The Study of Deviance When studying deviance, sociologists view the subject in different ways, and posses different theories about the way deviant behavior is caused, treated and studied. Goode defines theories as "models of the world that are supported by a preponderance of evidence" (p.66). In order for a theory to be considered scientific it must be: (1) empirically verifiable, (2) provide an explanation, and (3) apply to a general class of phenomena (p.65). Some theories or perspectives that fall under the study of deviance are the learning theory, interactionism, control theory, conflict theory, and two smaller categories are Marxism