Questions and Answers
What is a theory?
A theory is a statement regarding the relationship between two or more variables.
What do criminological theories attempt to define?
Theories attempt to define and explain the factors that influence or determine behavior.
What did early nonscientific theories emphasize as the cause of criminality?
Moral weakness and evil spirits.
What is the primary premise of the classical school?
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What is the primary premise of biological determinism?
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What is the primary premise of psychological theories?
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What is the primary premise of the sociological school of criminology?
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In classical and neoclassical theories, the explanation of crime is based on what assumption?
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Who is considered the founder of classical criminology?
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What is the pain-pleasure principle?
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What book helped lay the foundation for the contemporary American criminal justice system?
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Who is considered the founder of neoclassical criminology?
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How are neoclassical theories similar to the classical school?
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What is the major difference between classical and neoclassical theory?
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What is utilitarianism?
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According to the positive school, why do people commit crimes?
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Positive theories of crime can be divided into what three major schools?
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What is determinism (or determinist)?
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What did Lombroso believe was the cause of crime?
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According to Lombroso, how could criminals be differentiated from noncriminals?
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What is atavism?
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What are atavistic stigmata?
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Why is Lombroso considered by many to be the father of scientific criminology?
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What is the xyy chromosome theory of crime?
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According to Freud, what three components of the unconscious mind control human thought and action?
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According to Freud's theory, what emotion primarily causes criminal behavior?
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Study Notes
Theories in Criminology
- A theory defines relationships between two or more variables.
- Criminological theories explain factors influencing behavior and their interrelations rather than predicting individual actions.
Early Perspectives
- Early nonscientific explanations for criminality highlighted moral weakness and evil spirits.
Classical School of Thought
- Crime is viewed as a free-will choice, emphasizing rational decision-making.
- Cesare Beccaria is recognized as the founder of classical criminology.
- The "pain-pleasure principle" suggests individuals act rationally to maximize pleasure and minimize pain.
- The book "Of Crimes and Punishments" laid the foundation for the modern American justice system.
Neoclassical Theories
- Jeremy Bentham is the founder of neoclassical criminology.
- Neoclassical theories maintain that criminal behavior is a free-will choice but critique classical theories for their strict accountability.
- The major distinction between classical and neoclassical theories lies in the perceived harshness of accountability in Beccaria's views.
Utilitarianism
- Defined as a philosophy advocating for a legal system that promotes the greatest happiness for the most people.
Positive School of Thought
- Positivist theories attribute criminal behavior to measurable and observable internal or external factors.
- Major schools within positivism include biology, psychology, and sociology.
Determinism
- Criminal behavior is influenced by uncontrollable factors, contradicting the notion of free will.
Lombroso's Contributions
- Cesare Lombroso believed crime stemmed from failed evolution of certain individuals, marking him as the father of scientific criminology for using the scientific method.
- Criminals could be distinguished by atavistic stigmata, including distinctive physical traits like protruding jaws and sloping foreheads.
Genetic Factors
- The XYY chromosome theory posits that an extra Y chromosome may contribute to violent behavior in males.
Freudian Perspective
- Sigmund Freud proposed that three unconscious components (Id, Ego, Superego) control human thought and actions.
- Id: Represents unconscious desires and conflicts.
- Ego: The rational aspect of the mind.
- Superego: The moral compass governing values.
- Internal conflict and guilt are seen as primary emotions leading to criminal behavior.
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Description
Explore the various theories in criminology, including classical and neoclassical perspectives. Understand how these theories explain the factors influencing criminal behavior and their interrelations. This quiz will also review key figures and foundational texts in the field.
