Question 1

Provide at least two reasons why it is important to study theories of delinquency.

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Question 2

Give an example of a theory that includes an independent variable, a dependent variable (delinquency in this case), and a statement of why your independent variable causes delinquency.

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Question 3

Add a conditioning variable to your theory. Be sure to describe how this variable conditions the effect of your independent variable.

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Question 4

Describe why researchers do not make greater use of experiments when testing theories of delinquency.

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Question 5

Explain what it means to have a "representative" sample and then describe the best way to obtain a representative sample.

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Question 6

Describe the five steps that researchers should follow to test theories of delinquency.

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Question 7

Drawing on the text, describe the five steps you would employ to determine whether media violence increases juvenile aggression.

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Question 8

Describe the four conditions that must be satisfied before we can state that one variable causes another.

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Question 9

(If you presented percentages in class.) Draw a two-variable table and fill it in with percentages that show a strong positive association between drug use and other delinquency. Draw the same table and fill it in with percentages that show no association between drug use and other delinquency.

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Question 10

Provide an example of a positive association and a negative association. Draw a line graph illustrating these associations.

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Question 11

Give a plausible example of an association that may be caused by a third variable.

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Question 12

Data reveal an association between media violence and aggressive behavior. Does that mean that media violence causes aggressive behavior? If not, why not?

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Question 13

When criminological researchers refer to the "causes" of crime and delinquency, what do they mean? Explain why "cause" is the appropriate term to use or why it is not an appropriate term. What would be another term that could be used instead of "cause"?

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Question 14

What does it mean when we say that an independent variable is associated with the dependent variable? What is an association, and are there different types of associations? Provide an example of an association.

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Question 15

The most common way to study juveniles is to interview them or have them complete questionnaires. Describe the strengths and weaknesses of using surveys for studying juveniles.

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Question 16

Criminologists often study juveniles through field studies. Describe the main components of field studies and list the strengths and weaknesses of using field studies.

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Question 17

Does "free will" or free choice play a role in criminological research? Defend your answer and provide an example.

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Question 18

What is a reciprocal effect? Provide an example of a reciprocal effect.

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Quiz 5: What Is a Theory and How Do We Test Theories