Elliott, Delbert S., Suzanne S. Ageton, and Rachelle J. Canter: Integrated Perspective on Delinquency

Terrance J. Taylor

A strong proponent of the integrated approach, Delbert S. Elliott (1985) highlighted the strengths of integration. Elliott describes the process of theoretical integration as a natural outgrowth of theoretical development. Theories develop through a critical evaluation of existing schools of thought and, to some extent, a synthesis of earlier approaches through reformulation and refinement. The interest in theoretical integration, however, was somewhat distinct in that it represented a departure from the traditional methods of testing competing hypotheses of classic theories to determine which one is correct to an interest in the empirical veracity of the theories. This change was fostered in part through methodological advances allowing an examination of specific concepts derived from the theories. Specifically, methodological advances in statistical analyses allowed for increased isolation of key constructs and the relative strength of empirical support for each. Theoretical integration, Elliott argued, provided an opportunity to develop more intricate explanations, which ...

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