Chapter 1: Introduction to Criminal Behavior Flashcards
Crime
Conduct or failure to act in violation of the law forbidding or commanding it, and for a range of possible penalties exist upon conviction.
Just-World Hypothesis
A belief that one gets what they deserve.
Scientific Theory
A set of interrelated concepts, definitions, and propositions that represent a systematic view of phenomenon by identifying relationships between variables with a purpose of explaining and predicting phenomenon.
Theory Verification
A process whereby a theory is tested through observation and analysis.
Falsification
The process of testing a theory whereby if it’s discovered that even one of its propositions is found to not be supported, the theory cannot be valid.
Model
A graphic or descriptive illustration intended to clarify a theory.
Classical Theory
Theory of human behavior that emphasizes free will as a core concept.
Deterrence Theory
The theory that argues that the threat of punishment will prevent crime.
Positivist Theory
The theory that argues prior experiences or influences determine present behavior.
Conformity Perspective
A theory that humans are born basically good and generally try to do the right and just thing.
Strain Theory
Sociological explanation for crime based on Robert Merton’s theory that crime occurs when there’s an perceived discrepancy between materialistic value and goals cherished and held in high esteem by a society and the availability of the legit means for reaching these goals.
Nonconformist Perspective
A theoretical perspective that humans will naturally try to get away with anything they can, including illegal conduct, unless social controls are imposed.
Social Control Theory
Proposes that individuals are prevented from committing antisocial behavior because of bonds they hold to society such as parents or significant others.
General Theory of Crime
(Self-Control Theory)
A heavily-research theory that proposes that crime and antisocial behavior are the result of an individual’s deficits in ability to control their behavior.
Learning Perspective
Humans are born basically neutral and behaviorally a blank slate, what they become as individuals depends on their learning experiences rather than innate predispositions.
Social Learning Theory
A human behavior theory based on learning from watching others in the social environment. This leads to an individual’s development of their own perceptions, thoughts, experiences, competencies, and values.
Differential Association Theory
Formulated by Edwin Sutherland. A theory of crime that states criminal behavior is primarily due to obtaining values or messages from others, including but not limited to those who engage in crime.
Critical factors include with whom a person associates, how early, for how long, how frequently, and how personally meaningful the associations are.
Criminology
The multidisciplinary study of crime.
Sociological Criminiology
The branch of criminology that examines the demographic, group, and societal variables related to crime.
Psychological Criminology
The branch of criminology that examines the individual behavior and especially the mortal processes involved in criminal behavior.
Cognitions
The internal processes that enable humans to imagine, to gain knowledge, to reason, and to evaluate.
The attitudes, beliefs, values, and thoughts that people hold about the environment, relationships, and themselves.
Hate Crime Statistics Act
Federal, as well as state, laws that require police to track and report crimes motivated by bias or hate against the victims based on their race, ethnicity, religion, country of origin, gender, or other protected statuses.
Developmental Approach
Examines the changes and influences (risk factors) across a person’s lifetime that contribute to the formation of antisocial and criminal behavior, or, alternatively, that protect individuals with many risk factors in their life.
Trait
(Disposition)
Relatively stable and enduring tendency to behave in a particular way across time and place.
Basic building blocks of personality.
Psychiatric Criminology
The branch of criminology that focuses on individual aspects of behavior, particular internal forces, and unconscious desires.
Crime Rate
In government statistics, the number of crimes known to police per 100,000 people.
Clearance Rate
The proportion of reported crimes that have been “solved” through the arrest and turning over for prosecution of at least one person.
Dark Figure
The number of crimes that go unreported in official crime data reports.
Hierarchy Rule
In the UCR program, the rule that requires only the most serious crime in a series be reported in the crime statistics.
Self-Report (SR) Data
Information about crime and antisocial behavior gathered from the offenders themselves.
Monitoring the Future (MTF)
A self-report survey administered to high school students nationwide focusing on drug use and abuse.
National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS)
A government-sponsored survey of victims of crime, intended to collect data from the victim’s perspective on crimes both reported and not reported to the police.
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
Crimes committed against person by current or former spouses or dating partners.
Status Offenses
A class of illegal behavior that only persons with certain characteristics or status can commit.
