Class 2 - Overview of Theory
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Questions and Answers

What is one of the primary purposes of a theory?

  • To eliminate biases
  • To create universal truths
  • To explain behaviors or events (correct)
  • To criticize people's opinions

According to the overview, theories are always abstract and not based on reality.

False (B)

What should one do when evaluating sources of information according to the themes presented?

Question all sources of information due to biases.

The concept that truth is influenced by ________ is noted in the theory overview.

<p>perception</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theme emphasizes the need to be cautious about information from those in power?

<p>Mistrust (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the themes with their descriptions:

<p>Mistrust = Cautious of gossip and manipulated information Relativity of Truth = Recognition of truth as a construct Criminology/Sociology = Based on interpersonal relations and social contexts Group membership = Influences based on social relations and community geography</p> Signup and view all the answers

Emotions have no influence on perception and truth.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what contexts is truth considered to be 'messy'?

<p>In the context of crime and differing interpretations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between socioeconomic conditions and property crime according to the theorists?

<p>Socioeconomic barriers contribute to property crime. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The positivist paradigm is considered a sidekick to theories in criminology.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic unit of consensus in criminology as described?

<p>Paradigm</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the demonic perspective, deviance is considered a form of __________.

<p>sin</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consequence of disjuncture between aspirations and expectations?

<p>Blocked opportunities (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Coping with strain can include exercise and music.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the positivist paradigm in relation to social structure?

<p>Considers societal conditions that contribute to offending. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their associated elements:

<p>Demonic Perspective = Deviance is sin Classical Criminology = Utilitarian Calculus Social Changes = Instability from migration Urbanisation = Segmented communities</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one type of strain that can lead to criminal coping.

<p>Strain seen as unjust</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cultural and economic inequalities are seen as contributing factors to crime in a positivist perspective.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What response did the demonic perspective advocate for deviant behavior?

<p>Trails and Torture (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to classical criminology, crime is viewed as a result of free will.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Strains that are high in __________ can lead to criminal coping.

<p>magnitude</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of criminological problems?

<p>Broader social issues and how they are defined.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In addressing ________, researchers often emphasize qualitative work such as focus groups and interviews.

<p>social issues</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do social changes like industrialization affect social order?

<p>They cause instability and higher rates of unemployment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each type of strain with its description:

<p>Disjuncture between aspirations and expectations = Blocked opportunities &amp; inadequate skills Removal of Positively Valued Stimuli = Loss of something of great worth Confrontation with Negative Stimuli = Exposure to negative actions by others Strains perceived as unjust = Feelings of unfair treatment in outcomes</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the concepts with their corresponding examples:

<p>Property crime = Socioeconomic conditions Interpersonal violence = Mental health Violence against women = Patriarchal power Economic disparities = Income levels</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the construction of criminological problems is true?

<p>Problems are influenced by varying interests and definitions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hypotheses in criminological theory typically focus on the relationship between concepts and issues being addressed.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of relationships do hypotheses in theory construction aim to project?

<p>Expected relationships between concepts and the issues they address.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential factor correlated with crime according to research?

<p>Low resting heart rate (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Genetics have no influence on criminal behavior.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of environments that influence criminal behavior?

<p>Shared environment and non-shared environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

The study involving twins can determine twin types, specifically _______ twins and _______ twins.

<p>monozygotic, dizygotic</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

<p>Prefrontal Cortex = Affects attention span and self-control Adoption Studies = Investigates the influence of biological and adoptive parents Twin Studies = Research comparing identical and fraternal twins Phenotypic Variation = Divided into genetic, shared environmental, and unshared environmental components</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'anomie' refer to?

<p>Lack of fit between goals and means (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Merton's theory, conformists reject both cultural goals and acceptable means.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common form of deviant response according to Merton?

<p>Innovation</p> Signup and view all the answers

A __________ seeks to modify the social structure by changing both goals and means.

