Question 1

Social learning suggests that children who grow up in homes where violence is a way of life may learn to believe that such behavior is acceptable.

Accepted Answer

Social learning theory suggests that individuals learn behavior through observation and modeling, including attitudes and beliefs about violence. Therefore, children who witness violence in the home may learn to accept it as a normal part of life and even believe that it is an acceptable way to handle conflicts.

Question 2

A guiding principle of ____________________ is that the choice to commit delinquent acts can be controlled by the threat of punishment.

Accepted Answer

General deterrence is a form of deterrence theory that states that the threat of punishment can effectively deter potential offenders from committing delinquent acts. This principle suggests that if people are aware of the consequences of their actions, they will avoid committing delinquent acts. Specific deterrence, on the other hand, aims to deter the offender from committing future offenses by imposing punishment for the current offense. Restorative justice seeks to repair harm caused by crime through healing relationships between the offender, victim, and community. Retribution refers to punishment inflicted on an offender as a means of retribution, rather than as a deterrent.

Question 3

Cognitive theory contends that a significant number of nondelinquent youths display higher stages of moral reasoning than delinquents.

Accepted Answer

Cognitive theory posits that higher levels of moral reasoning are associated with less delinquent behavior. Therefore, nondelinquent youths are more likely to display higher stages of moral reasoning than delinquent youths.

Question 4

Philosophers Beccaria and Bentham are identified as the core theorists of ___________________.

Accepted Answer

Beccaria and Bentham are both considered core theorists of classical criminology, which emphasizes the importance of deterrence, punishment, and the rationality of criminals in the criminal justice system.

Question 5

Situational crime prevention strategies aim to reduce opportunities to commit delinquent acts through all means provided except:

Accepted Answer

Situational crime prevention focuses on reducing opportunities for crime through environmental design and management, not through social or individual interventions like early intervention programs.

Question 6

Which of the following is not a reason why specific deterrence and strict punishment do not work with juveniles?

Accepted Answer

Punishment alone is not an effective way to deter juvenile crime as it does not address underlying causes of delinquency such as poverty, parental neglect and lack of education. Additionally, research has shown that the threat of punishment is less effective for juveniles than for adults, since adolescents are less likely to think through the consequences of their actions. Therefore, specific deterrence and strict punishment are unlikely to result in long-term compliance with social and legal norms for juveniles.

Question 7

Which of the following factors that motivate a potential delinquent to act on his or her antisocial propensities is false?

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that kids who are granted a lot of time to socialize with peers are actually more likely to engage in deviant behaviors than those who are closely supervised. The other choices are true factors that can motivate delinquent behavior.

Question 8

According to the text,which of the following is not among the problems that exist with relying on a deterrence-based strategy to control delinquency?

Accepted Answer

The text mentions problems with relying on deterrence-based strategy, but it does not mention that peer pressure has no impact on the deterrence of the law. Therefore, option A is the correct answer. The text does mention that minors tend to be less capable of making mature judgments or rational decisions, that the most serious delinquents may not fully comprehend the gravity of their actions or appreciate their consequences, and that many juvenile offenders are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which might impair their decision-making ability.

Question 9

_______________________ theory views crime as a "normal" function of modern living.

Accepted Answer

Routine activities theory views crime as a "normal" function of modern living. The theory suggests that crime occurs when three elements converge- motivated offenders, suitable targets, and the absence of capable guardians. It argues that crime is not caused by external factors such as poverty or social disorganization, but rather by the daily routines of individuals.

Question 10

According to choice theorists,offenders:

Accepted Answer

According to choice theorists, offenders are rational actors who make a conscious decision to commit crime because they believe it will be beneficial to them in some way. This may include financial gain, satisfaction of a desire or need, or even the thrill of the crime itself. Choice theory assumes that offenders weigh the costs and benefits of their actions before deciding to engage in criminal behavior.

Question 11

According to the concept of ________________,if offenders are punished severely,the experience will convince them not to repeat their illegal acts.

Accepted Answer

Specific deterrence is the concept that focuses on deterring the specific individual from committing future crimes by imposing a punishment severe enough to discourage them from repeating their illegal acts.

Question 12

According to routine activities theory,the volume and distribution of predatory crimes in a particular area and at a particular time are influenced by the interaction of three variables.Which of the following is not one of these variables?

Accepted Answer

The absence of law enforcement is one of the variables that influence the volume and distribution of predatory crimes in a particular area and at a particular time, according to routine activities theory.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about specific deterrence is false?

Accepted Answer

The statement that punitive measures alone deter future delinquency is false. Research has shown that punishment alone is not effective in deterring future delinquency, and that interventions that address underlying causes of delinquency, such as family and community factors, are more effective at reducing future offending.

Question 14

Cognitive theory contends that the choice to commit delinquent acts can be controlled by the threat of punishment;if people believe illegal behavior will result in severe sanctions,they will choose not to commit crimes.

Accepted Answer

Cognitive theory focuses on internal mental processes and how they influence behavior, rather than the external threat of punishment. The theory suggests that thought processes, perceptions, and problem-solving abilities play a significant role in understanding and controlling behavior.

Question 15

Hirschi and Hindelang reported that IQ is more important than race and social class for involvement in delinquency.

Accepted Answer

Hirschi and Hindelang's study found that IQ was a more significant predictor of delinquency than race or social class.

Question 16

A guiding principle of ______________ theory is that the more severe,certain,and swift the punishment,the greater the ability to prevent crime.

Accepted Answer

Deterrence theory holds that potential criminals will be deterred from committing crimes if the punishment is severe, certain, and swift. This principle operates on the assumption that individuals will weigh the potential costs and benefits of their actions before committing a crime, and that increasing the perceived costs of engaging in criminal behavior will discourage such behavior. Thus, deterrence theory suggests that harsher punishments will lead to reduced crime rates.

Question 17

Routine activities theory was developed by prominent researchers:​

Accepted Answer

Routine activities theory was developed by Marcus Felson and Lawrence Cohen.

Question 18

Which of the following statements about situational crime prevention efforts is true?

Accepted Answer

Situational crime prevention efforts focus on creating obstacles that make it more difficult for criminals to commit their intended crimes. This can include measures such as installing security cameras or locks to prevent theft, or making it harder to profit from illegal acts such as drug trafficking. Options B and C refer to general deterrence methods, which are not specific to the situation or crime being targeted. Option D is a reference to outdated and discredited theories about the causes of criminal behavior.

Question 19

In the 1990s,various deterrence-based strategies were implemented based on the increase in teenage violence. Which of the following is not one of those policies?

Accepted Answer

D is the only option that describes a strategy focused on teaching problem-solving skills, while the other three options involve deterrence-based strategies focused on punishment and/or aggressive law enforcement tactics.

Question 20

Among the factors that contribute to the development of antisocial personalities are family dysfunction and lower levels of arousal.

Accepted Answer

Family dysfunction and lower levels of arousal are both factors that have been linked to the development of antisocial personalities. Research has suggested that individuals who experience abuse, neglect, or inconsistent parenting in childhood are at greater risk for developing antisocial tendencies. Additionally, some studies have found that people with antisocial personalities tend to have lower levels of arousal or excitement, which may contribute to impulsive and risky behavior.

Quiz 3: Individual Views of Delinquency: Choice and Trait