Theoretical FrameworkComment by Chris Martinez: A theoretical framework consists of concepts, together with their definitions, and existing theory/theories that are used for your particular study. The theoretical framework must demonstrate an understanding of theories and concepts that are relevant to the topic of your  research paper and that will relate it to the broader fields of knowledge in the class you are taking.The theoretical framework is not something that is found readily available in the literature. You must review course readings and pertinent research literature for theories and analytic models that are relevant to the research problem you are investigating. The selection of a theory should depend on its appropriateness, ease of application, and explanatory power.The theoretical framework strengthens the study in the following ways.An explicit statement of  theoretical assumptions permits the reader to evaluate them critically.The theoretical framework connects the researcher to existing knowledge. Guided by a relevant theory, you are given a basis for your hypotheses and choice of research methods.Articulating the theoretical assumptions of a research study forces you to address questions of why and how. It permits you to move from simply describing a phenomenon observed to generalizing about various aspects of that phenomenon.Having a theory helps you to identify the limits to those generalizations. A theoretical framework specifies which key variables influence a phenomenon of interest. It alerts you to examine how those key variables might differ and under what circumstances.

Considering the nature of this study’s problem that needs to be solved, the study will use the strain theory. Cambridge dictionary defines strain as a force that compels someone to do something (Cambridge Dictionary, n.d). According to Agnew (1999), the tenets of strain theory best explain religious radicalization as a form of domestic terrorism because they explain why individuals opt to join radicalization programs. Proponents of the strain theory purport that people commit crimes because they experience strain (a point) that upsets them, causing a rebellion. Agnew (1999) researched and expanded on the earlier version of the strain theory. He found that strain could explain the differences in severe crimes between various communities. He added to forms of strain that could culminate into rebellion or crimes. Indeed, the tenets of strain theory connect with concepts infused in the study of radicalization. A study done by Agnew (1999) concluded that many innocent people, especially the youths, join radical religious groups because they lack something in life that can be equated to strain in life. One category of strain prevents people from achieving their valued goals, while the second category takes away things people value (Agnew, 1999). Some strain causes are poor health conditions since they block individuals' pathways towards some goals (Stogner & Gibson, 2010). Strain may result from the want of money, respect, power, and autonomy (Merton, n.d). Strain theory is relevant in studying radicalization and domestic terrorism because it explains some of the strain factors people face, similar to why people join radicalized groups or opt for radicalization and get involved in domestic violence.Comment by Chris Martinez: theoryComment by Chris Martinez: how will you tie in this theory with your research topic and why?

According to the study done by Jones (2022, March 7), existing studies have tackled the issue of domestic terrorism radicalization in different ways. Some believe that domestic terrorism results from interactions with the terrorists through various media. In contrast, others believe that terrorism results from psychosocial trauma and complicated social relations compel the victims to join and undertake terrorism activities (Jones, 2022, March 7). Religious radicalization is one way through which people are made to become terrorists. Radicalized youths, especially Muslims, believe that killing other people will be forgiven and rewarded. Islamic extremism, the most common form of religious terrorism, is influenced by Quran extreme interpretations (Venkatraman, 2007). These are some ways that enhance strain among the radicalized youth and push them to commit terror crimes in their countries. The strain theory will help understand how various themes impact domestic terrorism in the United States. Some issues to consider are the foreign policies, government interference into internal matters in other countries, and social pressures towards specific groups, which prompt rebellion.Comment by Chris Martinez: By?Comment by Chris Martinez: Who?

Comment by Chris Martinez: Follow APA 7th edition or your university graduate template on sub headings

Reference ListComment by Chris Martinez: You have 4 of 5 peered reviewed journal articles on this list this is a good start…strive for 80 percent.Also, each reference needs to be cited in the document or removed. Continue to add references exponentially as your research grows…heavily cite your document while synthesizing what others have said.Look at APA 7th edition…remove the word “list”

Agnew, R. (1999). A general strain theory of community differences in crime rates. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 36(2), 123–155.

Drevon, J., & Khalifa, D. (2021, June 16). They are exploiting disorder: Al-Qaeda and the Islamic state. Crisis Group. Retrieved February 24, 2022, from

Jones, S. G. (2022, March 7). The escalating terrorism problem in the United States. The Escalating Terrorism Problem in the United States | Center for Strategic and International Studies. Retrieved February 23, 2022, from

Merton, R. K. (n.d.). Crime causation: Sociological theories – strain theory. Strain Theory – Delinquency, People, Money, and Engage – JRank Articles. Retrieved February 24, 2022, from

My-Peer Toolkit. MyPeer Toolkit RSS2. (n.d.). Retrieved February 24, 2022, from

Rink, A., & Sharma, K. (2016). The determinants of religious radicalization. Journal of Conflict Resolution, 62(6), 1229–1261.

Rogers, M. B., Loewenthal, K. M., Lewis, C. A., Amlôt, R., Cinnirella, M., & Ansari, H. (2007). The role of religious fundamentalism in terrorist violence: A Social Psychological Analysis. International Review of Psychiatry, 19(3), 253–262.

Shapiro, L. R., & Maras, M.-H. (2018). Women’s radicalization to religious terrorism: An examination of isis cases in the United States. Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 42(1-2), 88–119.

Stogner, J., & Gibson, C. L. (2010). Healthy, wealthy, and wise: Incorporating health issues as a source of strain in Agnew's general strain theory. Journal of Criminal Justice, 38(6), 1150–1159.

Strain. Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/strain

Venkatraman, A. (2007). Religious basis for Islamic terrorism: The Quran and its interpretations. Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 30(3), 229–248.

Wilner, A. S., & Dubouloz, C.-J. (2010). Homegrown terrorism and transformative learning: An interdisciplinary approach to understanding radicalization. Global Change, Peace & Security, 22(1), 33–51.

Wright, J. D. (2016). Why is Contemporary Religious Terrorism Predominantly Linked to Islam? Four Possible Psychosocial Factors. Perspectives on Terrorism, 10(1), 19–31