Criminology Theories and Perspectives

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Questions and Answers

The father of classical criminology is generally considered to be:

Adolphe Quetelet

Jeremy Bentham

Cesare Beccaria (correct)

Cesare Lombroso

______ specifically refers to the weighing of anticipated benefits of a given course of action against its possible costs.

Hedonistic calculus (correct)

Human agency

Rationality

Positivism

Which of the following theoretical perspectives is based on the premise that human behavior is primarily hedonistic in nature?

Ecological determinism

Classicism (correct)

The Italian school

Positivism

Rather than exploring why individuals commit crime, ______ criminologists are interested in where and when criminal behavior is most prevalent.

Cartographic Signup and view all the answers

______ is a concept in rational choice theory referring to how people decide to offend.

Choice structuring Signup and view all the answers

Rational choice theory is most closely linked to the ______ school.

Classical Signup and view all the answers

______ deterrence refers to the effect of punishment on the future behavior of the person who experiences the punishment.

Specific Signup and view all the answers

Determinism means that all events have causes that preceded them.

True Signup and view all the answers

Crime rates in Great Britain ______ when the levels of punishment decreased.

Decreased Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the distinction between the circumstances of punishment and the usual life experience of the person being punished?

Determinism Signup and view all the answers

What is the Classical School in criminology?

Cesare Beccaria; make punishment more just and humane. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Principle of Utility propose?

Posits that human action should be judged moral or immoral by its effect on the happiness of the community. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hedonism?

Achievement of pleasure or happiness is the main goal in life. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to be Rational?

Consistent with logic, a logical 'fit' between the goals people strive for and means they use to achieve them. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hedonistic Calculus?

Combining hedonism and rationality to logically weigh the anticipated benefits of a given course of action against its possible costs. Signup and view all the answers

What is Free Will?

That which enables human beings to purposefully and deliberately choose to follow a calculated course of action. Signup and view all the answers

What does Determinism imply?

Events have causes that precede them. Signup and view all the answers

What is Positivism?

An extension of the scientific method from which more positive knowledge can be obtained to social life. Signup and view all the answers

What is Cartographic Criminology?

Criminologists who employ maps and other geographic information in their research to study where and when crime is most prevalent. Signup and view all the answers

What is Atavism?

Born criminal. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of an Insane Criminal?

Bore more stigmata but weren't born criminal. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Criminaloid?

None of the physical peculiarities, less dangerous. Signup and view all the answers

What are Impulsive Criminals?

Alcoholics and insane - to be imprisoned. Signup and view all the answers

What is the theory of Social Defense?

A theory or punishment asserting that its purpose isn't to deter or rehabilitate but to defend society against criminals. Signup and view all the answers

What is Deterrence in criminology?

Reduce someone's willingness to commit crimes. Signup and view all the answers

What is Recidivism?

Falling back. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Contrast Effect?

Effect of punishment depends on the life experience of the person. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classical and Rational Choice Theories

Cesare Beccaria is acknowledged as the father of classical criminology.
Hedonistic calculus combines hedonism and rationality to evaluate the anticipated benefits versus costs of actions.
Classicism posits that human behavior is fundamentally hedonistic in nature.
Rational choice theory is closely associated with the classical school and emphasizes logical decision-making in committing crimes.
Choice structuring refers to how individuals consciously decide to engage in criminal behavior.

Deterrence and Freedom

Specific deterrence focuses on preventing future criminal behavior of the punished individual.
Determinism signifies that all events, including criminal actions, have preceding causes.
The Principle of Utility suggests moral judgments should be based on the impact of actions on community happiness.

Criminological Perspectives

Cartographic criminologists analyze the geographical patterns of crime occurrence rather than individual motivations.
Positivism extends the scientific method to gather more objective knowledge about social phenomena.

Types of Criminals

Atavism refers to individuals considered 'born criminals' due to physical traits associated with criminality.
Insane criminals exhibit significant physical attributes but are not classified as born criminals.
Criminaloids lack distinct physical characteristics but are less threatening than atavists.
Impulsive criminals are often associated with alcoholism or insanity and may be imprisoned as a result.

Social defense theory emphasizes that the primary aim of punishment is to protect society from criminal elements, rather than to rehabilitate offenders.
Deterrence aims to diminish an individual's willingness to commit crimes through the fear of punishment.
Recidivism refers to the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend.

Additional Concepts

The contrast effect explains how the impact of punishment varies based on an individual's life experiences.
Free will allows individuals to make deliberate choices regarding their actions.

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Description

Explore the fundamental theories of classical and rational choice criminology. This quiz covers key concepts such as hedonistic calculus, deterrence, and the geographical analysis of crime. Test your knowledge on how these theories explain human behavior and crime prevention.