Merton's strain theory would have the most trouble explaining which crime?

assault

fraud

robbery

burglary

Strain theory would least apply to assault. Strain theory represents the result of society pressuring individuals to conform or to achieve accepted goals. When these goals, such as not making enough money or not being well known, fraud, robbery, and burglaries will take place to counteract it. Assault, on the other hand, is used as a bridge into crimes such as fraud, robbery, or burglary.