Question 1

Select from the following list the item that is NOT a requirement of evidence-based policy

Accepted Answer

Intentions and instinct are not a requirement of evidence-based policy. Evidence-based policy requires empirical evidence of effectiveness, high quality research designs, and replication of findings. Policymakers should base decisions on facts and data rather than personal beliefs or opinions.

Question 2

The Cambridge-Somerville Youth Study and Scared Straight are examples of

Accepted Answer

The Cambridge-Somerville Youth Study and Scared Straight are both examples of well-intentioned treatment that did not have research evidence on effectiveness and have actually been shown to cause harm.

Question 3

Walker argues that the first obstacle to developing sensible and effective crime policies is

Accepted Answer

Walker argues that the lack of understanding about the nature of the crime problem and how the justice system works is the first obstacle to developing sensible and effective crime policies. He suggests that this lack of understanding leads to ineffective policies that do not address the root causes of crime.

Question 4

A "social ledger" for incarceration would include

Accepted Answer

The answer of A "social ledger" for incarceration would include
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Question 5

This book will focus primarily on the crimes of

Accepted Answer

The answer of This book will focus primarily on the...

Question 6

The most important force contributing to the imprisonment boom has been

Accepted Answer

The popular belief that the justice system has been and still is soft on crime has contributed significantly to the imprisonment boom. This belief has led to harsher sentencing laws, including mandatory minimums, and an increase in the number of crimes that carry prison sentences. Public pressure to be tough on crime has also made politicians reluctant to relax these laws.

Question 7

According to Walker, which of the following would be considered the most sensible crime policy goal?

Accepted Answer

Walker argues that a series of different policies that produces a modest crime reduction is the most sensible crime policy goal because it is more realistic and achievable than a simple policy that produces quick and dramatic changes, which may not be sustainable in the long term. A moderately expensive policy that reduces crime by 15% in 5 years may also be a sensible goal, but it depends on the specific context and whether the cost is justifiable. Walker does not argue that a sensible crime policy goal is impossible to define.

Question 8

The state of the economy, as reflected in the unemployment rate, has _________ on criminal behavior.

Accepted Answer

The unemployment rate has direct implications on criminal behavior. Higher unemployment rates have been associated with higher crime rates, as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs.

Question 9

A systematic review of all available research studies on a particular topic is known as

Accepted Answer

A systematic review of all available research studies on a particular topic is known as a meta-analysis. Meta-analysis is a statistical technique for combining the findings from independent studies into a single estimate of the overall effect size. It provides a more precise estimate of the effect of a particular intervention or treatment than any individual study. This makes it a powerful tool for guiding evidence-based policy and decision-making. Replication refers to repeating a study using the same methods to see if the same results are obtained; contextual analyses focus on examining the social, political, and economic contexts in which policies are implemented.

Question 10

Regarding prevention and punishment

Accepted Answer

The idea that prevention and punishment are mutually exclusive options is a false dichotomy. All crime policies, whether focused on prevention or punishment, ultimately aim to prevent crime. Therefore, it is important to consider a balanced approach that includes both prevention and punishment strategies.

Question 11

Research on drug use and drug convictions shows that

Accepted Answer

Research has consistently shown that racial patterns in drug arrests do not correspond with evidence on drug use. In fact, studies have found that drug use rates are relatively similar across racial groups, yet people of color are disproportionately targeted for drug-related arrests and convictions. This is known as the "racialization of drug policy" and has been widely criticized as a form of systemic racism within the criminal justice system.

Question 12

Which of the following justifications were provided for the claim that war is the wrong metaphor for crime?

Accepted Answer

The justifications provided for the claim that war is the wrong metaphor for crime are that it raises unrealistic expectations for eliminating crime, suggests we are fighting a foreign enemy, and leads to the demonization of criminals. Therefore, option D, "all of the above," is the correct answer.

Question 13

A 2013 article in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) argues that we can learn much from the successes in other areas when we try to deal with gun violence.One important lesson is that

Accepted Answer

The article argues that a comprehensive approach, including policy changes, community efforts, and multiple strategies working together is needed to effectively address gun violence. Therefore, option D is the best choice. Option A and C are too narrow, and option B is not supported by the article, as it emphasizes the need for a multi-faceted approach, not just one sweeping policy change.

Question 14

The imprisonment boom in America can be partially attributed to

Accepted Answer

The imprisonment boom in America is a complex issue that cannot be attributed to one specific factor. However, the wars on drugs and crime, determinate sentencing laws such as truth in sentencing and mandatory sentences, and restrictions on good time that limit early release have all contributed to the rise of the prison population in the United States. Therefore, the best choice would be D, which encompasses all of these factors.

Question 15

When Walker talks about America's two crime problems, he is referring to

Accepted Answer

The answer of When Walker talks about America's two crime...

Question 16

The wars on crime and drugs has disproportionally affected

Accepted Answer

The wars on crime and drugs have disproportionately affected young African American males. Studies show that they are more frequently stopped, searched, and arrested for drug offenses compared to other racial groups despite similar drug usage rates. This has led to the mass incarceration of African Americans, particularly males, creating a cycle of poverty and inequality.

Question 17

The crime problem within the United States in comparison to other countries is one of

Accepted Answer

The crime problem within the United States is primarily related to lethal violence. The country has a higher rate of homicide compared to other developed countries, and gun violence is a significant contributor to that statistic. While property crimes, sexual assaults, and drug use are also concerns, they do not contribute as significantly to the overall crime problem in the United States.

Question 18

During the past 40 years, incarceration rates have

Accepted Answer

Incarceration rates have increased exponentially over the past 40 years, particularly in the United States. The U.S. has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world, with a total prison population of over 2 million people. Additionally, various policies such as mandatory minimum sentencing and the war on drugs have contributed to this increase in incarceration rates.

Question 19

One criticism of Michelle Alexander's ideas about crime policy and race is that

Accepted Answer

Michelle Alexander's ideas about crime policy and race have been criticized for conflating the unintended consequences of the war on crime with the intended outcomes of the broader changes in U.S. imprisonment policy. Critics argue that while the war on drugs and tough-on-crime policies disproportionately affected minority communities, it is flawed to categorize the entire system of mass incarceration as a racially-motivated scheme. By oversimplifying the complexity of the issue, Alexander's arguments may overlook other contributing factors to the current system of mass incarceration, such as political and economic incentives.

Question 20

One of the consequences of our wars on crime and drugs has been

Accepted Answer

The wars on crime and drugs have led to the U.S. having the highest incarceration rate in the world, with millions of individuals behind bars for drug offenses and other non-violent crimes. This has resulted in an increase in prison overcrowding, high costs for taxpayers, and concerns about fairness and racial disparities in the justice system.

Quiz 1: Crime and Policy: a Complex Problem