Sociological Theoretical Explanation – Rational Choice Theory:
Sociologist Gary Becker’s Rational Choice Theory can be used to explain everyday decisions about password creation. He believed that people are naturally rational beings; thus, in his rational choice theory, he proclaimed that rational thinking influenced certain decisions or behaviors. “According to Rational Choice Theory, people make decisions based on a calculated cost-benefit analysis (“What do I gain and/or lose from a specific action?”)” (Kendall, 2014). In other words, an individual would be more inclined to commit or implement actions for self-interest.
In relation to this module, this theory helps us to pose the question, “Are people driven to choose effective passwords to protect themselves and their environment?” National security practitioners should be aware of the damaging costs unsecure passwords can have, and this should impact how they create passwords. Lay people as well as security personnel should be aware of the costs if passwords are unsecure.