Deck 2: Measuring and Explaining Crime

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a violent crime?

A) robbery
B) assault
C) burglary
D) murder

Answer 1

C

Question 2

What are criminological theories primarily concerned with?

A) assisting the criminal justice professional
B) constructing grounds to explain the behavior of criminal justice professionals
C) determining the reasons behind criminal behavior
D) providing support to criminal psychologists

Answer 2

C

Question 3

While traditionally overlooked in criminological research, _______are the fastest growing minority group in the U.S. prison population.

A) African Americans
B) Asians
C) Hispanics
D) American Indians

Answer 3

Hispanics

Question 4

The number of women in prisons and jails is_______ over time.

A) remaining stable
B) decreasing steadily
C) increasing substantially
D) slowly increasing

Question 5

The "dark figure of crime" appears to be:

A) much higher than suggested by the data of the UCR.
B) much lower than suggested by the data of the UCR.
C) slightly lower than suggested by the data of the UCR.
D) consistent by the UCR.

Question 6

______is a phrase used to describe the actual amount of crime that takes place.

A) "Hidden figure of crime"
B) "Dark prediction of crime"
C) "Dark figure of crime"
D) "Hidden prediction of crime"

Question 7

The UCR is prepared by:

A) the United States Census Bureau.
B) the Department of Homeland Security.
C) the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
D) the United States Secret Service.

Question 8

Which of the following is a Part I offense?

A) driving under the influence
B) embezzlement
C) drug abuse violations
D) larceny/theft

Question 9

The study of crime is referred to as:

A) criminal justice.
B) criminology.
C) psychology.
D) sociology.

Question 10

Which of these counts as a public order crime?

A) murder
B) prostitution
C) larceny
D) battery

Question 11

In what form of data collection are persons asked directly, through personal interviews or questionnaires or over the telephone, about specific criminal activity to which they may have been a party?

A) National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS)
B) National Victimization Survey (NCVS)
C) self-reported surveys
D) Uniform Crime Report (UCR)

Question 12

A theory is:

A) a relationship between two variables in which they vary together.
B) an educated guess by a criminologist about the relationship between two variables.
C) a statement in which a variable is denoted as the cause of change in another variable.
D) an explanation for a phenomenon based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning.

Question 13

The Uniform Crime Report (UCR) reports on three measurements. Which of the following is NOT one of them?

A) the number of persons arrested
B) the number of crimes reported by victims, witnesses, or the police themselves
C) the number of officers and support law enforcement specialists
D) the number of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents that compile the UCR

Question 14

The UCR comprises agency data that represents _______of the American population.

A) 95%
B) 88%
C) 76%
D) 65%

Question 15

In the twentieth century, crime declined most between:

A) 1930 and 1940.
B) 1990 and 2000.
C) 1950 and 1960
D) 1970 and 1980.

Question 16

Since its inception in 1930, the _______has attempted to measure the overall rate of crime in the United States by organizing "crimes known to the police."

A) National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS)
B) National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS)
C) self-reported survey
D) Uniform Crime Report (UCR)

Question 17

Researchers who study the causes of crime are:

A) victimologists.
B) criminologists.
C) psychologists.
D) sociologists.

Question 18

When the UCR presents crime data as a rate, they are reporting:

A) the amount of crime per 100,000 people
B) the amount of change that has occurred since the previous year
C) the total number of crimes
D) the frequency with which a particular crime is committed within a 24 hour period

Question 19

What is the newest variation on crime?

A) high­tech crime
B) white­collar crime
C) public order crime
D) organized crime

Question 20

Which of the following is a Part II offense?

A) driving under the influence
B) burglary
C) arson
D) motor vehicle theft

Question 21

Learning theory was popularized by:

A) Cesare Lombroso.
B) Clifford Shaw.
C) Edwin Sutherland.
D) Henry McKay.

Question 22

Rational choice theorists believe the best way to deter crime is to:

A) increase the severity of the punishment for offending.
B) provide counseling and treatment for those individuals at risk for offending.
C) establish programs to strengthen communities.
D) divert juvenile offenders from the criminal justice system.

Question 23

A theory of crime in which offenders weigh the possible benefits of criminal activity against the costs of being apprehended is:

A) rational choice theory.
B) social disorganization theory.
C) social process theory.
D) trait theory.

Question 24

One influential branch of psychology-________________________-focuses on human behavior in the context of how human beings relate to and influence one another.

A) neurophysiology
B) trait theory
C) psychopharmacology
D) social psychology

Question 25

Which theory states that the harsh penalties for "lower­class" crimes, such as burglary, can be seen as a means of protecting the privileges of the "haves" from the aspirations of the "have­nots"?

A) social psychology
B) social control theory
C) conflict theory
D) learning theory

Question 26

Jack Katz (Seduction of Crime) stated that:

A) criminals make decisions by rationally weighing the costs against the benefits of the crime.
B) people commit crimes because they have certain biological traits.
C) people commit crimes when they have the opportunity and there is no suitable guardian.
D) the inherent danger of criminal activity increases the "rush" a criminal experiences on successfully committing a crime.

