or fields within criminology, normative theories outline what behaviors should be considered acceptable or unacceptable, and explanatory theories seek to explain particular phenomena but may not cover the comprehensive principles associated with crime as a whole.