Rational Choice key figures

Question 1

Focus on…

Answer 1

Deterrence - criminal as rational actor

Question 2

Tunnell (1990)

Answer 2

Study of repeat property offenders
Found life in prison was not threatening
However also uninformed about risks - thus not rational choice?

Question 3

Cromwell et al (1991)

Answer 3

Ethnographic study of burglars - found them incapable of a “completely rational model of decision making”

Question 4

DeHan and Vos (2003)

Answer 4

Focus groups and interviews of street robbets
rational reson behind crime (money)
But also other factos: tension release, emotion, impulsivity, desperation etc

Question 5

Shovel et al (2005)

Answer 5

White collar crime as rationallly based (even encouraged by work environment(

Question 6

Sherman et al (1998)

Answer 6

Police crackdowns inefective

Question 7

Ross (1982)

Answer 7

Police crackdown on drunk driving had a deterrent effect

Question 8

Routine activities

Answer 8

Felson and Cohen (1979)
Three variables in behaviour:
1) motivated offenders
2) suitable targets
3) presence of capable guardians

Question 9

Broken Windows

Answer 9

Wilson - social environment affecting crime