Question 27

This theory believes that criminals must be taught both the practical and emotional skills necessary to participate in illegal activity.

A) labeling theory
B) learning theory
C) social process theory
D) trait theory

Question 28

Shaw and McKay studied high­crime neighborhoods and discovered that these "zones" were characterized by_______ or a breakdown in schools, families, and community groups.

A) chaos
B) conflict
C) disorganization
D) disruption

Question 29

What is the school of criminology that is often associated with a critique of our capitalist economic system?

A) labeling
B) social conflict
C) social disorganization
D) social process

Question 30

A proposition that can be tested by researchers to determine if it is valid is a:

A) hypothesis.
B) scientific method.
C) theory.
D) correlation.

Question 31

Social conflict theory focuses on ________as a key component in explaining crime.

A) choice
B) the community
C) learning
D) power

Question 32

Which theory suggests that certain biological or psychological traits in individuals could incline them toward criminal behavior given a certain set of circumstances?

A) choice theory
B) social process theory
C) social structure theory
D) trait theory

Question 33

"If I leave my house early then I will never miss the bus." This is an example of a(n):

A) theory.
B) hypothesis.
C) observation.
D) verification.

Question 34

According to _______, social bonds promote conformity to social norms.

A) learning theory
B) conflict theory
C) psychological theory
D) control theory

Question 35

According to_______ , criminal offending is the result of interactions with parents, friends and peer groups.

A) choice theory
B) social disorganization theory
C) social process theory
D) trait theory

Question 36

"As long as I leave home at 7:00am, I don't have to worry about missing the bus." This is an example of a(n):

A) theory.
B) hypothesis.
C) observation.
D) verification.

Question 37

One of the basic assumptions of _________is that people are able to justify improper or even criminal behavior by convincing themselves that it is actually acceptable behavior.

A) rational choice theory
B) control theory
C) social psychology
D) trait theory

Question 38

Psychological theories operate under the assumption that:

A) individuals have traits that make them more or less predisposed to criminal activity.
B) all individuals have mental disorders, but not everyone becomes a criminal.
C) criminals commit crime because of the thrill or "rush" attached to it.
D) criminals weigh the costs and benefits of a crime.

Question 39

Criminologists focusing on sociology have argued that________ are the most important variable in predicting criminal behavior.

A) neighborhood conditions
B) mental illnesses
C) genetic traits
D) opportunities

Question 40

According to Jack Katz, the emotional or sensual rush a criminal experiences upon the successful completion of a crime is referred to as:

A) crime adrenaline.
B) criminal benefit.
C) rush sensation.
D) seduction of crime.

Question 41

Robbery is considered a violent crime.

Question 42

Case 2-2
Mayor Smith is the newly elected mayor of Anytown, USA. He is concerned with the increasing crimes rates in his city. He schedules a meeting with Chief Gomez, who has been the chief of the police department since 1990. He plans to discuss crime trends and ways to collect data to be able to measure the overall crime rate in Anytown, USA.
Mayor Smith asks what specific information is measured by this report. Chief Gomez explains that the report measures all of the following except:

A) the number of persons arrested.
B) the number of crimes reported by victims, witnesses, or the police themselves.
C) the number of law enforcement officers.
D) the number of persons convicted of crimes.

Question 43

Chief Gomez explains that the report is divided into two major categories: Part I and Part II offenses. Mayor Smith asks the difference between the two reports. Chief Gomez explains that Part I offenses are more serious offenses. Chief Gomez gives the mayor examples of Part I offenses. Which of the following would not be considered a Part I offense?

A) aggravated assault
B) drug abuse violations
C) motor vehicle theft
D) robbery

Question 44

Case 2-1
Tina's mother bought Tina a new pair of jeans when she received all A's on her report card. Jane was jealous that Tina got new jeans because she wanted the same pair of jeans. But, Jane's parents were not able to afford them. One day, Jane skipped school and broke into Tina's house when she knew no one would be home. Jane took the jeans from Tina's bedroom and left the house.
What category of crime did Jane commit?

A) violent crime
B) property crime
C) public order crime
D) white-collar crime

Question 45

_______________________ subscribe to the continuity theory of crime, which essentially says that once negative behavior patterns have been established, they cannot be changed.

A) Learning theorists
B) Life course theorists
C) Self­control theorists
D) Control theorists

Question 46

More than______ of all prison and jail inmates in the United States have mental health problems.

A) one third
B) half
C) two thirds
D) three quarters

Question 47

Robbery is the unlawful entry of a structure with the intention of committing a serious crime such as theft.

Question 48

Mayor Smith asks Chief Gomez how crime rates have changed since he became the chief of police in 1990. Which of the following statements is most likely to be true of crime trends in Anytown, USA if they are the same as national crime trends?

