Introduction to Criminology and Crime Reporting

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Questions and Answers

What is a key belief of positivism regarding data?

Data cannot provide objective information.

Data and quantitative figures are unbiased and accurate indicators. (correct)

Data and quantitative figures are biased indicators.

Data is subjectively interpreted by individuals.

How does constructionism view the concept of 'reality'?

There is an observable reality that everyone agrees upon.

Reality exists independently from societal influences.

Reality is entirely subjective and varies from person to person.

Reality is constructed and understood through societal contexts. (correct)

Which approach does positivism tend to favor for data gathering?

Intuitive narrative methods.

Quantitative approaches. (correct)

Experiential insights.

Subjective qualitative analysis.

What does constructionism believe about measuring concepts or ideas?

Some concepts are too abstract or subjective to be measured. Signup and view all the answers

What assumption underlies positivism regarding the scientific method?

The scientific method is an objective means for observing nature. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of data analysis, what does constructionism prioritize?

Qualitative approaches and personal narratives. Signup and view all the answers

How do positivism and constructionism differ regarding the nature of social phenomena?

Positivism views social phenomena as governed by objective laws. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement aligns with the fundamental perspective of constructionism?

All knowledge is a result of subjective interpretations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key function that criminal law must serve to be considered valid?

Public purpose Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options accurately describes quantitative approaches to measuring crime?

Relies on numerical data and hypothesis testing Signup and view all the answers

How do qualitative approaches differ from quantitative approaches in understanding crime?

They often depend on subjective interpretations of data. Signup and view all the answers

What potential reason has been suggested for the decrease in crime since the early 1990s?

Improved socioeconomic factors Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary nature of quantitative research in crime measurement?

Positivist and explanatory Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the dark figure of crime?

It highlights crimes that are never documented. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes a difference in sample sizes between quantitative and qualitative approaches?

Quantitative samples tend to be larger. Signup and view all the answers

What is a moral panic?

A widespread and often irrational fear about a perceived threat to society. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the ontology of methods used in measuring crime?

Methods can be divided between positivist and constructionist approaches. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following crimes is least likely to be reported in the media?

White-collar crimes Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is emphasized by media when reporting on crime?

Sensational aspects or dramatic narratives. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'True Crime Wave' refer to?

Increased media portrayal of real-life crime stories starting from the early 2010s. Signup and view all the answers

Which component of Canadian law is not found in the Criminal Code?

Bylaws at the municipal level Signup and view all the answers

What kind of offences are classified as indictable offences?

Serious crimes that carry higher penalties. Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of crime news reporting on society?

It often cultivates fear and mistrust in communities. Signup and view all the answers

Who is typically responsible for policing criminal law?

Law enforcement agencies with varying jurisdictions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of criminology?

How and why crime occurs and its societal impacts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT commonly associated with contributing to crime?

Astrological factors Signup and view all the answers

During which historical period did criminology begin to emerge as a legitimate discipline?

The Age of Enlightenment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT belong to the Criminal Justice System (CJS)?

Educational institutions Signup and view all the answers

Which of these perspectives contribute to the wide field of criminology?

Political science Signup and view all the answers

One of the goals of studying criminology is to understand which of the following?

The motivations and patterns of offenders Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a factor that might cause someone to engage in criminal behavior?

Lack of social welfare support Signup and view all the answers

How did early explanations for criminal behavior differ from modern criminological perspectives?

Early explanations relied on religious and supernatural elements Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason victims might choose not to report a crime?

Fear of retaliation from the perpetrator Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the dark figure of crime in relation to victimization?

It includes unreported crimes that are estimated based on surveys and studies Signup and view all the answers

What is a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) primarily used for?

Addressing the victimizer about the impact of the crime Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the positive developments in victimology enacted in 2015 in Canada?

The enactment of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights Signup and view all the answers

How can prolonged victimization affect individuals post-crime?

It can develop into conditions like PTSD Signup and view all the answers

The characteristics of the 'non-ideal' victim suggest that they are perceived differently. Which statement reflects this perception?

