Podcast
Questions and Answers
At what age does minor crime typically peak?
At what age does minor crime typically peak?
- 15-16 years old
- 17-18 years old
- 13-14 years old (correct)
- 12 years old
Criminal activity tends to increase continuously from childhood to old age.
Criminal activity tends to increase continuously from childhood to old age.
False (B)
What are the three main focuses of developmental and life-course theories regarding criminal behavior?
What are the three main focuses of developmental and life-course theories regarding criminal behavior?
Onset, Continuity, Change
The age of _____ refers to the age at which an individual commits their first crime.
The age of _____ refers to the age at which an individual commits their first crime.
According to the age crime curve, when does serious crime typically peak?
According to the age crime curve, when does serious crime typically peak?
Match the dimensions of criminal career with their definitions:
Match the dimensions of criminal career with their definitions:
The critiques by Gottfredson and Hirschi argue that longitudinal methods are consistently favored over cheaper cross-sectional methods.
The critiques by Gottfredson and Hirschi argue that longitudinal methods are consistently favored over cheaper cross-sectional methods.
Flashcards
Age-Crime Curve
Age-Crime Curve
A pattern showing how crime rates typically rise during adolescence, peak in late teens, and decline with age.
Emerging Adulthood
Emerging Adulthood
The developmental stage between ages 18-25, often marked by transitions in education, work, and independence.
Onset of Criminal Activity
Onset of Criminal Activity
The age when someone first commits a crime.
Continuity of Criminal Activity
Continuity of Criminal Activity
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Desistance from Criminal Activity
Desistance from Criminal Activity
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Prevalence of Crime
Prevalence of Crime
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Frequency of Crime
Frequency of Crime
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Study Notes
Developmental and Life-Course Theories
- Criminal behavior patterns change over a lifespan.
- Criminal activity typically peaks in adolescence and declines in later life.
- The "age-crime curve" demonstrates a rise in crime rates during early adolescence, peaking in the mid to late teens, and then declining in early adulthood.
- Emerging adulthood is the period between 18-25 years old.
Age-Crime Debate
- Research on age and crime is frequently challenged.
- Some argue that the age-crime curve's application to longitudinal studies is questionable compared to less expensive cross-sectional methods.
- Critics suggest the age-crime curve could reflect changes in opportunity rather than consistent criminal propensity.
Key Areas of Focus
- Onset: Initial criminal activity.
- Continuity: Continued criminal activity.
- Change: Desistance or termination of criminal activity.
Dimensions of Criminal Activity
- Prevalence: The number of individuals involved in crime.
- Frequency: The number of offenses by active criminals.
- Age of Onset: The age of a person's first crime.
- Minor Crime Peak: Typically ages 13-14.
- Serious Crime Peak: Generally ages 17-19.
- Age of Desistance: The age of a person's last crime.
- Criminal Career Length: Total years of criminal involvement.
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