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Questions and Answers
What is a necessary condition for a person to be convicted of a crime?
What is a necessary condition for a person to be convicted of a crime?
What is the primary focus of psychocriminology when investigating a crime?
What is the primary focus of psychocriminology when investigating a crime?
What is the term for the belief that the world is a just place where everyone gets what they deserve?
What is the term for the belief that the world is a just place where everyone gets what they deserve?
What is the definition of criminal behaviour?
What is the definition of criminal behaviour?
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What is the purpose of theoretical perspectives on human nature in the context of crime?
What is the purpose of theoretical perspectives on human nature in the context of crime?
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What is the primary assumption of classical theory regarding criminal behavior?
What is the primary assumption of classical theory regarding criminal behavior?
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What is the main goal of deterrence theory in crime prevention?
What is the main goal of deterrence theory in crime prevention?
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What is the opposing view of classical theory in terms of free will?
What is the opposing view of classical theory in terms of free will?
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What is the purpose of harsh sentences in the context of deterrence theory?
What is the purpose of harsh sentences in the context of deterrence theory?
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What is the underlying assumption of positivist theory regarding human behavior?
What is the underlying assumption of positivist theory regarding human behavior?
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What is the common thread between classical theory and modern approaches to crime prevention?
What is the common thread between classical theory and modern approaches to crime prevention?
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What do biological antecedents refer to?
What do biological antecedents refer to?
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Which of the following is a key assumption of the positivist school?
Which of the following is a key assumption of the positivist school?
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What is the main goal of positivist theories in relation to crime?
What is the main goal of positivist theories in relation to crime?
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What is a fundamental difference between the classical and positivist views of crime?
What is a fundamental difference between the classical and positivist views of crime?
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What is the main focus of the conformity perspective on human nature?
What is the main focus of the conformity perspective on human nature?
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What is the primary goal of theoretical perspectives on human nature in the context of crime?
What is the primary goal of theoretical perspectives on human nature in the context of crime?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the classical view of crime?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the classical view of crime?
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What is the underlying assumption of the positivist school about human behavior?
What is the underlying assumption of the positivist school about human behavior?
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Study Notes
Crime Definition and Motivations
- Crime is defined as the conduct or failure to act in violation of the law, with possible penalties upon conviction.
- Criminal behavior involves violating the criminal code.
- To be convicted of a crime, a person must have acted intentionally and without justification or excuse.
Psychocriminology Investigation
- Psychocriminology considers various factors when investigating a crime, including:
- Motivations behind the crime (e.g. greed, jealousy)
- The individual's psychological makeup
- Mental processes
- Emotions
- Personality or mental disorders
Theoretical Perspectives on Human Nature
- Theoretical perspectives are used to explain why people commit certain crimes in specific ways.
- One such perspective is the just-world hypothesis, which suggests that people believe the world is a just place where everyone gets what they deserve.
Theories of Crime
Classical Theory
- Emphasizes free will and personal responsibility
- Individuals have control over their actions and choices
- Severe punishment can deter criminal behavior
- Examples: surveillance cameras, harsh sentences
Deterrence Theory
- Modern form of classical theory
- Assumes individuals choose to commit crimes, but can be persuaded not to under threat of punishment
- Even if not deterred, punishment is still necessary as crime is an expression of free will
Positivist Theory
- Emphasizes determinism, opposing free will
- Antecedents (prior experiences or influences) determine behavior
- Biological antecedents: genetics, biology, environment
- Social antecedents: negative experiences, lack of education
- Human behavior governed by causal laws, free will undermined
Positivist vs. Classical View
- Positivist: criminal behavior result of social, psychological, and biological influences
- Classical: emphasizes free will, but acknowledges social and psychological influences
- Both perspectives agree on holding individuals responsible for their actions
Theoretical Perspectives on Human Nature
- 3 major perspectives:
- Conformity perspective: humans as creatures of conformity
- Nonconformist perspective: humans as nonconformists
- Learning perspective: humans as learners
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Description
This quiz delves into the world of crime, exploring the definitions and motivations behind criminal behaviour. It also touches on psychocriminology and what factors are considered during an investigation.
