Criminology Overview Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the core function of Social Control, as defined in the text?

Preventing deviant behavior through the use of formal and informal sanctions. (correct)

Guiding individuals towards achieving their full potential and living fulfilling lives.

Promoting cooperation and interdependence among members of a community.

Enforcing laws and regulations to maintain order within society.

What is the difference between mala in se and malum prohibitum offenses?

Mala in se offenses have a wider range of consequences, while malum prohibitum offenses are generally less severe.

Mala in se offenses are considered inherently wrong, while malum prohibitum offenses are wrong because they are prohibited by law. (correct)

Mala in se offenses violate moral and ethical principles, while malum prohibitum offenses violate social norms and customs.

Which of the following is NOT an element of Hagan’s Typology of Deviance?

The degree of social harm caused by the behavior.

The individual's intention behind the behavior. (correct)

The severity of the social response to the behavior.

The extent of social consensus about the norm being violated.

Why is it stated that 'Normal is a lot of work'?

Maintaining social norms requires constant effort and discipline, both from individuals and society. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the content suggest that Criminology is interdisciplinary?

Criminologists draw knowledge from various disciplines to understand crime and its causes. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial for Criminology to have clear definitions of crime?

To enable comparisons of crime rates and patterns across different societies. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why are commonly held definitions of crime often considered inadequate?

They fail to capture the full spectrum of deviant acts that may not be legally defined as crimes. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the relationship between crime and deviance?

All crimes are considered deviant acts, but not all deviant acts are considered crimes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of data includes reporting by all Canadian police agencies to a central reporting system?

Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a major weakness of UCR data?

Sensitivity to police practices (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary benefit of unofficial data in crime statistics?

It can help track crimes not reported to the police (B) Signup and view all the answers

What can influence the legitimacy of a legal system according to Max Weber?

Public belief in the authority (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which definition of law emphasizes its role in responding to social needs?

Functional Definition (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential problem with unofficial data collection mentioned in the content?

It may lead to under-reporting or over-reporting (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the politics of counting crime, what could alter official data?

Police practices (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a condition for monopoly legitimacy as discussed?

Rule-followers must agree with the laws (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of neo-classical theories of punishment?

The belief that punishment should be swift and certain. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest is a key factor in the effectiveness of punishment?

The likelihood that the offender will be caught and punished. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a major criticism of Rational Choice Theory?

It oversimplifies criminal decision-making processes. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea of Routine Activities Theory?

Crimes are more likely to occur in certain locations and situations. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a technique of Situational Crime Prevention, according to the text, that aims to reduce crime?

Enhancing the surveillance and security of potential crime locations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about social 'order'?

Social order is maintained through laws that regulate conduct and relationships. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Michelle Alexander, what is the primary purpose of mass incarceration in American society?

To maintain and reinforce racial hierarchies. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between Neo-classical Theories and Rational Choice Theory?

Neo-classical theories prioritize the certainty of punishment while Rational Choice Theory focuses on the severity of punishment. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between mechanical and organic solidarity, according to the provided text?

Mechanical solidarity is based on shared beliefs and values, while organic solidarity is based on interdependence. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What do the Crime Severity Index (CSI) and crime-rates tell us about crime trends in Canada?

The CSI shows an overall decline in crime since the 1980s, while crime-rates indicate an increase in violent crimes in the mid-2010s. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the key characteristics of 'social control'?

It is a complex system of mechanisms and resources aimed at ensuring norm-conforming behavior. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What can we learn about crime trends in Canada from the Crime Severity Index (CSI) and Crime Rates?

The CSI measures the severity of crimes based on average sentences, while Crime Rates look at the overall volume of crime. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the statements below accurately reflects how the text views the role of institutions in social control?

Institutions are crucial in shaping and regulating individual behavior through various mechanisms. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of social control?

To coordinate individual behavior and maintain social order. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the text address the relationship between crime data and public perception?

Public perceptions of crime are not always accurate and can be influenced by media narratives. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'hidden curriculum' refer to in the text?

The unwritten rules and expectations that govern student behavior in school. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Criminology

Criminology is interdisciplinary, drawing from various academic backgrounds.
Criminologists often disagree on the causes and consequences of crime.
Contemporary criminology is more interdisciplinary than historical approaches.

Definitions

Consensus definitions are crucial for understanding crime in society.
These definitions allow for the identification of behaviors, individuals, and groups of study.
Clear definitions support comparative studies, examining similarities and differences to develop theories.

Crime vs. Deviance

What constitutes a crime is socially constructed.
Criminalization occurs when activities are deemed illegal, and individuals are labeled as criminals.
Some acts are deemed deviant but not criminal, such as violating folkways or mores.

Hagan's Typology of Deviance

Hagan's typology considers the degree of social harm, social response, and agreement about the norm.
It examines whether behavior is labeled as deviant or criminalized.

"Normal" Is a Lot of Work

Laws are necessary, but not always effective in regulating behavior.
Laws are a way to regulate and establish norms in society.

Social control mechanisms and resources aim to ensure conformity to norms.
Informal and formal sanctions are used as part of social control.
Social control is essential for society to function, though it influences how we interact.

Solidarity (Durkheim)

Solidarity is a fundamental social characteristic, present in every society.
It changes as societies evolve, transitioning from mechanical to organic forms.
Understanding solidarity is critical for understanding social change.

Hidden Curriculum (Emile Durkheim)

Schools reinforce norms and social values through implicit rules and expectations.

Violent Crimes and Crime Trends

Violent crimes often receive more public attention than property crimes.
Crime severity has been changing, with upticks in some places.
Crime trends are affected by factors like patterns of offending, and crime data sources.

Crime Data

Crime data shapes perceptions of crime and the criminal justice system.
Officials and unofficial sources provide crime data.
Data from official sources such as the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) is frequently scrutinized for its reliability.

The Politics of Counting Crime

Police statistics are often accepted without question, despite possible biases or flaws in collection.
Reporting behaviors can affect recorded crime statistics.

The Objectives of Punishment

Punishment in Canada usually aims for general or specific deterrence, denunciation, incapacitation, rehabilitation, reparations/restitution, or retribution.

Rational Choice Theory

Criminals, similar to non-criminals, make decisions in similar ways.
Criminal behavior is considered a product of similar rational considerations.
Rational Choice Theory considers factors leading to criminal behavior.

Routine Activities Theory

Suitable targets and lack of capable guardians can influence crime rates.
This theory examines the environment surrounding criminal activities.

Situational Crime Prevention

Crime prevention strategies can impact crime rates by addressing situational factors, like the environment.
Crime prevention can target physical and social environmental factors.

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Description

Test your understanding of criminology with this quiz that covers key concepts such as definitions of crime, crime vs. deviance, and Hagan's typology of deviance. Explore interdisciplinary perspectives and the social constructs surrounding criminality.