Criminology Theories Overview

Questions and Answers

What is conflict theory?

The view that human behavior is shaped by interpersonal conflict. (correct)

The view that economic class position causes crime.

The view that criminality comes from abnormal traits.

The view that crime is a function of decision-making.

What does rational choice theory emphasize?

Crime is a function of a decision-making process. (correct)

Crime results from environmental factors.

Victimization is affected by where individuals live.

Human behavior is learned through reinforcement.

What does trait theory propose?

Criminality is a product of abnormal biological or psychological traits.

What is the primary cause of crime according to social structure theory?

Economic class position. Signup and view all the answers

What does social process theory investigate?

Criminality as a function of social interactions. Signup and view all the answers

According to racial threat theory, what happens as the black population increases?

Perceived threat to the white population increases. Signup and view all the answers

What is victim precipitation theory?

Victims may initiate confrontations that lead to their victimization. Signup and view all the answers

What does deviant place theory emphasize?

The environment plays a significant role in victimization. Signup and view all the answers

What is routine activities theory?

Victimization results from the interaction of suitable targets, absence of guardians, and presence of motivated offenders. Signup and view all the answers

Describe arousal theory.

People seek to maintain a preferred level of arousal, leading to aggressive behavior patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis of psychodynamic theory?

Unconscious mental processes formed in childhood. Signup and view all the answers

What does attachment theory focus on?

The ability to form emotional bonds is crucial for mental health. Signup and view all the answers

What is behavior theory about?

The process of social reinforcement. Signup and view all the answers

Explain social learning theory.

Human behavior is modeled through observation and interactions, with rewards encouraging imitation. Signup and view all the answers

What does cognitive theory focus on?

Mental processes involved in perception and problem-solving. Signup and view all the answers

What is information-processing theory concerned with?

The processing and manipulation of information. Signup and view all the answers

Describe nature theory.

Intelligence is largely determined genetically, with low intelligence linked to criminal behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What does nurture theory argue?

Intelligence is primarily a product of the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What does social disorganization theory focus on?

Breakdown of social institutions in neighborhoods. Signup and view all the answers

Explain strain theory.

The anger and frustration felt by people who believe they cannot achieve their goals through legitimate means. Signup and view all the answers

What does cultural deviance theory combine?

Strain and social disorganization. Signup and view all the answers

What is anomie theory?

Anomie occurs when socially defined goals are universally mandated but access to means is stratified. Signup and view all the answers

Describe general strain theory.

Multiple sources of strain interact with an individual's traits to produce criminality. Signup and view all the answers

Explain institutional anomie theory.

This theory emphasizes how societal institutions contribute to anomie. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Conflict Theory

Human behavior is influenced by interpersonal conflict.
Those in power exploit it for self-serving purposes.

Rational Choice Theory

Criminal activity is a result of a decision-making process.
Offenders evaluate costs versus benefits before committing a crime.

Trait Theory

Criminality stems from abnormal biological or psychological characteristics.

Economic disadvantage is a key driver of criminal behavior.

Criminality emerges from social interactions within institutions and processes.

Racial Threat Theory

An increase in the black population amplifies perceived threats to the white population.
This leads to heightened social control over black communities.

Victim Precipitation Theory

Victims may play a role in provoking situations leading to their own victimization.

Deviant Place Theory

Victimization risk is largely determined by geographic location.

Routine Activities Theory

Victimization arises from three factors: suitable targets, lack of guardians, and motivated offenders.

Arousal Theory

Individuals seek to maintain preferred arousal levels, potentially leading to aggressive behavior due to high-stimulation needs.

Psychodynamic Theory

Developed by Freud, it posits that personality is shaped by unconscious processes from early childhood involving the id, ego, and superego.

Attachment Theory

Bowlby’s theory emphasizes the importance of emotional bonds for lifelong mental health.

Behavior Theory

Human behavior is learned through the reinforcement system (rewards and punishments).

Behavior is influenced by observing others.
Actions that are rewarded are more likely to be repeated.

Cognitive Theory

Focuses on how people perceive their surroundings and solve problems mentally.

Information-Processing Theory

Examines how individuals process and manipulate information for decision-making.

Nature Theory

Intelligence is largely genetically determined, linking low intelligence to criminal behavior.

Nurture Theory

Argues that intelligence is shaped by environmental factors, not heredity.
Low IQ is a symptom of environmental conditions rather than a direct cause of crime.

Examines how the deterioration of inner-city neighborhoods affects institutions like family and school, leading to increased crime.

Strain Theory

Describes the negative emotions experienced by those who feel unable to achieve goals through legitimate methods.

Cultural Deviance Theory

Connects social disorganization and strain to the creation of subcultures that conflict with societal norms.

Anomie Theory

Anomie occurs when societal goals are unequal in terms of access to legitimate means, creating a disconnect and potential for crime.

General Strain Theory

Suggests that various strains combine with individual emotional responses to lead to criminal behavior.

Institutional Anomie Theory

Explores how societal institutions, particularly focus on financial success, contribute to an environment conducive to crime.

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Description

Explore key criminology theories in this quiz, including Conflict Theory, Rational Choice Theory, and others. Understand how social interactions, economic factors, and racial dynamics influence criminal behavior and victimization. Test your knowledge on these concepts and their implications in the field of criminology.