<p>Rebel</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the adaptations to anomie with their descriptions:

<p>Conformist = Accepts both goals and means Innovator = Accepts goals but rejects means Ritualist = Rejects goals but accepts means Retreatist = Rejects goals and means</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which adaptation is characterized by a scaling down of expectations of success?

<p>Ritualist (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Anomie theory suggests that social structure limits access to means of achieving cultural goals.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one example of an innovator's method for achieving wealth.

<p>Fraud or stealing</p> Signup and view all the answers

A __________ is characterized as being part of society but not contributing to it.

<p>Retreatist</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which adaptation poses the least threat to social order?

<p>Conformity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Retreatists actively seek to reintegrate into society.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Merton's assumption regarding cultural goals?

<p>Everyone has a common goal, but some can't attain it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

When success goals are overemphasized, an __________ occurs.

<p>anomie</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Theory in Social Science

Explanations of events or behaviors; aiming for a more informed explanation, often based on observation rather than abstract ideas. It offers solutions based on the explanation.

Mistrust

Being cautious of information sources with potential biases (gossip, those in power, gender/racial bias), and seeking objective information instead.

Relativity of Truth

No single, universal truth exists. Truth varies depending on perspective (victim, perpetrator, etc.) and interpretation.

Criminological/Sociological Theories

Theories often examine interpersonal relationships (micro) and group memberships (macro) to understand behaviors.

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Interpersonal Relations

Analyzing how immediate connections influence behavior, looking at the details of people's relationships, and typically individuals' closest relatives & friends.

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Group Membership

Understanding behavior by studying social groups, like geographic locations or communities, to consider surrounding influences.

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Importance of Objective Sources

Critically evaluate information sources to identify biases and seek information from reliable, unbiased resources

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Victim/Perpetrator truths

Recognizing that different individuals involved in a situation (victim, defendant) could have different accounts of truth that are shaped by their experiences and perception of events.

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Social Structure (Criminology)

Societal conditions increasing risk of crime or vulnerability, often related to inequality (cultural, economic, political).

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Criminological Problems

Broad social problems, not just specific illegal acts, considered through various perspectives (social work, human rights).

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Theory Construction (Step 1)

Identifying the problem or issue affecting people daily - determining what needs solving.

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Theory Construction (Step 2)

Defining the problem, using relevant concepts to describe the circumstances.

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Theory Construction (Step 3)

Predicting relationships between concepts and the issue using statements or questions (hypothesis).

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Concepts in Criminology

Broad ideas (e.g., socioeconomic conditions, mental health) used to describe and analyze issues.

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Hypothesis in Criminology

A potential relationship or statement about the effect of certain concepts on a problem.

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Positivist Paradigm (Criminology)

A perspective in criminology focused on external factors increasing criminal risk, often searching for quick solutions.

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Strain Theory & Delinquency

Strain theory suggests that when expectations aren't met and there are perceived injustices, it may lead to delinquent actions.

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Types of Strain

Strain can be caused by unmet expectations, unfair outcomes, the loss of valued things, or exposure to negative situations.

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Unjust Strain

Strain is considered unjust when the outcome or experience appears unfair compared to effort or other circumstances.

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State Anger vs. Trait Anger

State anger is temporary anger triggered by specific situations, while trait anger is a more persistent personality characteristic.

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Coping Strategies

Individuals cope with strain through various methods, including exercise, prayer, music, and potentially criminal activities.

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Behavioral Genetics

The study of how genes and environment interact to shape individual traits.

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Prefrontal Cortex's Role in Crime

The prefrontal cortex might affect attention span, self-control, and sensation-seeking, potentially influencing criminal behavior.

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Shared Environment

Common experiences like family background, class and religion, which could influence criminal tendencies in individuals.

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Twin Studies (MZ vs. DZ)

Comparing identical twins (MZ) and fraternal twins (DZ) to understand the genetic role in things like crime tendencies and to estimate how much of a behavior is down to genes versus the environment.

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Adoption Studies & Crime

Studies examining criminal records of adopted children in relation to their biological and adoptive parents to see if there is a correlation in criminal behaviour based on genetic inheritance versus environment.

