Question 1

Which American psychologist popularized the theory of a relationship between IQ and crime with his studies at the New Jersey Training School for the Feeble Minded?

Accepted Answer

Henry Goddard was an American psychologist who conducted studies at the New Jersey Training School for the Feeble Minded and popularized the theory of a relationship between IQ and crime.

Question 2

Which criminological theory focuses on qualities or traits of individual behavior to understand criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

The personality theory focuses on individual traits and characteristics to understand criminal behavior, examining how certain personality traits may predispose individuals to criminal activity.

Question 3

The psychological theory that focuses on acting without thinking is:

Accepted Answer

Impulsivity is a psychological trait characterized by actions taken without forethought or consideration of the consequences, often leading to hasty or unplanned decisions.

Question 4

If your probation officer attempts to control your impulsive behavior by changing the way you perceive, reflect, and think through modeling, graduated practice, role playing, reinforcement, and giving you concrete verbal suggestions, which therapeutic intervention is she using?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive restructuring is a therapeutic intervention that involves changing the way individuals perceive, reflect, and think, often using techniques like modeling, role playing, and reinforcement.

Question 5

Which sociological theory asserts that persons become criminals when they are isolated from mainstream culture and instead immersed in impoverished and dilapidated neighborhoods that have their own sets of norms and values?

Accepted Answer

Social disorganization theory suggests that crime is more likely to occur in communities with weak social institutions and limited social control, often found in impoverished and dilapidated neighborhoods.

Question 6

Which sociological theory asserts that without clear rules, individuals have difficulty adjusting to changing conditions of life, which leads them to dissatisfaction, frustration, conflict, and ultimately criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Anomie theory, developed by Emile Durkheim, suggests that a lack of clear norms and rules in society leads to feelings of dissatisfaction and frustration, which can result in deviant behavior, including crime.

Question 7

The theory of anomie was developed by which 19^thcentury French sociologist?

Accepted Answer

Emile Durkheim, a 19th-century French sociologist, developed the theory of anomie, which describes a state of normlessness or a breakdown of social norms and values.

Question 8

Columbia University sociologist Robert Merton further developed the concept of anomie by asserting the cause of anomie was a split between:

Accepted Answer

Robert Merton expanded on the concept of anomie by suggesting it arises when there is a disjunction between societal goals and the means available to achieve them.

Question 9

Which sociological theory asserts that low economic status, a mixture of ethnic groups, a population that moves frequently in and out of the area, and disrupted families and broken homes explain crime?

Accepted Answer

Social disorganization theory suggests that crime is more likely to occur in communities with weak social institutions, high residential mobility, ethnic diversity, and economic deprivation, which disrupts social cohesion and control.

Question 10

Which sociological theory argues that criminal behavior is based on interactions and communications we have with others and the values we receive from others during those interactions?

Accepted Answer

Differential association theory, proposed by Edwin Sutherland, suggests that criminal behavior is learned through interactions and communications with others, where individuals adopt values and behaviors conducive to crime.

Question 11

Which sociological theory argues that learning criminal behavior depends on the feedback a person receives from his or her environment and how s/he evaluates his or her own behavior through interaction with significant other people and groups?

Accepted Answer

Differential reinforcement theory suggests that criminal behavior is learned through the feedback received from the environment, emphasizing the role of reinforcement and punishment in shaping behavior.

Question 12

Which sociological theory focuses on the words and phrases that offenders use to justify or excuse lawbreaking behavior?

Accepted Answer

Neutralization theory focuses on the techniques offenders use to rationalize or justify their deviant behavior, often through specific language and phrases.

Question 13

Which sociological theory argues that behavior may be reinforced not only through rewards and punishments, but also through expectations that are learned by watching what happens to other people?

Accepted Answer

Social learning theory argues that behavior may be reinforced not only through rewards and punishments, but also through expectations that are learned by watching what happens to other people.

Question 14

Which sociological theory asks why people obey rules instead of breaking them?

Accepted Answer

Social control theory asks why people obey rules instead of breaking them. It argues that people are more likely to obey rules if they are socialized to do so, if they have strong social bonds, and if they believe that the consequences of breaking the rules will be negative.

Question 15

Which sociological theory stresses the idea that people commit delinquent or criminal acts because the forces restraining them from doing so are weak, not because the forces driving them to do so are strong?

Accepted Answer

Social control theory posits that people commit crimes when their bonds to society are weakened or broken, suggesting that the absence of strong social restraints leads to delinquency.

Question 16

Which one of the following is not an element of social bonding?

Accepted Answer

Encouragement is not an element of social bonding. Attachment, commitment, and involvement are all key elements of social bonding, which refers to the ties that connect individuals to social groups and provide them with a sense of belonging and support.

Question 17

Which element of social bonding suggests that the more we admire and identify those with whom we have close affectional ties, and the more we care about their expectations, the less likely we will be to violate their norms?

Accepted Answer

Attachment refers to the emotional and social ties we have with others, which influence our adherence to their norms and expectations.

Question 18

Which element of social bonding suggests that the more time spent doing conventional activities, the less time is available for criminal acts?

Accepted Answer

Involvement refers to the time spent in conventional activities, which reduces the opportunity for engaging in criminal acts.

Question 19

Which element of social bonding suggests that if a person shares values/norms with others in their subgroup and believes in the authority of those limiting their behavior, then the motivation to deviate will be minimal?

Accepted Answer

Belief is the element of social bonding that suggests that if a person shares values/norms with others in their subgroup and believes in the authority of those limiting their behavior, then the motivation to deviate will be minimal.

Question 20

Which sociological theory suggests that inadequate monitoring, inappropriate recognition, and ineffective punishment result in dysfunctional child rearing and set the stage for delinquency and adult criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

The self-control theory, also known as the general theory of crime, posits that inadequate monitoring, inappropriate recognition, and ineffective punishment during child-rearing lead to low self-control, which is associated with delinquency and criminal behavior in adulthood.

Quiz 3: Theories of Offender Treatment: Reasons to Have a Theoretical Roadmap