Question 1

Which of the following statements about parent-peer influence is true?

Accepted Answer

Option E correctly states that criminal activity among peers is the single most effective predictor of youth criminal activity, but effective parenting can still have a positive impact on youth behavior by both reducing the likelihood of associating with criminal peers and reducing the influence that criminal peers have on youth. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as they either do not acknowledge the positive impact of effective parenting or make incorrect generalizations about parent-peer influence.

Question 2

How is youth crime portrayed in the media?

Accepted Answer

Youth crime is often portrayed in the media as overrepresented, a new problem, linked with certain ethnic groups, and linked with certain socioeconomic classes. This portrays a biased view of the issue and can contribute to stereotypes and discrimination.

Question 3

For which of the following types of crime are people under the age of 18 the primary offenders?

Accepted Answer

The answer of For which of the following types of...

Question 4

Why did youth crime rates, as measured by official statistics, increase between 1962 and 1990?

Accepted Answer

All of the processes listed above are possible reasons for the increase in youth crime rates between 1962 and 1990. Each factor could have contributed to the increase in youth crime rates, either by directly increasing the number of youth brought into the criminal justice system or by indirectly influencing the reporting and recording of youth crime. More youth were likely brought into the criminal justice system due to changes in policing practices, administrative practices, and legislation, while greater public pressure to control youth crime may have influenced the reporting and recording of such crimes. Therefore, all of the processes listed are possible reasons for the increase in youth crime rates during this time period.

Question 5

Robert had recently joined a gang. He was a strong, intelligent teenager with a lot of potential, but the gang had protected his mother from being beaten when he was younger and he feels that he should serve his time to repay the favour. According to Jankowski, Robert is joining the gang for recreational purposes.

Accepted Answer

Jankowski's theory suggests that people join gangs for one of four primary reasons: economic gain, protection, socialization, or enhancement of self-image. In this case, Robert joined the gang out of a sense of obligation to repay a debt of protection to his mother, which falls under the protection category and not recreational purposes.

Question 6

Which of the following is not one of the elements of a moral panic?

Accepted Answer

Hostility directed at society by the offending group is not one of the elements of a moral panic. The other four elements, volatility, disproportionality, heightened concern, and consensus regarding the level of perceived threat, are considered the main components of a moral panic.

Question 7

There are various characteristics of family life that are seen to influence the development of delinquent behaviour in children. Which of the following links is the weakest, according to research?

Accepted Answer

While single motherhood may present certain challenges, research has shown that it is not necessarily a direct predictor of delinquent behaviour in children. Other factors such as parental involvement, supervision, and parenting styles have been found to have a stronger influence on delinquent behaviour.

Question 8

The research surrounding parenting characteristics that lead to improved child development could arguably connect right into the social bonds theory as to factors that assist a child in resisting deviant choices.

Accepted Answer

The social bonds theory suggests that strong bonds with parents, especially in terms of their monitoring and support, can potentially deter deviant behavior. Parenting characteristics that lead to improved child development, such as parental involvement and effective communication, can also contribute to the formation of these strong bonds and ultimately assist in protecting against deviant choices.

Question 9

Which of the following research topics reflects a critical theoretical approach?

Accepted Answer

A critical theoretical approach emphasizes the ways in which social structures and power relations shape individuals' experiences and helps to highlight the structures that maintain social inequalities. Research topic C, which focuses on the role of youth gangs as sources of identity and resistance for marginalized youth, reflects a critical theoretical approach because it seeks to understand the ways in which gang membership operates as a form of resistance against social inequalities. Topics A and D rely on empirical studies that identify factors associated with gang membership, but they do not necessarily examine the structural factors that contribute to gang activity. Topic B focuses on understanding the meanings that gang membership holds for different individuals, but it does not necessarily place these understandings in a larger, critical perspective.

Question 10

Despite the knowledge on health issues that relate to smoking youth smoking rates have begun to increase in the past decade because the social pressures of body image are so strong.

