Question 1

Situational crime prevention falls under _____ theory.

Accepted Answer

Situational crime prevention focuses on manipulating the environment in order to reduce crime opportunities, which aligns with choice theory's emphasis on rational decision-making and the idea that crime can be prevented by reducing opportunities for offending. The other options (psychological, sociobiological, and developmental) do not directly relate to situational crime prevention.

Question 2

Consideration of IQ and attachment are a part of what type of theory

Accepted Answer

IQ and attachment are both factors that are typically addressed within psychological theories. Sociological theories focus more on social structures and their impact on individuals and groups, while sociobiological theories explore the biological basis of social behavior. Choice theory is a framework for understanding personal decision-making and behavior, but it does not necessarily address IQ or attachment specifically.

Question 3

Which of the following is an argument of Hirschi's social control theory

Accepted Answer

Hirschi's social control theory argues that delinquents are detached from conventional society and their bonds to family, school, and friends have been weakened or broken. Option A aligns with this argument. Option B contradicts this argument as it suggests that delinquents have the same friendship patterns as conventional youth. Option C presents an incomplete argument as social control theory does not necessarily suggest a definitive reason for a person's social bond being weakened. Option D presents a too specific claim that only detached females are at risk for gang involvement, which goes beyond the scope of social control theory.

Question 4

__________ theory focuses on a person's bonds to society as a factor in preventing crime.

Accepted Answer

Social control theory proposes that individuals are less likely to engage in criminal behavior if they have strong bonds to society, such as family, school, and community. These bonds enhance an individual's stake in conformity and discourage criminal behavior.

Question 5

What does lifestyle theory posit about victimization

Accepted Answer

Lifestyle theory posits that crime is not a random event and that the probability of victimization is dependent on a person's lifestyle and activities. In other words, some lifestyles are riskier than others, and individuals who engage in high-risk behaviors are more likely to become victims of crime. This theory suggests that victimization is not solely due to personal attributes or situational factors but is a result of the interaction between lifestyle and situational factors. Victim precipitation, the idea that the victim somehow causes the offense to happen, is not a central tenet of lifestyle theory.

Question 6

Which of the following was not one of the models of adaptation that Robert Merton produced as part of his explanation of how anomie can lead to crime

Accepted Answer

"Toughness" was not one of the models of adaptation that Robert Merton produced. The correct options are A) Innovation, B) Rebellion, and C) Retreatism.

Question 7

Target hardening techniques are examples of which type of situational crime prevention tactic

Accepted Answer

Target hardening techniques involve increasing the physical barriers or difficulty involved in committing a crime. This makes it harder for offenders to carry out the crime and may deter them from attempting it. Therefore, this is an example of increasing the effort needed to commit the crime, which is a type of situational crime prevention tactic.

Question 8

Crime is believed to be a product of transitional neighborhoods that manifest value conflict according ________ theory.

Accepted Answer

The theory that crime is a product of transitional neighborhoods that manifest value conflict is known as social structure theory. This theory posits that certain social and economic conditions within a community, such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality, can lead to a breakdown in social order and an increase in criminal behavior. Transitional neighborhoods are particularly vulnerable to these conditions, as they often experience rapid demographic change and a lack of stable social institutions. Thus, social structure theory emphasizes the role of structural factors in producing criminal behavior, rather than individual characteristics or psychological factors (such as those emphasized by psychoanalytic theory). Social control theory focuses on the mechanisms that maintain social order, while social learning theory emphasizes the role of socialization and learning in shaping behavior.

Question 9

A subculture occurs in disorganized neighborhoods marked by apathy, cynicism, helplessness, and distrust that is passed from one generation to the next, creating a permanent underclass. This subculture is called:

Accepted Answer

The culture of poverty subculture is characterized by apathy, cynicism, helplessness, and distrust that are passed from one generation to the next, creating a permanent underclass. This term is most closely associated with the work of Oscar Lewis and is based on the idea that poverty is not just a lack of resources, but also a way of life that perpetuates itself over time. It is a result of structural inequalities and social exclusion, which create a set of values, norms, and behaviors that are passed down from one generation to another.

