Introduction to Criminology

Question 1

Criminology

Answer 1

The scientific study of the nature, extent, cause and control of criminal behaviour

Question 2

Crime statistics

Answer 2

Gathering valid crime data. Devising new research methods; measuring crime patterns and trends.

Question 3

Socio-legal studies

Answer 3

Determining the origin of law. Measuring the forces that can change laws and society.

Question 4

Penology

Answer 4

Studying the correction and control of criminal behaviour. Using the scientific method to assess the effectiveness of criminal sanctions designed to control crime through the application of criminal punishments.

Question 5

Victimology

Answer 5

Studying the nature and cause of victimisation. Aiding crime victims; understanding the nature and extent of victimisation; developing theories of victimisation risk.

Question 6

Classical Criminology

Answer 6

Situational forces. Crime is a function of free will and personal choice. Punishment is a deterrent to crime.

Question 7

Positivist criminology

Answer 7

The branch of social science that uses the scientific method of the natural sciences and suggests that human behaviour is a product of social, biological, psychological, or economic forces that can be empirically measured.

Question 8

Sociological criminology

Answer 8

Approach to criminology, based on the work of Emile Durkheim, that focuses on the relationship between social factors and crime.

Question 9

Conflict theory

Answer 9

Oppression of the working class (proletariat) by the owners of production (bourgeoisie).
Economic and political forces. Crime is a function of competition for limited resources and power. Class conflict produces crime.

Question 10

Critical criminology

Answer 10

The view that crime is a product of the capitalist system.

Question 11

Developmental theory

Answer 11

Multiple forces. Biological, social-psychological, economic, and political forces may combine to produce crime.

Question 12

Contemporary criminology

Answer 12

Psychological theories: Rational choice, trait and developmental
Sociological:
Social structure, social process, critical theory

Question 13

Crime

Answer 13

An act deemed socially harmful or dangerous that is specifically defined, prohibited, and punishable by law.

Question 14

Deviance

Answer 14

Behaviour that departs from the social norm. Some deviant behaviour is considered criminal, others merely harmless aberrations.

Question 15

Research process

Answer 15

1. Define the problem
2. Review the literature
3. Formulate a hypothesis
4. Design the research study
5. Collect and analyse the data
6. Develop a conclusion
7. Share the results