Deck 16: Conclusion

Question 1

Robinson and Beaver's integrated systems theory:

A) suggests that mechanisms, context, and development are important to understanding why people commit crime.
B) examines the underlying assumptions in criminology to encourage a more uniform approach.
C) denies that a general theory of crime is possible.
D) seeks to explain crime rates rather than criminal behavior.
E) incorporates ideas from systems theory and the evolutionary-ecological paradigm.

Answer 1

E

Question 2

Which of the following is true with regard to Wikstrom and Sampson's systemic approach?

A) It seeks to explain both crime and criminal behavior.
B) It examines situational, social, and cultural factors.
C) It attempts to explain how criminal behavior develops over time.
D) All of the above.
E) None of the above.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Agnew's unified approach:

A) seeks to unite the major criminological theories (i.e., strain, learning, and control) through propositional integration.
B) is a reanalysis and reformulation of some of the basic assumptions in criminology.
C) is an effort to connect theories of crime rates to theories of criminality.
D) reexamines the history of the criminal justice system to understand how it has influenced criminological theorizing over the years.
E) is an integration of Agnew's general strain theory, Gottfredson and Hirschi's general theory of crime, and Akers's social learning theory.

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Many of the variables identified as criminogenic risk factors are nothing more than spurious correlations.

Question 5

Bounded agency refers to a view of human nature that suggests that behavior is determined more by situational factors than by personality traits.

Question 6

Briefly summarize the three approaches to making criminological theories more accessible, inte?grated, and accountable.

Question 7

Where did the approaches discussed in this chapter originate? How are they similar and how are they different?

Question 8

Why is the analysis and study of theories so important in criminology and criminal justice? List three major ways analyzing and studying theories can help criminologists better understand crime.