They are considered less deserving of victim status Signup and view all the answers

During the sentencing of Larry Nassar, what opportunity was afforded to the victims?

They were permitted to read their Victim Impact Statements Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects the challenges in accurately measuring victimization rates?

Victimization surveys often rely on self-reported data from victims Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Criminology

Criminology is the study of crime, criminals, and the criminal justice system.
Earlier explanations of criminal behavior relied on religious, supernatural, or simplistic biological perspectives.
Criminology emerged to challenge these assumptions.
Criminology focuses on how and why crime occurs, the impacts of crime on society, and the factors that contribute to criminal behavior.
It is a wide field incorporating disciplines such as psychology, computer science, political science, forensics, biology, economics, psychiatry, geography, law, demography, and more.
Criminologists study the Criminal Justice System (CJS) including institutions, aspects, and personnel.

Crime News Reporting

The media often emphasizes, sensationalizes, or over-reports news stories about crime.
Crimes frequently reported in the news are often the least likely to occur.
The media tends to leave out the context of crime, such as socioeconomic factors, and the complexities of crime.
Media reporting can influence public perception of crime and contribute to moral panics.

Moral Panics

A moral panic is a widespread, often irrational fear that some new product, behavior, or action threatens the values or well-being of society.
Moral panics often involve the exaggeration of a perceived threat.

Crime as Entertainment

The media portrays crime as entertainment, often sensationalizing criminal events for the purpose of profit and popularity.
True crime media, popularized by the internet and streaming services, emphasizes gruesome details of crimes for entertainment.

Criminal Law

Criminal law defines criminal offences and their corresponding punishments.
Criminal law is rooted in social contract theory, where citizens surrender some freedom in exchange for state protection.
Canadian law largely follows the English tradition with the cornerstone being the Canadian Criminal Code.
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees certain fundamental rights and protects individuals from arbitrary state power.
Criminal offenses in Canada are categorized as summary or indictable offenses.

Criminal Justice Process

The criminal justice process typically involves multiple stages: arrest, investigation, charging, arraignment, trial, sentencing, appeal.
Different law enforcement agencies with varying jurisdictions police criminal law.

Punishment and Imprisonment

Punishment aims to deter crime, rehabilitate offenders, and protect society.
Imprisonment is one form of punishment, but its effectiveness is a subject of debate.

Measuring Crime

Quantitative approaches to measuring crime rely on numerical data and seek to test hypotheses.
Qualitative approaches utilize non-numerical data and focus on subjective interpretations.
The "dark figure of crime" refers to the unreported crimes that go undetected.

Criminology vs. Victimology

Criminology focuses on the study of crime and criminals, while victimology examines the experiences and needs of victims.
Victimology recognizes the various forms of victimization beyond physical harm.
Victims can be categorized based on their relationship to the crime, such as direct, indirect, or secondary victims.
Victimization can have ongoing consequences and may lead to psychological distress.
Reported victimization rates often underestimate the actual extent due to underreporting.

Positive Developments in Victimology

The Canadian Victim of Bill Rights aims to provide greater protections and support for victims.
Increased cultural awareness of previously marginalized victims.

Victim Impact Statement (VIS)

A Victim Impact Statement is a written or verbal statement by victims, allowing them to share the impacts of their victimization.
VIS is often submitted during sentencing hearings.

The Case of Larry Nassar

Larry Nassar, a USA Gymnastics team doctor, was accused of sexually assaulting hundreds of women, predominantly underage.
During his sentencing, victims read VIS highlighting the devastating impact of his actions.

Ideal vs. Non-Ideal Victims

The 'ideal' victim is seen as innocent and vulnerable, deserving of sympathy and support.
The 'non-ideal' victim may be perceived as less deserving based on factors like age, social status, or perceived responsibility for the crime.

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Description

This quiz explores the foundational concepts of criminology, including the study of crime, criminals, and the criminal justice system. It delves into how media representation affects public perception of crime. Learn about the interdisciplinary nature of criminology and its societal impacts.