Exam Review - Sample Questions

Questions and Answers

What are the three essential elements for crime to occur according to Routine Activities Theory?

A motivated offender, lack of interest, and available target

A guardian presence, an interested target, and opportunity

An available target, a motivated offender, and lack of guardian(s) (correct)

Presence of witnesses, a motivated offender, and opportunity

What was the top offense in Florida according to the provided statistics?

Illegal Taking/Methods

Improper Permitting (correct)

Marine Life Conservation Offense

Illegal Possession-Fish

Which demographic represented the majority of offenders in Florida?

Minority groups, female, and aged 40+

White, male, and in their mid-30s (correct)

Female, aged 20-29

White, male, and under 25

Which element is NOT part of the Routine Activities Theory framework?

Financial gain Signup and view all the answers

Which region is associated with improper permitting and illegal hunting methods?

Northwest Region Signup and view all the answers

What does Routine Activity Theory suggest contributes to the rate of criminal victimization?

Presence of vulnerable targets and absence of guardians Signup and view all the answers

Which theoretical concept asserts that crime is effectively decreased by certain, severe, and swift punishments?

Deterrence Theory Signup and view all the answers

In which region are illegal fishing methods and marine conservation offenses predominantly cited?

South Region Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes modern biological and biosocial theories?

Emphasize social environmental influences Signup and view all the answers

What is the key concept of Lombroso's early biological theories about criminals?

Criminals have identifiable physical traits Signup and view all the answers

Hot Spots Policing is a practice related to which theoretical framework?

Routine Activity Theory Signup and view all the answers

What does research on Rational Choice Theory propose regarding criminals' decision-making processes?

Criminals often use emotions to make decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Which element of the Thoughtfully Reflective Decision-Making (TRDM) process did Ross fulfill when he chose Rachel?

Reflecting on the decision made. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor identified by McCarthy that can impede rational decision-making?

Influence of emotional responses. Signup and view all the answers

Why might offenders struggle with making rational assessments of the risks associated with their criminal activities?

They lack adequate information about risks and penalties. Signup and view all the answers

What tendency do regular offenders typically exhibit in their decision-making process?

They operate primarily through emotional responses. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the rational decision-making process according to the Rational Choice Theory?

It is a rarely executed process in real-life scenarios. Signup and view all the answers

What can limit an individual's cognitive engagement in decision-making as suggested by McCarthy?

Decision-making based on emotions and moral beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Ross's decision-making does the TRDM model critique?

The emotional basis of his choice. Signup and view all the answers

What has the emphasis in biological theory shifted towards?

Genetics and neurobiology Signup and view all the answers

How do genetically inherited autonomic nervous systems (ANS) that are slow to arouse affect behavior?

They contribute to slow learning in behavior control. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of behavioral and molecular genetics?

The interaction between genetics and environment. Signup and view all the answers

In twin studies, what does 'concordance' refer to?

The agreement in behavior between twins or siblings. Signup and view all the answers

Which twin studies result is commonly found for adult offenders?

Substantial genetic effects for males. Signup and view all the answers

What are some prevention and treatment strategies derived from modern biosocial theories?

Educational programs and parenting promotion. Signup and view all the answers

What significant finding is associated with low resting heart rate?

It shows a connection to involvement in crime. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of environments does behavioral genetics study?

Shared and nonshared environmental influences. Signup and view all the answers

What does the diathesis-stress model primarily focus on in relation to genetic influence?

How genetic variations increase vulnerability to negative environments. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the differential-susceptibility model, how are genes characterized?

As plasticity genes that indicate susceptibility to varying environments. Signup and view all the answers

What principle does the diathesis-stress model relate to in rehabilitation efforts?

Risk principle. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the purpose of the Strong African American Families (SAAF) program?

To assess how genetic make-up influences response to family-centered interventions. Signup and view all the answers

How do genetic polymorphisms relate to antisocial behavior according to the diathesis-stress model?

They are associated with increased likelihood of maladaptive outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall goal of using genetically informed evidence-based prevention science in crime prevention?

To understand genetic influences on behavior and develop targeted interventions. Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is associated with the differential-susceptibility model in the context of prevention interventions?

Responsivity principle. Signup and view all the answers

What behaviors were targeted for prevention in the SAAF program among the participants?

Delinquency, substance use, and risky sexual behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT a part of the Routine Activities Theory framework?

Environmental conditions Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of offenders in North Central Florida were identified as male?

94.3% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following offenses had the highest occurrence in Florida?

Improper Permitting Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Routine Activities Theory, which combination of elements is needed for a crime to take place?

Motivated offender, lack of guardianship, and available target Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic represented the majority of offenders in the state of Florida?

White males in their mid-30s Signup and view all the answers

What was the percentage of improper permitting offenses in North Central Florida?

44.7% Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of offenders involved in wildlife crime in Florida?

They are mostly middle-aged men Signup and view all the answers

Which of these offenses is categorized as a camouflage-collar crime in Florida?

Marine Life Conservation Offense Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rational Choice Theory

Purely rational decision-making in crime is uncommon; offenders often fail to adequately assess risks and penalties.
Regular offenders typically lack thorough planning and information regarding legal repercussions.
“Thoughtfully Reflective Decision Making” (TRDM) involves emotional influences over rational assessment in choices.

Routine Activities Theory

Crime necessitates three elements: an available target, a motivated offender, and absence of guardianship.
Proposed by Cohen and Felson, these elements are crucial for understanding crime opportunities.

Camouflage-Collar Crime in Florida

Top offenses in Florida: Improper Permitting (49.5%), Marine Life Conservation Offense (16.5%), Illegal Possession-Fish (13.1%).
Major offender demographics: predominantly white (81.2% in Florida) and male (95.2%), mostly in their mid-30s.
Regional differences affect the likelihood of specific crimes reported by law enforcement.

Crime Prevention Strategies

Routine Activity Theory informs police practices including Hot Spots Policing and Geographic Information Systems.
Emphasizes the role of environmental factors in crime occurrence and the need for guardianship.

Summary of Theories

Deterrence theory links the certainty, severity, and swiftness of punishment to crime reduction.
Rational choice theory suggests offenders weigh pleasure against pain in decision-making.
Routine activities theory highlights the increased risk of victimization due to the presence of motivated offenders and vulnerable targets without guardianship.

Biological and Biosocial Theories

Traditional biological theories emphasize physiological or genetic aspects but often overlook social influences.
Modern theories focus on the interplay of biological, social, and psychological variables affecting criminal behavior.

Lombroso's Contributions

Concept of "born criminals" evolved to study neurobiology, genetics, and evolutionary psychology.
Shifts from physical traits to neurological and biochemical aspects in understanding crime.

Genetic Research

Genetic makeup can jointly influence environmental factors regarding behavior; genes facilitate rather than dictate actions.
Twin studies show significant genetic influence in males, but limited effect in adolescent delinquency.

Gene-Environment Interaction Models

Diathesis-stress model identifies genetic risks that interact negatively with environments leading to antisocial behaviors.
Differential-susceptibility model illustrates that genetic predispositions can make individuals sensitive to both negative and positive environments.

Prevention Models

Gene-environment interactions inform rehabilitation and preventive approaches, focusing on educational and social support initiatives.
Programs like Strong African American Families (SAAF) aim to mitigate problem behaviors through family-centered interventions considering genetic factors.

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