Question 1

Which of the following is not a fundamental question of investigative psychology?

Accepted Answer

The question about ossification is not related to investigative psychology and does not help to identify or prosecute the perpetrator. The other options are fundamental questions in investigative psychology.

Question 2

The primary difference between what qualifies as serial murders and what qualifies as mass murders is

Accepted Answer

The primary difference between serial murders and mass murders is the presence of a cooling-off period in serial murders, where the perpetrator has a break between the killings, whereas mass murders occur in a single event without such breaks.

Question 3

What kind of offender would be most likely to engage in undoing at a murder scene?

Accepted Answer

Undoing is a psychological term referring to an attempt to take back an unconscious behavior or thought that is unacceptable or hurtful. In the context of a murder scene, an emotionally distraught offender might engage in undoing by trying to "make right" what they have done, possibly through actions like covering the body, arranging it in a peaceful manner, or even cleaning the scene. This behavior is indicative of guilt and an emotional response to the crime, traits less likely to be exhibited by sadistic, shy, or psychopathic individuals, who would have different motivations and emotional responses to their actions.

Question 4

In investigative psychology,any behavior that goes beyond what is necessary to commit the crime is called

Accepted Answer

The behavior that goes beyond what is necessary to commit the crime is called signature in investigative psychology. It is a unique and personal aspect of a criminal's modus operandi and helps investigators to link crimes committed by the same culprit. Signature behaviors serve a psychological purpose for the offender and may reflect their personality, past experiences, and fantasies.

Question 5

Which type of profiling is often used in the search for property offenders?

Accepted Answer

Geographical profiling is often used in the search for property offenders. This involves analyzing the geographic patterns of crimes and identifying areas where the offender is likely to reside or operate. This can help narrow down the search area and increase the chances of catching the offender. Residential and racial profiling are not ethical or effective methods of crime investigations. Equivocal profiling is not a recognized technique in law enforcement.

Question 6

The term reconstructive psychological evaluation is synonymous with

Accepted Answer

Reconstructive psychological evaluation refers to the process of examining a deceased person's life history, behaviors, and personal characteristics to gain insight into the circumstances surrounding their death. This process is also known as psychological autopsy. Criminal profiling, identity assessment, and postmortem profiling are not synonymous with reconstructive psychological evaluation.

Question 7

Which practice accounts in part for the fact that ethnic minorities are disproportionately represented in arrest statistics?

Accepted Answer

Racial profiling, which involves using race or ethnicity as a factor in determining suspicion of criminal activity, is a known contributing factor to the overrepresentation of ethnic minorities in arrest statistics. This practice can lead to unfair targeting and discrimination against certain groups.

Question 8

A serial violent offender who does not specifically search for victims is using which one of Rossmo's four hunting patterns?

Accepted Answer

Trollers do not specifically search for victims; instead, they encounter their victims coincidentally during their regular activities or routines.

Question 9

The strongest determining factor of victim selection for most serial murders is the ________ of the victim.

Accepted Answer

The availability of the victim is the strongest determining factor for most serial murders. This refers to how easy it is for the offender to access and target the victim. Factors that contribute to availability include geographic proximity, occupation, lifestyle, and routine. Serial killers typically choose victims who are within their reach and can be easily overpowered.

Question 10

The murders at Virginia Tech in 2007 is an example of

Accepted Answer

The murders at Virginia Tech in 2007, where 32 people were killed by a single shooter in a single incident, are classified as classic mass murder due to the number of victims and the short time frame in which the killings occurred.

Question 11

In which type of crime scene is there evidence that the offender used planning and premeditation?

Accepted Answer

In an organized crime scene, there is usually evidence of a high level of planning and premeditation. This type of crime scene suggests that the offender had a clear plan and executed it with precision. The crime scene will often display a lack of struggle or resistance, and the offender may have taken steps to cover their tracks or mislead investigators.

Question 12

Investigative psychology is to ________ as profiling is to ________.

Accepted Answer

Investigative psychology focuses on analyzing the crime scene and understanding the behavior and actions of the offender. Profiling, on the other hand, puts emphasis on the characteristics and tendencies of the offender to create a profile to help identify them. Thus, A is the best choice as it accurately pairs the two concepts in terms of their focus.

Question 13

The tendency to gather evidence that confirms one's pre-existing expectations,while failing to seek contradictory information is called

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek out information that confirms one's pre-existing beliefs or expectations, while ignoring or discrediting information that contradicts those beliefs. It can lead to a narrow and distorted view of reality, as well as the reinforcement of false or unfounded beliefs. The other options do not accurately describe this phenomenon.

Question 14

According to the text,criminal profiling is currently most useful in identifying the perpetrator of what type of offense?

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to the text,criminal profiling is currently...

Question 15

Psychological profiling has its roots in

Accepted Answer

The answer of Psychological profiling has its roots in
...

Question 16

A term coined by Havelock Ellis that refers to self-arousal and the self-gratification of sexual arousal is

Accepted Answer

The term coined by Havelock Ellis that refers to self-arousal and the self-gratification of sexual arousal is autoeroticism. The other choices do not relate to this concept.

Question 17

The primary difference between staging and undoing is

Accepted Answer

Staging refers to the deliberate manipulation of a crime scene by the offender in an effort to mislead investigators, while undoing refers to an attempt by the offender to "reverse" or "undo" the harm caused by the previous action, often motivated by guilt or remorse. The primary difference between the two is the intention or reason behind the action, with staging being intentional deception and undoing being an attempt to atone for the harm caused. The other options listed are not relevant factors in distinguishing between staging and undoing.

Question 18

The modus operandi

Accepted Answer

The modus operandi refers to the procedures or specific method an offender uses to successfully commit a crime. It may involve techniques for selecting victims, breaking into buildings, or committing thefts. It is the consistent behavior of the offender that makes it possible to link multiple crimes together, allowing for the identification and eventual capture of the offender.

Question 19

Jenkins' 1988 study of serial killers in England found that

Accepted Answer

Jenkins' study found that serial killers often began their killing sprees at a later age, rather than having extensive violent histories or juvenile records.

Question 20

Which of the following is not listed in the text as a motive of male serial murderers?

Accepted Answer

Material gain is not listed as a motive of male serial murderers in the text, while domination, sexual excitement, and media attention are common motives.

Quiz 10: Multiple Murder, School, and Workplace Violence