A) Total crime rates dropped in Anytown, USA from 1990 to 2000.
B) Total crime rates increased in Anytown, USA from 1990 to 2000.
C) The homicide rate dropped but the burglary rate increased from 1990 to 2000.
D) The burglary rate dropped but the auto theft rate increased from 1990 to 2000.

Question 49

Which one is NOT one of the characteristics of someone with low self control?

A) rationality
B) impulsivity
C) thrill seeking
D) violence

Question 50

According to________ , crime occurs when three factors are present: a likely offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian.

A) choice theory
B) social disorganization
C) social process theory
D) routine activities theory

Question 51

Jane's mother says that she is not surprised that Jane committed this crime. Jane's uncle is a criminal who has committed many crimes, ranging from larceny to assault. He is now in prison for the crime of robbery. However, prior to his incarceration he spent the entire summer with Jane while Jane's mother was at work. What theory would explain Jane's crime if she was taught the skills to participate in crime by her uncle?

A) strain theory
B) social disorganization theory
C) learning theory
D) control theory

Question 52

__________states that lying, stealing, bullying, and other conduct problems that occur in childhood are the strongest predictors of future criminal behavior.

A) Learning theory
B) Life course criminology
C) Psychological theory
D) Control theory

Question 53

Gambling is considered to be a white-collar crime.

Question 54

Jane and her family moved to a new apartment in a high-crime neighborhood. The community has higher high school drop-out rates, vast unemployment, and many single-parent families. Jane starts committing even more crime. What theory would best explain Jane's criminal behavior?

A) strain theory
B) social disorganization theory
C) learning theory
D) control theory

Question 55

Chief Gomez asks Mayor Smith if he has any further questions. Mayor Smith asks the chief how they know the true number of crimes if there are people who do not report crimes to the police and the police never become aware of the crime. Chief Gomez explains that this is known as the:

A) hidden figure of crime.
B) dark prediction of crime.
C) dark figure of crime.
D) hidden prediction of crime.

Question 56

Case 2-2
Mayor Smith is the newly elected mayor of Anytown, USA. He is concerned with the increasing crimes rates in his city. He schedules a meeting with Chief Gomez, who has been the chief of the police department since 1990. He plans to discuss crime trends and ways to collect data to be able to measure the overall crime rate in Anytown, USA.
Mayor Smith asks Chief Gomez if there is an annual report compiled to give an indication about how much criminal activity there is in Anytown, USA. He also wants to compare Anytown's crime rates to other cities of the same population in the United States. Chief Gomez explains that the U.S. Department of Justice releases such a report. What is the name of this report that Chief Gomez is talking about?

A) NCVS
B) self-reported surveys of criminals
C) UCR
D) NIBRS

Question 57

Assault and battery are the same crime.

Question 58

Sutherland's ________holds that individuals are exposed to the values of family and peers such as school friends or co-workers.

A) psychological theory
B) trait theory
C) conflict theory
D) differential association theory

Question 59

The UCR presents crime data collected annually from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

Question 60

Case 2-1
Tina's mother bought Tina a new pair of jeans when she received all A's on her report card. Jane was jealous that Tina got new jeans because she wanted the same pair of jeans. But, Jane's parents were not able to afford them. One day, Jane skipped school and broke into Tina's house when she knew no one would be home. Jane took the jeans from Tina's bedroom and left the house.
What crime did Jane commit?

A) assault
B) burglary
C) fraud
D) robbery

Question 61

There are seven Part II offenses listed in the UCR.

Question 62

Those who suffer from mental illnesses are much more likely to be victims of crime than perpetrators.

Question 63

Victimology is a school of criminology that studies why certain people are the victims of crimes and the optimal role for victims in the criminal justice system.

Question 64

Part I offenses are recorded by the FBI to give a general idea of the "crime picture" in the United States.

Question 65

The dark figure of crime refers to those offenses that are committed, but are unknown to the police.

Question 66

Young African American males from urban neighborhoods are the most common victims of crime.

Question 67

Prescription drugs are the most widely abused drugs after marijuana.

Question 68

Crime is an overwhelmingly male activity.

Question 69

There are potential criminal penalties for subjects who admit to criminal activity in a self-reported survey.

Question 70

Women are much more likely to be victims of intimate partner violence.

Question 71

Heroin is the most often used drug in the United States.

Question 72

UCR Part I offenses include attempted as well as completed crimes.

Question 73

There are currently no theories that associate physical characteristics with criminality.

Question 74

All individuals are at equal risk of being victimized by crime.

Question 75

Trait theorists believe that crime is best addressed by punishing criminal offenders.

Question 76

UCR crime rates are expressed per 10,000 people.

Question 77

All life course theorists believe in the continuity theory of crime.

Question 78

Crimes that involve strangers most often target women.

Question 79

A correlation between variables means that one variable causes change in another variable.

Question 80

Victim surveys are used to collect data from criminals and victims of crime.