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Paradigm

A fundamental image of a subject; a basic unit of consensus.

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Positivist Paradigm

A paradigm focused on observable facts and measurable data to understand crime. It assumes a measurable truth.

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Classical Criminology

A paradigm focused on free will and rational choice as the causes of crime.

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Socioeconomic Barriers

Obstacles related to social and economic status that might contribute to crime.

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Social Changes

Significant shifts in society, such as migration, industrialization, and urbanization, that can impact crime.

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Theory vs. Paradigm

A theory is a specific explanation (like a sidekick), while a paradigm is a broader perspective (like a superhero).

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Crime & Relationship

Hypothetical relationship between socioeconomic factors and property crime. There may be a connection (but isn't proven).

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Demonic Perspective

A perspective that considers crime as a result of supernatural forces or sins.

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Institutional Means

Acceptable and approved ways within a society to achieve goals.

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Anomie

A disconnect between societal goals and the means to achieve them.

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Strain Theory

Explaining criminal behavior by the disconnect between societal goals and access to legitimate means to achieve these goals

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Conformist

Accepts both societal goals and the means to achieve them. This type of adaptation is the most common.

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Innovator

Accepts societal goals but rejects the approved methods to achieve them. This is a common criminal response.

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Ritualist

Rejects societal goals but still accepts the means of achieving them.

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Retreatist

Rejects both societal goals and the means of achieving them.

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Rebellion

Rejects both societal goals and means and actively seeks to create new ones.

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Merton's Typology

A framework for understanding how individuals adapt to societal pressures regarding goals and means.

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American Dream

Cultural goal of upward mobility and wealth achievement in the United States.

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Social Disorganisation Theory

Crime occurs because of a breakdown in social order (e.g. neighbourhoods) that weakens the ability of communities to control citizen behaviour

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Social Cohesion

The extent to which members of a society or a social group feel connected and unified.

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Marginalization

The systematic exclusion of some groups from full participation and access in society.

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Deviance

Violation of social norms and expectations.

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Macro level

Large-scale societal analysis examining societal wide patterns and structures as a driver to crime.

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Study Notes

Class 2 - Overview of Theory

  • What's the point? Understanding the need for theory to explain behaviours or events.
  • What is a theory? A theory is an explanation of events based on extensive research or a system of ideas that can be used to address and offer possible solutions to an issue, based on observations and opinions. Theories can be grounded or abstract and can be used for daily observations. Offering an advanced account of behaviours and events, and grounded on evidence.
  • Four Themes
  • Mistrust: Be cautious of individuals exploiting positions of power (e.g., religion, finance, gender, race) as they may manipulate or distort information. Question all sources of information due to biases
  • Relativity of Truth: Truth is a construct, dependent on the storyteller and the perception of those involved. Truth can be interpreted differently by various individuals, including victims, perpetrators, family members, and bystanders. Feelings and emotions influence the way information is interpreted when discussing sensitive events like crime.
  • Criminology/Sociology: Theories in criminology/sociology look at the interconnectedness of people's relationships and how factors like immediate relationships (family/friends) social connections (group memberships), and geographical location (neighborhood influence, community) influence behaviour.

Theory Construction

  • Social Situation/Phenomenon: Identify the problem being investigated, focusing on daily issues.
  • Concepts: Define and describe the relevant circumstances, relying on methods like focus groups and interviews to understand experiences.
  • Hypothesis: Formulate a projection of how behaviour and concepts relate, offering a statement or a question relating to the subject matter(s).
  • Example of Hypothesis: Property crime and the concept of socioeconomic factors (e.g., employment, income levels) are related. This is also commonly known as assuming a relationship.

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Description

Explore the significance of theory in understanding behaviors and events in this Class 2 overview. Delve into the definition of theory, its themes like mistrust and the relativity of truth, and how they influence our perceptions and understandings. This quiz encourages critical thinking and evaluation of information sources.

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