Understanding Criminal Behavior: Types and Theories

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is the MOST accurate critique of Eysenck's theory regarding criminal personality?

It is overly reliant on environmental influences while neglecting the role of genetics on criminal behaviour.
It accurately reflects the diversity of motivations and personality types found within the criminal population.
It adequately addresses the impact of environmental factors, particularly the role of effective conditioning strategies in preventing criminal behavior.
It overgeneralizes by assuming all criminals share the same personality type and does not sufficiently account for individual differences. (correct)

According to Eysenck's theory, individuals high in extraversion and neuroticism readily form negative associations between criminal behavior and its consequences.

False (B)

How does excess dopamine influence criminal behavior, according to the text?

it reduces impulse inhibition by the prefrontal cortex.

Critics suggest that Eysenck's concept of ___________ may lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy where individuals internalize this expectation.

psychoticism Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts from Eysenck's theory with their implications for criminal behavior:

High Extraversion and Neuroticism = Difficulty in conditioning and forming negative associations. Genetic Predisposition = Deterministic view of criminal personality. Individual Differences = Overlooked in Eysenck's generalization of criminal personality. Effective Conditioning Strategies = Important for preventing neurotic extroverts from turning to crime. Signup and view all the answers

What critical methodological concern arises from the study's exclusive reliance on 9-11 year olds from the USA?

It threatens the external validity due to cultural and age biases, limiting generalizability. (D) Signup and view all the answers

The buzzer pressing test directly measured aggression towards objects represented in video games.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Briefly explain how the study attempted to control for extraneous variables when assigning children to either the playroom or the test room.

Children were assigned to a playroom or test room to control for extraneous variables. Signup and view all the answers

According to the conclusion, playing aggressive video games primarily affected aggressive behavior in girls due to __________ and their lower prior exposure to such games.

imitation Signup and view all the answers

Match each identified limitation of the study with its corresponding description:

Sample Bias = The participant group may not accurately represent the broader population. Low Ecological Validity = The experimental setting does not closely resemble real-world conditions. Low Construct Validity = The measured variables may not fully capture the intended constructs. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the study's findings regarding the relationship between playing aggressive video games and interpersonal aggression?

Playing aggressive video games had no significant impact on interpersonal aggression but influenced toy selection. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Counterbalancing was used in the study to minimize the order effects.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

If the researchers wanted to improve the ecological validity of the study, what alternative setting could they use, as suggested in criticisms?

An arcade Signup and view all the answers

Which epigenetic mechanism is LEAST likely to influence the expression of inherited traits?

Random genetic mutations occurring during gamete formation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

The concept of 'sensitive periods' suggests that if a child is not exposed to language before a certain age, they will never be able to acquire it fluently, regardless of later efforts.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the interaction of social and cultural influences with genetics, provide an example of how a genetically predisposed trait, like extroversion or introversion, might manifest differently in two distinct cultures.

In a highly individualistic culture, an extroverted person may seek leadership roles and express themselves assertively; in contrast, in a collectivist culture, the same extroverted person may prioritize group harmony, expressing their sociability through collaboration and consensus-building. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies how societal norms influence the definition of criminal behavior?

A country legalizing euthanasia due to changing public opinion, while it remains illegal in another. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the Cooper and Mackie study, the type of video game played represents the ______ variable.

independent Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary ethical consideration addressed in the Cooper and Mackie study involving children and video games?

Obtaining parental consent for the children's participation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Social Learning Theory, individuals exclusively learn criminal behaviors from direct personal experiences, rather than observing role models.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Explain how cultural shifts can influence what is considered a criminal act, providing an example not mentioned in the text.

The legality of cannabis use in various regions. Once widely illegal, its acceptance and regulation as a result of evolving attitudes demonstrate cultural influence on criminal law. Signup and view all the answers

The Cooper and Mackie study utilized a within-subjects experimental design, in which each participant was exposed to all conditions of the experiment.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the Cooper and Mackie study, what role did the 'Star Wars / Tron' game condition serve, and why was it important for the design?

