Chapter 1: Introduction to Criminal Behavior

Question 1

Crime

Answer 1

Conduct or failure to act in violation of the law forbidding or commanding it, and for a range of possible penalties exist upon conviction.

Question 2

Just-World Hypothesis

Answer 2

A belief that one gets what they deserve.

Question 3

Scientific Theory

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

Theory Verification

Answer 4

A process whereby a theory is tested through observation and analysis.

Question 5

Falsification

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

Model

Answer 6

A graphic or descriptive illustration intended to clarify a theory.

Question 7

Classical Theory

Answer 7

Theory of human behavior that emphasizes free will as a core concept.

Question 8

Deterrence Theory

Answer 8

The theory that argues that the threat of punishment will prevent crime.

Question 9

Positivist Theory

Answer 9

The theory that argues prior experiences or influences determine present behavior.

Question 10

Conformity Perspective

Answer 10

A theory that humans are born basically good and generally try to do the right and just thing.

Question 11

Strain Theory

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

Nonconformist Perspective

Answer 12

A theoretical perspective that humans will naturally try to get away with anything they can, including illegal conduct, unless social controls are imposed.

Question 13

Social Control Theory

Answer 13

Proposes that individuals are prevented from committing antisocial behavior because of bonds they hold to society such as parents or significant others.

Question 14

General Theory of Crime
(Self-Control Theory)

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

Learning Perspective

Answer 15

Humans are born basically neutral and behaviorally a blank slate, what they become as individuals depends on their learning experiences rather than innate predispositions.

Question 16

Social Learning Theory

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

Differential Association Theory

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

Criminology

Answer 18

The multidisciplinary study of crime.

Question 19

Sociological Criminiology

Answer 19

The branch of criminology that examines the demographic, group, and societal variables related to crime.

Question 20

Psychological Criminology

Answer 20

The branch of criminology that examines the individual behavior and especially the mortal processes involved in criminal behavior.

Question 21

Cognitions

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

Hate Crime Statistics Act

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

Developmental Approach

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

Trait
(Disposition)

Answer 24

Relatively stable and enduring tendency to behave in a particular way across time and place.

Basic building blocks of personality.

Question 25

Psychiatric Criminology

Answer 25

The branch of criminology that focuses on individual aspects of behavior, particular internal forces, and unconscious desires.

Question 26

Crime Rate

Answer 26

In government statistics, the number of crimes known to police per 100,000 people.

Question 27

Clearance Rate

Answer 27

The proportion of reported crimes that have been “solved” through the arrest and turning over for prosecution of at least one person.

Question 28

Dark Figure

Answer 28

The number of crimes that go unreported in official crime data reports.

Question 29

Hierarchy Rule

Answer 29

In the UCR program, the rule that requires only the most serious crime in a series be reported in the crime statistics.

Question 30

Self-Report (SR) Data

Answer 30

Information about crime and antisocial behavior gathered from the offenders themselves.

Question 31

Monitoring the Future (MTF)

Answer 31

A self-report survey administered to high school students nationwide focusing on drug use and abuse.

Question 32

National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS)

Answer 32

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.

Question 33

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

Answer 33

Crimes committed against person by current or former spouses or dating partners.

Question 34

Status Offenses

Answer 34

A class of illegal behavior that only persons with certain characteristics or status can commit.