The Discussion Board (DB) is part of the core of online learning. Classroom discussion in an online environment requires the active participation of students and the instructor to create robust interaction and dialogue. Every student is expected to create an original response to the open-ended DB question as well as engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the week. At the end of each unit, DB participation will be assessed based on both level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion.

At a minimum, each student will be expected to post an original and thoughtful response to the DB question and contribute to the weekly dialogue by responding to at least two other posts from students. The first contribution must be posted before midnight (Central Time) on Wednesday of each week. Two additional responses are required after Wednesday of each week. Students are highly encouraged to engage on the Discussion Board early and often, as that is the primary way the university tracks class attendance and participation.

The purpose of the Discussion Board is to allow students to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content and the DB question. Because it is not possible to engage in two-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB will be accepted after the end of each week.

Over the past 100 years, two of the most important philosophies in criminology have been positivist and rational choice. Rational choice theory in criminal justice is the philosophy that every human is a rational actor who makes a decision between what is deviant and what is good. The choice is one made freely and with an understanding of the consequences.

Positivist philosophy in criminal justice brings up the issue of whether humans have an intrinsic evil inside their being that forces them toward decisions on criminal behavior. 

Please post an answer to the following questions. Support your answers with academic or real life criminal justice examples to accentuate your point. The questions are as follows:

•Which of the two philosophies (rational choice or positivism) do you believe explains criminal behavior in a much more complete manner? Why?
•In your opinion, do you think that police departments prefer a certain philosophy between these two? Why? 

In your own words, please post a response to the Discussion Board, and comment on two other postings. You will be graded on the quality of your postings.
For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials