Deck 12: Control Theories

Question 1

There is no single control theory.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

If ineffective child rearing causes low self control, what does Gottfredson and Hirschi's general theory of crime suggest instils high levels of self control?

A)consistent monitoring of behaviour
B)allowing children to be 'free spirits'
C)the punishment of deviation
D)boarding school

Answer 2

consistent monitoring of behaviour
the punishment of deviation

Question 3

According to Cohen and Felson, in addition to low self control, what other elements are required for a crime to be committed?

A)a motivated offender
B)a juvenile offender
C)the absence of a capable guardian
D)a suitable target

Answer 3

a motivated offender
the absence of a capable guardian
a suitable target

Question 4

Charles Tittle's control balance theory argues that:

A)consumer society has led to greed
B)too little control may lead to deviance
C)too much control may also lead to deviant activity
D)people are agents as well as objects of social control

Question 5

Tittle's control-balance theory argues that some forms of deviance are more likely when there is 'control deficit'. These include:

A)Predation - Theft, rape, homicide, fraud, sexual harassment.
B)Defiance - Vandalism, political protests, etc.
C)Decadence - Debauchery, irrational pleasure
D)Submission - Passive obedience, allowing oneself to be abused, etc

Question 6

What did Charles Title mean by the 'control ratio'?

Question 7

According to control balance theory how is the type of deviance likely to occur related to a deficit or surplus of control?

Question 8

Why has control theory become relatively influential recently?

Question 9

What are the positive responses to control-balance theory?

Question 10

Variations on control theory include:

A)containment theory
B)neutralisation theory
C)social bond theory
D)self-control theory
E)control-balance theory

Question 11

Tittle's control-balance theory argued that some forms of crime he describes as involving exploitation, plunder and decadence were more likely to occur when:

A)there is a deficit of control
B)parents have been absent for long periods of time
C)there is a surplus of control
D)a legal guardian is absent

Question 12

Gottfredson and Hirschi's (1990) 'general theory of crime' claims that the key to understanding deviance and conformity is:

A)alcohol abuse
B)self control
C)juvenile offending
D)testosterone

Question 13

Reckless's containment theory questioned why, given all the opportunities and pressures toward deviance in the modern world, the primary response remained conformity.

Question 14

According to Hirschi control theories assume that deviance occurs when 'an individual's bond to society is weak or broken' (1969: 16) This was called Premium Bond Theory.

Question 15

Gottfredson and Hirschi's general theory of crime explains the role of gangs and the role of spouses.

Question 16

Tittle's control-balance theory draws largely on labelling theory.

Question 17

Why is it important to consider the meaning of 'deviant'? (Chpt 12)
.

Question 18

The central concern of control theory is:

A)retribution
B)deviance
C)conformity
D)rehabilitation

Question 19

Who developed one of the earliest formulations of what has become known as control theory?

A)Freud
B)Reiss
C)Becker
D)Newburn

Question 20

According to Sykes and Matza's early work an alternative means of understanding delinquency is to view it as:

A)serious threat to society
B)an unusual and temporary state of affairs
C)a cry for help
D)something fundamental in most individuals' lives

Question 21

What then are the main lines of criticism aimed at control theory?