Criminology Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Criminologists

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of a criminologist?

Analyzing crime phenomena and criminal behavior scientifically (correct)

Performing surgeries in hospitals

Conducting police investigations

Running a private business

Which field is NOT a specialization in criminology?

Forensic anthropology (correct)

Criminal law

Victimology

Crime theories

What is the definition of a status offense?

An offense committed by adults only

An action prohibited to only a certain class of people (correct)

A felony punishable by death

An offense committed by individuals with a certain profession

Where are criminologists typically employed?

Government departments and NGOs Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates criminology from other disciplines?

It scientifically studies the victim, offender, and criminal justice system together Signup and view all the answers

In addition to researching and lecturing, what is another main function of a criminologist?

Being involved in community service Signup and view all the answers

What is victimology primarily concerned with?

Studying crime victims and their experiences Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to strategies that assess the nature and extent of deviant or criminal behavior patterns?

Criminal or deviant behavior systems Signup and view all the answers

What does the juridical definition of crime emphasize?

Illegal actions that can be punished by authorities Signup and view all the answers

Which term is used to describe crimes that are not legally punishable but violate social norms?

Non-juridical definition of crime Signup and view all the answers

What are statutory crimes also known as?

Crimes codified in legislation Signup and view all the answers

Which legal system is identified as the source of South African common law in defining certain crimes?

Roman-Dutch legal system Signup and view all the answers

What motivates robbers to choose violent and high-risk crimes according to the text?

Desire for an affluent life Signup and view all the answers

How do disorganized communities contribute to crime, as mentioned in the text?

By restricting police mobility Signup and view all the answers

What role does alcohol abuse play in disorganized communities according to the text?

Creating chaos Signup and view all the answers

Why do many violent criminals in South Africa have little to no education, as mentioned in the text?

Broken homes and disrupted childhoods Signup and view all the answers

What is a predisposing factor behind crime according to the text?

Subculture of crime Signup and view all the answers

How do robbers view their criminal activities based on the text?

As occupations or businesses Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of psycho-criminology?

Understanding individual criminal behavior from a psychological perspective Signup and view all the answers

According to the classic deterrent approach in criminology, what is the belief about criminals?

Criminals are rational and can decide how to behave Signup and view all the answers

What does the positivistic approach in criminology focus on?

Biological and genetic predispositions as causes of behavior Signup and view all the answers

In epidemiological criminology (EpiCrim), how is crime viewed?

As a disease Signup and view all the answers

What does the critical approach in criminology, known as new criminology, focus on?

A radical or Marxist perspective Signup and view all the answers

What is the Interactional approach in criminology concerned with?

Actions and reactions of people to other individuals and groups Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the broad/non-juridical approach to criminology?

Guided by criminal law and focuses on the wrongdoing against the government Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest is a key difference between the narrow/juridical (legal) approach and the broad/non-juridical approach to criminology?

The narrow approach focuses on actions that violate the law, while the broad approach focuses on actions that are immoral but not necessarily illegal Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a behavior that would be considered under the broad/non-juridical approach to criminology, but not the narrow/juridical approach?

Adultery Signup and view all the answers

The text suggests that the broad/non-juridical approach to criminology is supported by the followers of which school of thought?

New criminology Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a behavior that has been criminalized (previously accepted but now regarded as a crime)?

Marital rape Signup and view all the answers

The text suggests that the broad/non-juridical approach to criminology is concerned with which of the following?

Examining social injustices perpetrated by the ruling party Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Victimology and Criminology

Victimology: the study of crime victims and their experiences and perceptions
Criminology: the scientific study of crime, including the victim, offender, and criminal justice system

Crime Definitions

Juridical definition of crime: an illegal action committed by an individual who can be blamed and punished by the authorities
Statutory crime: crimes codified and published in the statutes of law/legislation
Non-juridical definition of crime: behaviour that violates social norms and potentially endangers society, but is not legally punishable

Criminology Fields of Specialization

Criminal law: definitions of crime and criminal behaviour, as well as rules and regulations for control and prevention
Crime theories: reasons and explanations for the causes and occurrence of criminal behaviour
Victimology/Deviant behaviour systems: study of crime victims and their experiences and perceptions

Functions of a Criminologist

Lecturing at universities/colleges
Researching at universities/colleges or institutions
Being involved in community service

Status Offence

An action prohibited to only a certain class of people, often applied to offenses committed by minors

Criminology Theoretical Approaches

Psycho-criminology: understanding individual criminal behaviour from a psychological perspective
Experimental criminology: conducting experiments about crime, policing, court, and correctional processes
Epidemiological criminology (EpiCrim): study of crime as a disease
Classic deterrent approach (free will): criminals are rational and can decide how to behave
Positivistic approach: powers beyond one’s control determine behaviour
Interactional approach: concentrates on actions and reactions of people to others and the State
Critical approach: new criminology, radical or Marxist perspective

Criminology Definitions and Approaches

Narrow/Juridical (Legal) approach: focuses on actions that violate the law and punishment may be imposed
Broad/Non-juridical approach: searches for reasons behind behaviour and includes behaviour that is unacceptable by most society’s members

Criminalisation and Decriminalisation

Criminalisation: behaviour previously accepted but now regarded as a crime
Decriminalisation: behaviour that was regarded as a crime but is now accepted

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Test your knowledge on criminology and criminologists. Learn about the scientific study of crime, the roles of a criminologist, and the employment opportunities in this field.

Criminology and Criminologists Quiz

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