Question 10

______ suggests that some people adopt the goals of society but lack the means to attain them and will therefore seek alternatives, such as crime.

Accepted Answer

The concept described in the question is known as strain theory. This theory suggests that individuals who are unable to achieve the goals set by society through legitimate means may experience strain and turn to alternative, often deviant, means to attain those goals.

Question 11

The general theory of crime suggests that differences between individuals in the tendency to commit criminal acts stems from:

Accepted Answer

The general theory of crime, also known as self-control theory, proposes that an individual's level of self-control is the primary determinant of their likelihood to engage in criminal behavior. Those with low self-control have a greater tendency to engage in impulsive, risky, and criminal behavior. The other choices (A, C, and D) are not directly related to the theory of crime or its explanation of criminal behavior.

Question 12

______ theory is not a type of developmental theory.

Accepted Answer

Social strain theory is not a type of developmental theory. It focuses on how social structures and institutions can contribute to criminal behavior. Age-graded theory, life course theory, and latent trait theory are all types of developmental theory that examine how individuals change and develop over time.

Question 13

______ theory believes that law violators may have suffered damage to their personalities early in their development that renders them powerless to control their impulses.

Accepted Answer

Psychodynamic theory, developed by Sigmund Freud, suggests that a person's early experiences and internal conflicts shape their personality and behavior. It proposes that law violators may have suffered damage to their personalities early in their development that renders them powerless to control their impulses.

Question 14

According to social learning theory, people become violent because they:

Accepted Answer

Social learning theory suggests that people learn violent behavior through observation and imitation of others who engage in such behavior, and this behavior is reinforced through rewards or positive outcomes. Therefore, modeling violent behavior after others and reinforcing its effects can lead to the development of violent behavior in individuals. Genetic predispositions, the damage to egos and superegos, and mental illness may also be contributing factors, but they are not solely responsible for causing violence according to social learning theory.

Question 15

The use of illegal means to achieve success in the absence of legitimate means is an example of ______ in Merton's theory of anomie.

Accepted Answer

In Merton's theory of anomie, innovation is the use of illegal or illegitimate means to achieve success when legitimate means are not available or are not accessible. Therefore, the use of illegal means to achieve success is an example of innovation in Merton's theory. Retreatism refers to individuals who give up on achieving success through either legitimate or illegitimate means, and rebellion refers to individuals who reject and attempt to replace the existing social norms and values. Conformity refers to individuals who accept both the goals and means of the society they live in.

Question 16

According to the principles of choice theory, in order for punishment to most effectively deter crime, it must meet the following three conditions:

Accepted Answer

According to choice theory, punishment must be strict, sure, and swift in order to effectively deter crime. This means that the punishment must be clearly defined and consistently applied, the likelihood of being caught and punished must be high, and the punishment must be delivered quickly after the crime is committed. Severe and intense punishments may not necessarily be more effective, as they can be seen as unfair or unjust by those being punished, and may even result in increased criminal behavior as a form of retaliation or rebellion.

Question 17

Putting up large signs indicating that trash must be either thrown away or recycled and placing bins to dump or recycle throughout a park is which type of situational crime prevention tactic

Accepted Answer

This is an example of removing excuses, as the signs and bins provide an easy opportunity for people to dispose of their trash properly, thereby removing the excuse for littering or improper disposal.

Question 18

Which is not a behavior associated with antisocial personality

Accepted Answer

Needing to plan ahead is not typically associated with antisocial personality. The other behaviors listed are commonly associated with this disorder.

Question 19

When individuals provoke or encourage criminal behavior, this is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Victim precipitation refers to situations where individuals provoke or encourage criminal behavior. This term suggests that the victim's actions or behavior may have contributed to the criminal act. It is important to note, however, that victim precipitation is not a justification for criminal behavior and that the responsibility for the crime ultimately rests with the offender.

Question 20

According to Sampson and Laub, what are the two most critical turning points in a criminal career

Accepted Answer

Sampson and Laub argue that marriage and stable employment are the two most critical turning points that can lead to desistance from crime. They suggest that these factors help to strengthen social bonds and increase the costs of engaging in criminal behavior, thereby reducing the likelihood of continued offending.

Quiz 3: Understanding Crime and Victimization