Ch 11 - Crime Choice Theory

Question 1

Choice Theory

Answer 1

The framework for understanding how decisions are made by individuals by weighing the perceived costs + benefits of an action.

Question 2

Rational Choice Theory

Answer 2

Assumes that humans are rational + have free will, + that offenders make conscious choices to commit crime based on a cost-benefit analysis.

Question 3

Bounded Rationality (Limited Rationality)

Answer 3

Decisions are often made imperfectly as best guesses given available info + time constraints. Decisions are bounded by the limits of our knowledge + circumstances + so our rationality is bounded.

Question 4

Utility Maximization

Answer 4

Choices are made based on what one perceives will provide the greatest rewards for the lowest costs.

Question 5

Hedonistic Calculus

Answer 5

People made choices that involved calculating what was in their best interest. (Beccaria)

Question 6

Utilitarianism

Answer 6

The doctrine that one should choose to act in a way to maximize ultility (ie. well being of individuals/society)(Bentham)

Question 7

Routine Activity Theory

Answer 7

Everyday routines + legitimate activities are key determinants of crime opportunities.

Question 8

Crime Pattern Theory

Answer 8

A theory that helps explain how crime patterns arise; it asserts that crime is not random. Its concepts (Nodes, Paths, Edges, Ridges, Attractors, Generators) describe how offenders move in the urban environment.

Question 9

Crime Opportunity Theory

Answer 9

An umbrella term for the set of theories + concepts that are underpinned by the notion that the level of crime opportunities is the main cause of crime.

Question 10

Dispositional Theories

Answer 10

Theories that seek to explain variations b/w individuals in their tendency/disposition to commit crime. Explanations usually biological or psychological.

Question 11

Situational Crime Prevention (SCP)

Answer 11

Measures taken to reduce crime opportunities. SCP takes into account the nature of c rime, the environmental factors that allow for the crime, + the risks + rewards associated w/ crime.

Question 12

Designing-Out

Answer 12

The concept that crime prevention can start at the design process so that products + places are designed w/ potential criminal threats/opportunities in mind.

Question 13

Environmental Criminology

Answer 13

Focuses on the environment (including targets, guardians, + places) as a key area of interest in understanding how + why crime occurs.