Chapter 5 - Explaining Crime and Delinquency

Question 1

Knowledge based on observation, experience, or experiment rather than on theory or philosophy.

Answer 1

Empirical

Question 2

Systematic process of information gathering, analysis, and reporting of findings.

Answer 2

Research

Question 3

Those who reject or challenge all that has been considered to be modern.

Answer 3

Postmodernists

Question 4

An integrated set of propositions that offers explanations for some phenomenon.

Answer 4

Theory

Question 5

An 18th-century philosophical, theoretical, and methodological perspective (scientific method) positing that only that which is observable through the scientific method is knowable.

Answer 5

Positivist

Question 6

General or abstract term that refers to a class or group of more specific terms (“Crime” refers to any number of specific behaviours, such as assault or robbery).

Answer 6

Concept

Question 7

In everyday terms, it is usually something that is considered to be true. In a scientific sense, it is something has has been established through the research process.

Answer 7

Fact

Question 8

The school of thought that assumes people are rational, intelligent beings who exercise free will in choosing criminal behaviour.

Answer 8

Classical School of Criminology

Question 9

A branch of science based on a belief in genetic differences between groups that result in superior and inferior strains of people.

Answer 9

Eugenics

Question 10

A branch of psychology based on a set of behavioural principles first developed by B.F. Skinner.

Answer 10

Behaviourism

Question 11

In Behaviourist Theory, refers to behaviours that have been patterned to repeat or stop by a regime of rewards or punishments.

Answer 11

Conditioned

Question 12

Having to do with mental processes and how we develop knowledge about, and understanding of, ourselves and the world around us.

Answer 12

Cognitive

Question 13

Focuses on States or development and posits inadequate development or failure to progress to higher states in explaining criminal and delinquent behaviour.

Answer 13

Development Theory

Question 14

Psychological classification of people with traits of impulsivity, insensitivity to their own pain or the pain of others, and a lack of guilt or remorse.

Answer 14

Antisocial Personality

Question 15

A branch of behaviour science that examines the relationship between people and their physical environment.

Answer 15

Human Ecology

Question 16

A term coined by Émile Durkheim, referring to a state of “formlessness” or one with no rules.

Answer 16

Anomie

Question 17

A group of theories that argue in a variety of ways that blocked opportunities are a cause of problem behaviours.

Answer 17

Strain Theory

Question 18

A concept used in early criminology theory to explain youth crime.

Answer 18

Delinquent Subculture

Question 19

Refers to a group of theories based on a fundamental assumption that people are essentially law-abiding.

Answer 19

Consensus Theory

Question 20

Refers to a group of theories premised on an assumption that people will operate on the basis of self-interest unless constrained.

Answer 20

Control Theory

Question 21

The social ties that hold people together, that cause people to care about each other.

Answer 21

Social Bond