The 'Star Wars / Tron' game served as a control condition, meant to provide a baseline measure of aggression. It was important to compare the aggression levels after playing the violent and non-violent games against a neutral activity to determine if the differences were meaningful. Signup and view all the answers

The concept that behaviors, including criminal ones, are determined by society's perception and definition rather than being inherently wrong is known as a social ______.

construct Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of crime with its corresponding example:

Acquisitive = Fraud Anti-social = Drunk and disorderly conduct Drug-related = Supplying illegal drugs Sexual = Child pornography Violent = Physical assault Signup and view all the answers

Match each study element from the Cooper and Mackie experiment to its corresponding description:

Missile Command = Aggressive video game used in the study Pac-Man = Non-aggressive video game used in the study Independent Measures = Experimental design where different participants are used in each condition New Jersey Suburbs = Location where the study's participants were recruited Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates the 'nature' argument in the context of criminal behaviour?

Genetic predispositions and biological factors significantly contribute to criminal behaviour. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Social Learning Theory, why might an individual who observes a role model engaging in criminal behaviour be more likely to replicate those actions?

Because they identify with the role model and perceive the behaviour as acceptable or rewarding. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Norms, as defined in the context of criminal psychology, are static and unchanging standards of behavior that are universally accepted across all cultures and societies.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which personality trait, according to the study's results, demonstrated the strongest correlation with delinquency at both Time 1 and Time 2?

Psychoticism (D) Signup and view all the answers

The researchers primarily focused on neuroticism as a predictor of criminal behavior due to its well-established credibility in criminological studies.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What two factors did Heaven conclude, influenced delinquency, besides personality traits?

peer pressure, parents disciplinary style Signup and view all the answers

A 20% ______ rate in the study may have biased the results, according to the criticisms, because the individuals who dropped out may represent particular types of people more than others.

attrition Signup and view all the answers

Match each study element with its description:

Design = Longitudinal study to investigate predictors of delinquency over two years. Sample = 282 adolescents from Catholic schools in New South Wales, Australia. Materials = EPQ, self-esteem questionnaire, and self-reported delinquency scale. Procedure = Questionnaires completed in class, confidentiality assured, follow-up after two years. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason cited for assessing self-esteem rather than neuroticism in relation to predicting delinquent behavior?

There were doubts about how well neuroticism could predict criminal behavior. (C) Signup and view all the answers

The study's authors concluded definitively that personality traits are the primary determinant of delinquency, outweighing environmental factors.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did the researchers address potential ethical concerns during the study's procedure?

By ensuring participants that their individual responses would remain confidential and not be seen by school authorities. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most significant limitation of using self-report measures when studying delinquent behavior?

Participants may exhibit social desirability bias, leading to underreporting of delinquent acts. (A) Signup and view all the answers

The use of closed questions in delinquency research enhances construct validity by thoroughly exploring complex behaviors.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Briefly explain how Social Learning Theory (SLT) principles are applied in the use of punishments and deterrents to reduce criminal behavior.

SLT suggests that if criminal behavior, typically reinforced, is instead punished, it becomes associated with negative outcomes, discouraging future criminal acts through vicarious reinforcement against crime. Signup and view all the answers

According to the Social Learning Theory, ______ reinforcement against crime occurs when individuals observe others being punished for criminal behavior, which then deters them from committing similar acts.

vicarious Signup and view all the answers

Match each form of punishment with its primary mechanism of deterring criminal behavior:

Prisons = Removing freedoms and privileges to discourage future offenses Fines = Creating a financial disincentive that deters minor crimes Community sentences = Requiring offenders to contribute time to society, inducing shame and guilt Signup and view all the answers

Which element is most crucial for rehabilitating offenders through positive role modeling in prisons, according to the principles of Social Learning Theory?

The consistent demonstration of prosocial behaviors that offenders can observe and emulate. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of restorative justice practices in the rehabilitation of offenders?

To facilitate reconciliation between offenders and victims, emphasizing understanding and responsibility. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Restorative justice ensures that offenders are isolated in community rather than in prison.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Epigenetics

Study of how environmental factors affect gene expression.

Sensitive Periods in Development

Critical times when certain skills or traits must be learned.