Accepted Answer

The statement is inaccurate as youth smoking rates have actually been decreasing in the past decade due to greater awareness and education on health issues related to smoking. While social pressures related to body image may be a factor, it is not the sole or primary reason for the increase or decrease in youth smoking rates.

Question 11

Which approach to parenting is the least likely to be associated with youth crime?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that moderate levels of parental control, coupled with high levels of warmth and support, are associated with the lowest levels of youth crime. This approach is sometimes referred to as authoritative parenting. High levels of parental control without warmth or support (authoritarian parenting) can lead to rebellion and delinquent behavior, while high levels of permissiveness can lead to a lack of accountability and discipline, increasing the likelihood of crime. Low levels of parental control without warmth or support (neglectful parenting) can also increase the risk of delinquent behavior.

Question 12

The "Just Say No" campaign was highly effective when it was run in conjunction with early prevention measures and stronger legislation surrounding the consequences of being charged with a drug related offense.

Accepted Answer

The "Just Say No" campaign, while well-intentioned, has been criticized for its effectiveness. Research and evaluations have shown that simply telling young people to say no to drugs, without addressing the underlying reasons why individuals might turn to substance use or providing comprehensive education about drugs, does not significantly reduce drug use rates. Additionally, the effectiveness of drug prevention is not solely dependent on stronger legislation and consequences for drug offenses; factors such as education, community support, and access to treatment play crucial roles.

Question 13

During the teenage years, there are increases in conflicts with parents, extremes of emotion, and risk-taking behaviours.

Accepted Answer

This is a well-known phenomenon in adolescent development.

Question 14

The belief that gangs emerge in socially and economically disadvantaged communities is the underlying belief of which theory?

Accepted Answer

Strain theory suggests that when individuals are unable to achieve their goals through legitimate means, they may turn to illegal means, such as gang involvement, as a way to cope with the strain and frustration caused by their disadvantaged social and economic position.

Question 15

Which of the following is the clearest example of troubled youth?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is the clearest...

Question 16

Violent criminals are much more likely to be young men who have strict family rules and have ultimately begun lashing out or rebelling against the restrictions.

Accepted Answer

There is no clear or universal profile of a violent criminal. Factors that can contribute to violent behavior include a history of abuse or neglect, exposure to violence or trauma, substance abuse, mental illness, and socio-economic factors such as poverty and lack of access to education and opportunities. While some violent criminals may be young men who rebel against strict family rules, this is not a defining factor and does not apply to all cases.

Question 17

Neema lives in a single parent home. Her mother's parenting style includes moderate levels of control, moderate levels of supervision, clearly explained rules and consequences, and a willingness to listen to Neema's point of view. Which of the following outcomes is most likely, considering the research that has been done on parenting style?

Accepted Answer

According to research on parenting style, Neema's mother's approach is within the category of authoritative parenting, which has been found to be associated with a lower likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior. While other outcomes may also be influenced by parenting style, the question specifically asks for the "most likely" outcome based on research, which is criminal behavior avoidance in this case.

Question 18

According to data from the Canadian version of the International Youth Survey, which of the following factors is associated with youth violent crime, but not youth property crime?

Accepted Answer

According to the data, being discriminated against on the basis of language, race, or religion is associated with youth violent crime, but not youth property crime. Skipping school, having been stolen from, perceiving the school environment as unsafe, and peer acceptance of illegal acts were all found to be associated with both youth violent crime and youth property crime.

Question 19

Research demonstrates that if we could 'toughen up' the Youth Criminal Justice Act, we would see a decrease in youth gang involvement.

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that simply toughening up legislation like the Youth Criminal Justice Act does not necessarily lead to a decrease in youth gang involvement. Effective strategies often involve a combination of prevention, intervention, and community-based approaches rather than solely punitive measures.

Question 20

Surveys reveal that more than 75% teenagers get a high level of enjoyment from interactions with their mothers.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true according to the surveys mentioned.

Quiz 6: The Troubling and Troubled World of Youth