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What does the structural level of analysis in criminology emphasize?
What does the structural level of analysis in criminology emphasize?
According to classical theory of crime, human actions are primarily driven by which of the following?
According to classical theory of crime, human actions are primarily driven by which of the following?
What is a fundamental assumption of the rational choice theory in criminology?
What is a fundamental assumption of the rational choice theory in criminology?
In the situational level of analysis, which factor is considered essential?
In the situational level of analysis, which factor is considered essential?
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Which characteristic is least associated with the individual level of analysis in criminology?
Which characteristic is least associated with the individual level of analysis in criminology?
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What does the social contract in classical theory entail?
What does the social contract in classical theory entail?
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Which of the following is NOT a key idea of classical crime theory?
Which of the following is NOT a key idea of classical crime theory?
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In criminological theories, the main focus of the situational analysis is on which of the following?
In criminological theories, the main focus of the situational analysis is on which of the following?
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What does the Crime Prevention approach compare preventing crime to?
What does the Crime Prevention approach compare preventing crime to?
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What aspect do trait theories of crime primarily consider?
What aspect do trait theories of crime primarily consider?
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Which approach did Cesare Lombroso advocate regarding the origins of criminal behavior?
Which approach did Cesare Lombroso advocate regarding the origins of criminal behavior?
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What is a criticism of the early bio-criminologists' work?
What is a criticism of the early bio-criminologists' work?
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What concept do contemporary approaches in criminology emphasize?
What concept do contemporary approaches in criminology emphasize?
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What physical traits did Lombroso associate with atavistic criminals?
What physical traits did Lombroso associate with atavistic criminals?
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What question is NOT typically asked by trait theories of crime?
What question is NOT typically asked by trait theories of crime?
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Which aspect is likely to influence aggressive behavior according to contemporary criminological theories?
Which aspect is likely to influence aggressive behavior according to contemporary criminological theories?
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What does Cultural Deviance theory primarily explain about individuals in low-income neighborhoods?
What does Cultural Deviance theory primarily explain about individuals in low-income neighborhoods?
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Which sub-theory specifically highlights how lower-class youth engage in delinquent behavior as a form of protest?
Which sub-theory specifically highlights how lower-class youth engage in delinquent behavior as a form of protest?
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In the Theory of Differential Opportunity, what factor does not contribute to the formation of criminal behavior?
In the Theory of Differential Opportunity, what factor does not contribute to the formation of criminal behavior?
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What is a characteristic activity of Criminal Gangs as described by the Theory of Differential Opportunity?
What is a characteristic activity of Criminal Gangs as described by the Theory of Differential Opportunity?
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What reaction do youth in low-income neighborhoods often have toward the ideals of hard work and formal education?
What reaction do youth in low-income neighborhoods often have toward the ideals of hard work and formal education?
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What is 'status frustration' in the context of delinquent subcultures?
What is 'status frustration' in the context of delinquent subcultures?
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What kind of gang typically operates in areas with few opportunities for legal or illegal success?
What kind of gang typically operates in areas with few opportunities for legal or illegal success?
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Which of the following gang types is characterized by the abandonment of all avenues towards success?
Which of the following gang types is characterized by the abandonment of all avenues towards success?
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What is the primary goal of Situational Crime Prevention?
What is the primary goal of Situational Crime Prevention?
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Which of the following is NOT a component of the rational choice theory in crime prevention?
Which of the following is NOT a component of the rational choice theory in crime prevention?
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Which strategy aims specifically to prevent known criminals from reoffending?
Which strategy aims specifically to prevent known criminals from reoffending?
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What issue can arise from employing Situational Crime Prevention tactics?
What issue can arise from employing Situational Crime Prevention tactics?
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What does the concept of General Deterrence Strategies primarily rely on?
What does the concept of General Deterrence Strategies primarily rely on?
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Which example exemplifies Specific Deterrence Strategies?
Which example exemplifies Specific Deterrence Strategies?
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What is a potential risk of general deterrence tactics like capital punishment?
What is a potential risk of general deterrence tactics like capital punishment?
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Which of the following could be an unintended consequence of situational crime prevention strategies?
Which of the following could be an unintended consequence of situational crime prevention strategies?
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Which theory argues that the focus on the abuse of power should extend beyond the ruling elite?
Which theory argues that the focus on the abuse of power should extend beyond the ruling elite?
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What is a fundamental distinction made by Feminist Theory?
What is a fundamental distinction made by Feminist Theory?
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Which of the following is NOT listed as a cause of violent behavior?
Which of the following is NOT listed as a cause of violent behavior?
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What factor is mentioned as influencing the behavior of many street criminals?
What factor is mentioned as influencing the behavior of many street criminals?
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Which disorder is specifically mentioned in the context of male batterers in spousal abuse cases?
Which disorder is specifically mentioned in the context of male batterers in spousal abuse cases?
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Which hypothesis was proposed regarding Ivan the Terrible's violent behavior?
Which hypothesis was proposed regarding Ivan the Terrible's violent behavior?
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Which of the following concepts is part of Feminist Theory as it relates to crime?
Which of the following concepts is part of Feminist Theory as it relates to crime?
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Which of the following branches is NOT associated with Social Conflict Theory?
Which of the following branches is NOT associated with Social Conflict Theory?
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Which category does financial theft and identity fraud fall under?
Which category does financial theft and identity fraud fall under?
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What is a significant challenge faced by law enforcement in combating cybercrime?
What is a significant challenge faced by law enforcement in combating cybercrime?
