Chapter 2 Flashcards
Criminology
The scientific study of crime and the causes of criminal behavior
Correlation
The relationship between two variables that tend to move in the same direction
Causation
The relationship in which a change in one variable creates a recognizable change in another variable
Theory
An explanation of a happening or circumstance that is based on observations,experimentations, and reasoning
Hypothesis
A possible explanation for an observed occurrence that can be tested by further investigation
Rational choice theory
A school of criminology that holds that wrongdoers act as if they weigh the possible benefits of criminal or delinquent activity against the expected costs of being apprehended
Biology
The science of living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, and origin
Psychology
The scientific study of mental processes and behavior
Hormone
A chemical substance produced in tissue and conveyed in the bloodstream, that controls certain cellular and body functions, such as growth and reproduction
Testosterone
The hormone primarily responsible for the production of Soren and the development of male secondary sex characteristics, such as the growth of facial and pubic hair and the change in voice pitch
Social psychology
The study of how behavior is influenced by the behavior of groups in social situations
Social process theories
A school of criminology that considers criminal behavior to be predictable result of a person’s interaction with his or her environment
Social conflict theories
A school of criminology that views criminal behavior as the result of class conflict
Learning theory
The theory that delinquent and criminals must be taught both the practical and the emotional skills necessary to participate in illegal activity
Control theory
A series of theories that assume that all individuals have the potential for criminal behavior, but are restrained by the damage that such actions would do to their relationships with family, friends, and members of the community
Life course theory
The study of crime based on the belief that behavioral patterns developed in childhood can predict delinquent and criminal behavior later in life
Drug
Any substance that modifies biological, psychological, or social behavior, in particular, an illegal substance with those properties
Psychoactive drug
A chemical that affects the brain, causing changes in emotions, perceptions, and behavior
Drug abuse
The use of drugs that results in physical or psychological problems for the user, as well as disruption of personal relationships and employment
Medical model of addiction
An approach to the drug addiction that treats drug abuse as mental illness and focuses on treating and rehabilitating offenders rather than punishing them
Criminal model of addiction
An approach to drug abuse that holds that drug offenders harm society by their actions to the same extent as other criminals and should face the same punitive sanctions
Decriminalization
The removal of criminal penalties associated with a product or act which becomes subject only to civil sanctions such as fines and citations
Legalization
To make a formerly illegal product or action lawful. In the context of marijuana, the process includes strict regulation, including a ban on sale to or use by minors
Uniform crime report (UCR)
An annual report compiled by the FBI to give an indication of criminal activity in the United States
Part I offenses
Crimes reported annually by the FBI in its uniform crime report, part I offenses include murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft
Part II offenses
All crimes recorded by the FBI that do not fall into the category of part I offenses, these crimes include both misdemeanors and felonies
Victim surveys
A method of gathering crime data that direct,y surveys participants to determine their experience as victims of crime
Dark figure of crime
A term used to describe the actual amount of crime that takes place. The figure is dark or impossible to detect, because a great number of crimes are never reported to the police
Self reported survey
A method of gathering crime data that relies on participants to reveal and detail their own criminal or delinquent behavior
Victim
Any person who suffers physical, emotional, or financial harm as the result of a criminal act
Repeat victimization
Theory that certain people and places are more likely to be subject to repeated criminal activity and that past victimization is a strong indicator of future victimization
Domestic violence
Willful neglect or physical violence that occurs within a familial or other intimate relationship
Stalking
The criminal act of causing fear in a person by repeatedly subjecting that person to unwanted or threatening attention
