Introduction to Criminology

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Questions and Answers

What is a significant limitation of official crime statistics?

They are subject to changing definitions and policing practices. (correct)

They do not include crime committed by youth.

They are always accurate and reliable.

They are only collected in large cities.

What term describes the exaggerated perception of risk associated with crime among specific demographics, such as white women?

Missing white woman syndrome (correct)

Deviance labelling

Folk devil phenomenon

Victimization amplification

Which step is NOT part of the moral panic process as defined by Young and Cohen?

Response by authorities

Rapid build-up of public concern

Identification of a perceived threat

Increased occurrences of crime (correct)

What concept refers to the media’s role in amplifying the perception of deviance in society?

Deviance amplification Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the distorted picture of crime representations in the media?

Emphasis on violent crime and selected high-profile cases Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT commonly used to measure crime?

Opinion polls Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT contribute to moral panics?

Commitment to accurate reporting Signup and view all the answers

What societal group tends to be labeled as 'folk devils' during moral panics?

Young people and their behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the aims of the criminal justice system?

To gather evidence and provide groundwork for cases Signup and view all the answers

What does retributivism justify in the context of punishment?

Punishment should be proportional to the crime committed Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about youth offending services is accurate?

The age of criminal responsibility varies by country Signup and view all the answers

Which group is NOT typically considered a main agency within the criminal justice system?

Social service organizations Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of non-custodial sentences?

They often include probation as a possible sanction Signup and view all the answers

Which personality trait in Eysenck’s PEN-model is characterized by being aggressive and lacking empathy?

Psychoticism Signup and view all the answers

What does the Big 5 (OCEAN) model of personality NOT include?

Hypochondriasis Signup and view all the answers

Lower intelligence is associated with crime due to which of the following reasons?

Lower ability to foresee consequences Signup and view all the answers

Which family risk factor is linked to a higher chance of children engaging in criminal behaviors?

Parents with a criminal history Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of impulsiveness that can lead to criminal behavior?

Low self-control Signup and view all the answers

What issue complicates the relationship between mental health problems and criminality?

The chicken and egg dilemma Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following childrearing methods is considered a risk factor for antisocial behavior?

Inconsistent discipline Signup and view all the answers

Which risk factor is most directly associated with family dysfunction?

Parental conflict Signup and view all the answers

What does the positivist approach in criminology emphasize about offenders?

Offenders can be classified as pathological individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a focus of rational choice theory?

Biological factors influencing crime Signup and view all the answers

What is a major criticism of the positivist approach to criminology?

It fails to recognize the structural inequalities in society. Signup and view all the answers

According to rational choice theory, crime is seen as a result of what type of process?

A rational choice made by individuals weighing costs and benefits. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'determinism' in the context of the positivist approach refer to?

The exclusion of individual choice in criminal actions. Signup and view all the answers

How does contemporary classicism differ from the positivist approach?

It focuses on the individual’s decision-making process. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about crime according to rational choice theorists?

All criminals are influenced exclusively by their environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the consequences of rational choice according to the theory?

Variability in the timing, place, and type of crime committed. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does rational choice theory focus on when assessing crime?

The circumstances surrounding offenses Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a criticism of rational choice theory?

It ignores structured inequalities among groups Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'bounded rationality' in the context of rational choice theory?

People have limitations in information and decision-making Signup and view all the answers

What role does routine activity theory play in understanding crime?

Emphasizes the importance of guardian presence Signup and view all the answers

Which approach can rational choice theory suggest for reducing crime?

Decreasing potential rewards of crime Signup and view all the answers

How does rational choice theory explain the decision-making process of individuals?

It indicates decisions are made based on limited information Signup and view all the answers

In rational choice theory, what is a suggested method to increase the risk of apprehension?

Increase the number of CCTV cameras Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects a common misconception about rational choice theory?

It applies universally to all types of crime Signup and view all the answers

What is a major criticism of control theories regarding their generality?

They do not differentiate between types of deviant behavior. Signup and view all the answers

According to Merton's Anomie theory, what is the primary condition that leads to deviant behavior?

The dissonance between societal goals and means. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'strain to anomie' refer to in Merton's theory?

Conflict arising from societal goals versus individual means. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of crime does the Chicago School's social disorganization theory focus on?

The relationship between community structures and crime rates. Signup and view all the answers

Why is 'general strain theory' considered an expansion of Merton's original ideas?

It includes multiple sources of strain beyond economic ones. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of subcultural theories of crime?

They examine the conflict between mainstream culture and subcultures. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the role of self-control in crime according to critics?

Self-control remains constant throughout life. Signup and view all the answers

In Merton's theory, how does society's structure impact individual opportunities?

By creating barriers that prevent achieving societal goals. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'illegitimate opportunity structure' refer to in Cloward and Ohlin's theory?

The alternatives to socially acceptable means of achieving goals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of situational crime prevention?

Manipulating the environment to reduce crime opportunities Signup and view all the answers

Which approach emphasizes the role of community and informal controls in crime prevention?

Community crime prevention Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is a criticism of situational crime prevention?

It fails to acknowledge fundamental causes of crime. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes social/developmental/risk-focused crime prevention?

It seeks to address individual risk factors leading to crime. Signup and view all the answers

What commonality exists among situational crime prevention, social crime prevention, and community crime prevention?

They focus on different aspects of crime prevention strategies. Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily characterized as proactive police work?

Gathering intelligence to prevent crime Signup and view all the answers

Which task is part of the reactive responsibilities of police work?

Interrogating suspects during criminal investigations Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant aspect of forensics in modern policing?

Using biological evidence like DNA and fingerprints Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a major part of police work focused on dealing with potential crime?