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Which of the following best describes the dark web?
Which of the following best describes the dark web?
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Which type of political crime involves illegal actions by a state against its own population?
Which type of political crime involves illegal actions by a state against its own population?
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What motivates political criminals who commit acts of terrorism?
What motivates political criminals who commit acts of terrorism?
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Which form of communication has blurred the lines between public and private?
Which form of communication has blurred the lines between public and private?
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What term describes the unauthorized use of a computer?
What term describes the unauthorized use of a computer?
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Which of the following is an example of cyberbullying?
Which of the following is an example of cyberbullying?
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Which type of terrorism is characterized by violent acts committed by individuals or groups to influence government policy?
Which type of terrorism is characterized by violent acts committed by individuals or groups to influence government policy?
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What is a characteristic feature of the growing digital society?
What is a characteristic feature of the growing digital society?
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Study Notes
What is theory?
- Derives from ancient Greek theoria, meaning 'looking at, viewing, beholding'
- Sets of statements explaining why and how concepts are related
- Used for solving practical problems
- Offers generalizations to discern patterns in events
- A theory is qualified if conclusions can be empirically validated
- Example: Dogs flying faster than birds (unqualified) vs evolution (qualified)
Why theory? Is it useful?
- Theories are qualified through empirical validation
- Provide a reference point for explaining empirical observations (ex: crime in society)
- Examples of their use: Crime & economic status, behavior in society
Theories of Crime
- Theories of crime clarify the 'what' and 'why' of criminal behavior.
- Why do people commit crimes? (ex: self-interest, lack of deterrents)
- How are crimes defined, and what factors influence criminality? (ex: laws, power structures)
Criminological Theories
- Three broad levels of analysis: Individual, Situational, Structural
- Individual level: Focuses on offenders' personal traits and choices
- Situational level: Analyzes the situation surrounding a crime (e.g., local environment, opportunities)
- Structural level: Focuses on broad social relationships and institutions (e.g., social class, gender, race)
Classical Theory
- Level of Analysis: Individual
- Basic principles: Humans are rational and self-interested
- All human actions are voluntary choices
- Crime is rational and people choose to commit it.
- Factors influencing choice: Potential penalties, benefits
- Critiques: Assumes everyone has equal opportunities, and ignores social factors
Choice and Routine Activities Theory
- Crime occurs when an opportunity exists (motivated offender, suitable target, lack of guardianship)
- A rational decision by the offender to commit crime.
- Strategies to prevent crime: Situational Prevention strategies
General Deterrence Strategies
- Crime rates influenced by threat of punishment
- Tactics include: Mandatory sentencing, Aggressive policing, and the threat of severe punishment (e.g., capital punishment)
Specific Deterrence Strategies
- Preventing known criminals from re-offending
- Strategies: Harsher punishments, and methods like “reintegrative shaming.”
Incapacitation Strategies
- Reducing crime through imprisonment
- Lengths of sentences deterring individuals from committing future crimes
Choice Theory vs Trait Theories
- Similarities: Focus on individual level analysis
- Differences: Choice theory assumes free will, and trait theories suggest criminal behavior stems from internal factors.
- Examples: biological and psychological predispositions.
Positivist Criminology and Trait Theories of Crime
- Positivism: Applies natural science methods (e.g., testing) to analyze social behavior
- Premises: Neutrality in social observation, Measurable human behavior, Laws governing social behavior
- Subjective vs Objective: Personal feelings vs. verifiable facts.
Psychological Trait Theories
- Examines mental aspects of crime (intelligence, personality, mental illness)
- Branches: Psychodynamic (ID, Ego, Superego), Behavioral (learned behavior), and Cognitive (thought and perception processes)
Social Structure Theories
- Social factors (e.g., poverty, inequality) influence criminal behavior.
- Three branches: Social disorganization (breakdown of community), Strain (disparity between goals and means), and Cultural deviance (deviant subcultures).
Social Process Theories
- How socialization influences criminal behavior
- Three branches: Social learning theory, Social control theory, and Labeling theory.
- Social Control Theory: Individuals are influenced by social bonds. Strong or weak social bonds/connections to others influence crime rates.
- Labeling Theory: Crime is shaped by how society labels individuals as criminals.
Social Conflict Theories
- Crime results from social inequalities and the abuse of power by the ruling elite
- Marxism: Criminal laws are tools used by the powerful to maintain control.
- Marxist Criminology: Focuses on class conflict, economic inequality as the drivers of crime
- Power determines what is categorized as a crime
Crime Typologies
- Violent (physical harm): murder, assault, rape
- Property: theft, burglary, vandalism
- White collar: fraud, embezzlement, insider trading
- Public order: public drunkenness, loitering
- Cyber-crimes: hacking, identity theft, cyberbullying, cyberstalking
The Roots of Violence
- Personal traits (e.g., mood disorders, personality problems)
- Ineffective families
- Evolutionary factors (e.g., instinctual drives)
- Cultural/regional values
- Substance abuse
- Types of violence: Murder, Manslaughter, Serial Homicide, Cyberbullying etc.
- Example: Ivan the Terrible: A historical figure whose violent actions might have been partially caused by personality disorders.
Cybercrime
- A category of crime involving technology
- Includes theft, vandalism, war, terrorism, etc.
- The digital world has influenced the growth and evolution of crime.
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Description
Explore the foundations of criminological theories, their definitions, and their implications in understanding criminal behavior. This quiz discusses the utility of theories in explaining crime and their empirical validation. Perfect for students studying criminology or sociology.
