Question 1

Programs and policies based on developmental theory typically feature _____ treatment efforts.

Accepted Answer

Programs and policies based on developmental theory typically focus on multisystemic treatment efforts, meaning they address multiple aspects of an individual's life (such as familial, educational, and community factors) instead of focusing on a single issue or approach. Economic-related, singular-focused, and faith-based approaches may be used as part of a multisystemic approach, but they are not the main feature of developmental theory-based programs and policies.

Question 2

Adolescents with a history of gang involvement are more likely to have been expelled from school, be binge drinkers, and test positive for marijuana.

Accepted Answer

Studies have found a correlation between gang involvement and these risk behaviors among adolescents.

Question 3

The most important social control a person can establish is a successful marriage.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The most important social control a person...

Question 4

Social Learning theories hold that human development is controlled by a stable propensity or "master trait," present at birth or soon after.

Accepted Answer

Social Learning theories emphasize the role of observation, imitation, and modeling in learning, rather than innate traits.

Question 5

Problem behavior syndrome portrays crime as a type of social problem rather than the product of other social problems.

Accepted Answer

Problem behavior syndrome views crime as a behavior that is linked to other problem behaviors, rather than solely the result of other social problems such as poverty, inequality, or lack of education. It suggests that there is a pattern of behaviors that can lead to criminal activity, and that addressing these behaviors early on can prevent future criminal behavior.

Question 6

Who developed the life course theory to offer separate explanations for persistent offenders and adolescent-limited offenders?

Accepted Answer

Terrie Moffitt developed the life course theory to offer separate explanations for persistent offenders and adolescent-limited offenders.

Question 7

Criminal conduct has been found to increase the chances of premature death due to both natural and unnatural causes, including deaths from accidents, homicide, and suicide.

Accepted Answer

Numerous studies have found a correlation between criminal behavior and increased risk of premature death, including deaths from accidents, homicide, and suicide. Factors such as drug and alcohol abuse, involvement in violent activities, and engaging in risky behaviors contribute to this correlation.

Question 8

The association between self-control, poor impulse control, and crime applies more accurately to juvenile crime as motivations for adult crime differ. This helps to explain the aging out process.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The association between self-control, poor impulse control,...

Question 9

Research indicates that criminal career trajectories can be reversed if life conditions improve and kids gain social capital.

Accepted Answer

Many studies have shown that interventions such as improving education and employment opportunities, providing positive role models, and strengthening family and community relationships can reduce criminal behavior and help individuals turn their lives around, particularly if done early in life. This highlights the importance of investing in prevention and early intervention programs for at-risk youth.

Question 10

Youths who join gangs are 30% less likely to graduate from high school and 58% less likely to earn a four-year degree than youths of similar background who do not become gang members

Accepted Answer

Joining gangs can negatively impact educational outcomes due to increased exposure to violence, criminal activities, and lack of focus on academics, leading to lower graduation rates and college attainment.

Question 11

The Gluecks' research was highly praised for nearly thirty years as the study of crime and delinquency shifted almost exclusively to social factors.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The Gluecks' research was highly praised for...

Question 12

The concept of overt stability suggests that people change and develop as they mature; life events have a significant influence on future behavior.

Accepted Answer

The concept of overt stability suggests that people's basic personality traits remain consistent over time, rather than changing significantly due to maturation or life events.

Question 13

Aging out is explained by latent trait theory in that one's propensity to commit crime remains steady over the life course. Only the opportunity to commit crime fluctuates over time.

Accepted Answer

Latent trait theory suggests that an individual's underlying propensity to commit crime remains stable across the life course, while opportunities to commit crime may vary. Therefore, aging out of crime is seen as a result of decreasing opportunities rather than a fundamental change in an individual's propensity to engage in criminal behavior.

Question 14

Agnew's general theory of crime and delinquency indicates that crime and social relations are reciprocal. The way an individual reacts to constraints and motivations is shaped by five key elements of human development, called life domains.

Accepted Answer

Agnew's general theory of crime, also known as General Strain Theory, focuses on how individuals respond to stress and strain, leading to delinquency. It does not specifically outline "five key elements of human development" or "life domains" as the basis for understanding crime and social relations.

Question 15

Developmental theories attempt to provide a more global vision of a criminal career, encompassing its onset, persistence, and desistance.

Accepted Answer

Developmental theories focus on the entire trajectory of criminal behavior, including how it begins, continues, and eventually stops, offering a comprehensive view of a criminal career.

Question 16

The concept of population heterogeneity assumes that the propensity of an individual to participate in antisocial and/or criminal behaviors is a relatively stable trait, unchanging over their life course.

Accepted Answer

The concept of population heterogeneity suggests that certain individuals may have a higher propensity toward antisocial and/or criminal behavior. This trait is often considered to be relatively stable, although it may be influenced by certain life events or experiences. Therefore, the answer is True, as the statement accurately reflects this concept.

Question 17

Life course theories are inherently integrated theories and suggest that events taking place over the life course influence life choices.

Accepted Answer

Life course theories emphasize the impact of life events and transitions on individual development and behavior, integrating various factors over time.

Question 18

Latent trait theories hold that some underlying condition present at birth or soon after controls behavior.

Accepted Answer

Latent trait theories propose that innate or inherited predispositions, such as personality traits or intelligence, shape behavior and influence outcomes.

Question 19

Life experiences resulting from encounters with formal social control mechanisms, such as police and other authority figures, limit opportunities for criminal behavior. Sampson and Laub's age-graded theory refers to such experiences as "turning points in crime."

Accepted Answer

The answer of Life experiences resulting from encounters with formal...

Question 20

One flaw with life course theories is that as people mature they do not take into account things that influence behavior change as well.

Accepted Answer

Life course theories specifically consider how events and transitions over a person's life, including those that occur as they mature, influence behavior change and development.

Quiz 9: Developmental Theories Life Course Latent Trait and Trajectory