Introduction to Criminology

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does Choice Theory suggest about why individuals commit crimes?

Crime is a result of community neglect and lack of resources.

Individuals are influenced solely by societal norms.

Individuals weigh the benefits against the punishments before committing a crime. (correct)

Criminal behavior is determined by genetic factors.

Which theory suggests that laws arise from societal conflicts among different social classes?

Labeling Theory

Conflict Theory (correct)

Life Course Theory

Critical Theory

What central idea does Labeling Theory propose?

Laws are determined by a small elite group.

Crime is purely a result of economic hardship.

People behave criminally because of inherent traits.

Individuals become who they are labeled as by society. (correct)

According to the Life Course Theory, what can lead a person to commit a crime?

Transitory events that create stress in their lives. Signup and view all the answers

How does Classical Theory differ from Choice Theory in understanding criminal behavior?

Both theories suggest that individuals deliberate before executing criminal actions. Signup and view all the answers

What does Critical Theory imply about the formulation of laws?

Laws are created by a few elites to maintain social control. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT associated with the causes of crime according to the content?

The influence of social media. Signup and view all the answers

How might understanding criminology theories assist psychologists?

To deter criminals and help in rehabilitation. Signup and view all the answers

Which theory argues that community responsibility is essential in preventing crime?

Conflict Theory Signup and view all the answers

What is a common trait ascribed to individuals according to latent trait theories?

They have unique traits that predispose them to react a certain way in negative situations. Signup and view all the answers

What does Positivist Theory suggest about individuals who commit crimes?

Certain individuals have abnormal traits that predispose them to crime. Signup and view all the answers

According to Rational Choice Theory, what influences an individual's decision to commit a crime?

The perceived risk versus benefits associated with the crime. Signup and view all the answers

What does Routine Activity Theory assert about crime?

Attractive targets increase the likelihood of crime being committed. Signup and view all the answers

Social Control Theory highlights the role of which factor in preventing crime?

The understanding and establishment of societal rules. Signup and view all the answers

What does Social Disorganization Theory suggest as a cause for crime?

Breakdowns in social mores in certain neighborhoods. Signup and view all the answers

How does Social Learning Theory explain criminal behavior?

Through the observation and imitation of others. Signup and view all the answers

According to Strain Theory, when do individuals turn to crime?

When they face constraints in achieving societal goals. Signup and view all the answers

What do proponents of Trait Theory believe influences criminal behavior?

Certain inherent traits leading individuals toward crime. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception regarding the causes of crime according to Positivist Theory?

Crime is solely a rational choice made by individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Which theory emphasizes societal responsibility in preventing crime?

Social Control Theory Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Criminology Overview

Criminology explores reasons behind criminal behavior and decision-making processes of individuals.
Understanding the causes of crime can help develop methods for crime control and rehabilitation.

Theories of Criminology

Choice Theory: Suggests individuals weigh pros and cons before deciding to commit a crime.
Classical Theory: Emphasizes that crime occurs when individuals determine that the benefits outweigh the risks.
Conflict Theory: Asserts that crime is the result of societal conflicts among social classes, with laws emerging from these conflicts.
Critical Theory: Proposes that a societal elite determines laws, while those labeled as criminals often disagree with the enforced laws.
Labeling Theory: Indicates that people will conform to labels placed on them; negative labels can lead to criminal behavior.
Life Course Theory: Suggests that life events shape an individual’s path, where stress from transitory events may lead to crime.
Positivist Theory: Rejects rational choice, suggesting some individuals possess abnormal traits leading to criminal behavior.
Rational Choice Theory: Focuses on the cognitive process behind committing crimes, evaluating risks versus rewards.
Routine Activity Theory: Proposes that crime occurs when there are suitable targets and adequate opportunity, making prevention essential.
Social Control Theory: Emphasizes that society should create stability and clarity in rules to prevent criminal behavior.
Social Disorganization Theory: Attributes crime to breakdowns in social structures in impoverished, densely populated communities.
Social Learning Theory: Asserts that individuals learn behaviors from their environment, including criminal actions.
Strain Theory: Suggests individuals may turn to crime when unable to achieve societal goals, such as wealth or power.
Trait Theory: Proposes that certain innate traits influence an individual's likelihood to commit crimes under pressure or in challenging situations.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of criminology, including the reasons individuals commit crimes and the various theories surrounding criminal behavior. This quiz will delve into the individual versus community responsibility in understanding and addressing crime. Test your knowledge on the principles that shape criminological theories.