Patrolling areas to prevent minor disturbances Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the importance of intelligence in policing?

It is essential for both reactive and proactive policing efforts. Signup and view all the answers

What does rational choice theory primarily focus on when evaluating crime?

Cost and benefit analysis of actions Signup and view all the answers

Which option correctly describes a critique of rational choice theory?

It fails to explain choices made under emotional stress. Signup and view all the answers

How does rational choice theory suggest increasing crime deterrence?

Increasing the likelihood of apprehension Signup and view all the answers

What is 'bounded rationality' as understood in rational choice theory?

Decision-making limited by the information available Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the routine activity theory?

A person breaking into a business after hours with no one present. Signup and view all the answers

Which action could potentially reduce the value of a criminal enterprise according to rational choice theory?

Lower the costs and increase availability of legal alternatives. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common outcome when rational choice policies are effectively implemented?

Decreased overall crime rates Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains why similar individuals may not always make the same choices according to rational choice theory?

Distinct perceptions of risk and reward. Signup and view all the answers

What strategy is primarily aimed at preventing crime before it occurs for the general population?

Primary prevention Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason the rehabilitative ideal in crime prevention has been viewed as ineffective?

Rehabilitated individuals often reoffend Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the strategies that secure the consent of the masses to maintain the dominance of the ruling class?

Hegemonic strategies Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of tertiary crime prevention?

Caters to known offenders or victims Signup and view all the answers

What has been a major consequence of the increase in prison populations since World War II?

Overcrowding and diminished effectiveness of the system Signup and view all the answers

What is secondary prevention primarily aimed at?

Specific at-risk populations Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of hegemonic strategies related to cultural dominance?

Persuasion without coercion Signup and view all the answers

What shift in focus occurred due to the failure of traditional crime control methods?

An increased interest in crime prevention Signup and view all the answers

What do classical criminologists believe about offenders?

Offenders are rational and make calculated choices. Signup and view all the answers

Which theory emphasizes the role of punishment proportionate to the offense?

Classical theory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key criticism of classical criminology?

It assumes all individuals have equal access to rationality. Signup and view all the answers

Rational choice theory is primarily concerned with which aspect of criminal behavior?

Explaining crime as a rational decision based on costs and benefits. Signup and view all the answers

What is central to the concept of social bond theory?

The importance of attachments to society that prevent delinquency. Signup and view all the answers

Which learning theory is most associated with the concept of imitation?

Social learning theory Signup and view all the answers

The central idea behind differential reinforcement is that individuals are more likely to engage in criminal behavior if what occurs?

They receive rewards for their behavior. Signup and view all the answers

How does the biological approach to criminology primarily explain criminal behavior?

Through the identification of inherent biological differences. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of alternative sentencing in the criminal justice system?

To provide rehabilitation without criminal record Signup and view all the answers

According to conflict theories, how is crime generally viewed in relation to capitalism?

As a legitimate response to oppression Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the Marxist view of law?

The law reinforces the power of the dominant class Signup and view all the answers

How do ‘new’ criminologists view the relationship between capitalism and crime?

As directly correlated through social positioning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a role of crime according to critical criminology?

To challenge capitalist norms Signup and view all the answers

Reintegrative shaming aims to achieve what in relation to offenders?

To help offenders reintegrate into society Signup and view all the answers

In conflict theories, crime is often viewed as what kind of reaction to capitalist structures?

A logical and rational response to oppression Signup and view all the answers

Which concept explains why crime may sometimes benefit the capitalist system?

Crime generates economic benefits through the justice system Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Criminology Notes

Criminology is the scientific study of crime and society's reaction to criminal behavior.
Key components include the creation of laws, the breaking of laws, and the reaction of society to the breaking of laws.
Criminology is an interdisciplinary field, drawing on various disciplines such as psychology, sociology, political science, criminal law, geography, history, and economics.
Criminologists conduct research using empirical methods and do not have a partisan stance towards government.
Criminology encompasses many sub-disciplines, including criminography, penology, and others.
Diverse theoretical perspectives and schools of thought inform criminological studies.
Criminologists study crimes and harmful/deviant behavior, offenders, victims, meso/macro units, criminal justice actors, policies, and environmental/social harms.
Crimonological research often begins with explanatory research questions, seeking patterns rather than individual cases. Focusing on the reasons behind occurrences of crime rather than specific instances.
Criminological research usually starts with explanatory questions about the causes of crime instead of descriptive individual case studies.

Criminological Research

Criminological research typically starts with exploratory questions about why a crime happens rather than individual case studies.
Research looks for patterns in crime, as opposed to individual events.
Research looks for facts and details rather than impressions, and suggests recommendations.
Criminological research typically focuses on the causes of crime and the ways in which crime can be prevented.
Criminological studies encompass descriptive, explanatory, and policy-recommendations.

Crime

Crime is defined as an act violating criminal law, representing social and political power.
Types of crime include mala prohibita (wrong by law), and mala in se (inherently wrong).
Crime is a social construct that changes across cultures, over time, and by location.
Discussions exist about whether broader societal behaviours beyond criminal law violations are considered crimes.
Criminal acts often involve particular societal harms including, but not limited to, financial, environmental, and un-criminalised harms.

Crime and Deviance

Deviance involves actions that violate social norms.
A social custom is something normally and socially accepted, but violating it does not always lead to sanction.
Crime involves violating legal norms, which often represent solidified social norms and customs.
Deviance and crime are not always the same thing, but they are related.

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Description

Explore the fascinating field of criminology, which examines crime, society's response, and the development of laws. This interdisciplinary study draws from various fields, offering insights into criminal behavior and justice. Discover key concepts, research methods, and theoretical perspectives that shape the understanding of crime.