Risk factors

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes a risk factor according to Mrazek and Haggerty?

A characteristic that increases the probability of offending

A circumstance that is associated with a harmful outcome

A characteristic that makes it more likely for an individual to develop a disorder (correct)

A variable that is present in the general population

Which of the following is not a somatotype based on the text?

Anthromorph (correct)

Mesomorph

Ectomorph

Endomorph

Which somatotype is characterized by a heavy build and a soft and round body shape?

Endomorph (correct)

Mesomorph

Ectomorph

None of the above

What are criminogenic risk factors?

Factors associated with criminal activities Signup and view all the answers

Which somatotype has a personality that is characterized as introverted, hypersensitive, and intellectual?

Ectomorph Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a criminogenic risk factor associated with the causation of crime?

Individual factors Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of exploring individual criminal risk factors?

Socialization process of the child into adulthood Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of genes in criminal causation?

Genes can instill a predisposition towards certain behavioral traits Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of the role that hereditary factors can play as a criminogenic risk factor?

Criminal behavior in parents Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between genetics and environmental influences in criminal causation?

Environmental influences will act as triggers of genetic predispositions Signup and view all the answers

According to Sheldon's somatotypes, which body type is mainly associated with delinquent boys?

Mesomorph Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the criminal risk factors associated with genetics?

Personality and temperament Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary criticism of Sheldon's research on somatotypes?

It ignores the influence of socialization and cognition on criminal behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which body type is characterized as relaxed, extroverted, and relatively non-criminal according to Sheldon's somatotypes?

Endomorph Signup and view all the answers

What is Stratts' opinion on the relationship between genetics and criminality?

Genetics alone can predispose a person to criminal behavior Signup and view all the answers

According to Lykken, which of the following is NOT one of the principal components of socialisation?

Rejection of crime Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis of a person's pro-sociality, according to the text?

Their ability to empathise with others Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of acceptance of adult responsibility?

Promoting pro-social rules and values Signup and view all the answers

What role do agents of socialisation play in shaping people's behaviour and values?

They can influence both positive and negative behaviour Signup and view all the answers

What inborn characteristics can make it harder to successfully socialise a child, according to Lykken?

Aggressiveness Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of personality?

A person's unique behavior pattern including emotions and thoughts Signup and view all the answers

What is the indirect link between IQ and criminal behavior according to the text?

Lower IQ can lead to frustration and a predisposition to criminal behavior Signup and view all the answers

What are the temperamental components according to the text?

Mood, activity level, sociability, reactivity, and effect Signup and view all the answers

What is the debate about the link between IQ and criminality according to the text?

Controversial and has still not been conclusively proven Signup and view all the answers

What do Kuperminc and Allen's findings suggest about how individuals resolve challenges in life?

They use genetic and inherited personality traits in correlation with environmental factors and previous experiences Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a personality trait strongly linked to criminal behavior according to Hill (2002)?

Empathy Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a disorder according to Hill (2002)?

Behavior that is influenced by genetics and environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of physiological disorders on human behavior according to Hunter and Dantzker (2002)?

Biological and psychological influence Signup and view all the answers

What can result from psychological disorders according to Walsh (2015)?

Truancy and juvenile delinquency Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of socialization according to Barkan (in Schoeman, 2002)?

Acquired behavior that enables a person to conform to society's rules and expectations Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Risk Factors and Somatotypes

A risk factor influences the likelihood of developing a condition or behavior.
Somatotypes categorize body types: ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph.
The endomorph somatotype features a heavy build with a soft and round body shape.
Criminogenic risk factors contribute to criminal behavior, including environmental, social, and biological elements.
Ectomorphs are often seen as introverted, hypersensitive, and intellectual in personality.
A specific criminogenic risk factor for crime causation includes socioeconomic status and exposure to violence.

Genetics and Criminality

Exploring individual criminal risk factors focuses on understanding personal traits and circumstances influencing criminal behavior.
Genes can predispose individuals to certain behaviors, impacting criminal causation.
Hereditary factors can include family history of criminal behavior or aggression as a criminogenic risk factor.
The interplay between genetics and environmental influences shapes criminal tendencies; both contribute to behavior.
According to Sheldon's somatotypes, the mesomorphic body type relates primarily to delinquent boys.
Genetic factors associated with criminal risk may include impulsivity and aggression tendencies.

Critiques and Perspectives

Major criticism of Sheldon's research revolves around its lack of empirical support and over-reliance on physical traits to explain complex behaviors.
Ectomorphic individuals exhibit relaxed, extroverted traits and relatively low criminality levels.
Stratts views genetic predisposition as a factor in criminality, but emphasizes the importance of environmental influences.
Lykken identifies key components of socialization, excluding certain aspects, such as innate personality traits.

Socialization and Behavior

A person's pro-sociality stems from their ability to learn and adopt positive social behaviors.
Acceptance of adult responsibility focuses on understanding and fulfilling societal roles expected of adults.
Agents of socialization, such as family, peers, and educators, significantly shape behaviors and values.
Inborn characteristics, like temperamental traits, can hinder effective socialization in children, according to Lykken.

Personality, IQ, and Criminality

Personality is defined as the combination of characteristics and qualities that form an individual's distinctive character.
The indirect link between IQ and criminal behavior suggests that while there is a correlation, it is not straightforward or causal.
Temperamental components relate to emotional and behavioral responses that can influence social interactions.
Debate exists regarding the link between IQ and criminality, with some arguing it may affect problem-solving abilities leading to criminal outcomes.
Kuperminc and Allen's findings indicate that individuals face challenges to develop resilience and resolve issues effectively.

Disorders and Behavior

A personality trait strongly linked to criminal behavior is impulsivity, as noted by Hill (2002).
A disorder is classified as a dysfunction in mental processes affecting behavior, according to Hill (2002).
Physiological disorders impact behaviors by creating challenges in emotional regulation or cognitive functioning as defined by Hunter and Dantzker (2002).
Psychological disorders can lead to increased risk for criminal behavior, as explained by Walsh (2015).
Socialization is defined as the process through which individuals learn and internalize the norms and values of their culture, as per Barkan (in Schoeman, 2002).

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Description

Test your knowledge about intelligence as a risk indicator for criminal behavior with this quiz. Learn about the correlation between IQ and delinquency, and explore different perspectives on the topic from social scientists. Keywords: intelligence, risk indicator, criminal causation, delinquency, IQ.