theories of crime quiz 1

Question 1

What are the origins of (high) Negative emotionality and (low) Constraints?

Answer 1

Family environment and neurobiological factors.

Question 2

What family environment factors contribute to (high) Negative emotionality?

Answer 2

Harsh, inconsistent discipline and a chaotic home environment.

Living under the constant threat of emotional or physical harm.

Question 3

What neurobiological factor is associated with (high) Negative emotionality?

Answer 3

Neurotransmitter levels, such as serotonin.

Question 4

What is testosterone?

Answer 4

A hormone that produces male characteristics and circulates in the blood.

Question 5

How does higher testosterone affect behavior?

Answer 5

It is associated with a variety of antisocial behaviors.

Question 6

How does testosterone level interact with social context?

Answer 6

The level of testosterone interacts with the social context.

Question 7

Is the association between testosterone and antisocial behavior consistent among different age groups?

Answer 7

Yes, it is more consistent among adults than adolescents.

Question 9

What are criminaloids?

Answer 9

Hot-headed and impulsive persons who commit violent acts when provoked.

Question 10

What are insane criminals?

Answer 10

They are not born criminals; they include idiots, epileptics, or alcoholics.

Question 11

What evidence supports Lombroso’s theory?

Answer 11

None; it was eventually abandoned.

Question 12

What do modern biological theory approaches suggest?

Answer 12

Biological factors interact with the environment to influence how individuals react.

Question 13

How can environmental factors influence individual traits?

Answer 13

Through socialization and social class.

E.g. parents teach self-control; exposure to lead in urban areas, poor diet.

Question 14

How can biological factors influence the environment?

Answer 14

Dysfunctional children can be harder to raise.

Question 15

What does the adoption study indicate about criminality?

Answer 15

Children are more likely to be criminals if their biological parent was a criminal, despite adoptive parents.

20% : 13.5%.

Question 16

What individual traits can increase the likelihood of crime?

Answer 16

Impulsivity, low verbal IQ, attention deficit/hyperactivity, risk seeking, irritability, insensitivity to others/low empathy, poor social and problem-solving skills.

Question 17

What should certain people know about crime?

Answer 17

You cannot get away with crime.

Question 18

What is the impact of Beccaria on law?

Answer 18

Law should be applied to everyone equally.

Question 19

What should punishment be based on according to Beccaria?

Answer 19

Punishment imposed should be in proportion to the crime the offender committed.

Question 20

How can we control crime according to Beccaria?

Answer 20

By increasing certainty, swiftness, and severity of punishments.

Question 21

What is an individual’s behavior a product of?

Answer 21

Reward-risk calculation.

Question 22

What can we do to control crime?

Answer 22

Create effective punishments that are known, swift, severe, and certain.

Question 23

What does classical theory evaluate?

Answer 23

Does the benefit outweigh the cost?

Question 24

What dominated criminology from the late 1700s to late 1800s?

Answer 24

Classical criminology.

Question 25

What was observed about crime rates during the classical criminology period?

Answer 25

Crime rates were still increasing despite changes in the legal system based on classical thought.

Question 26

What was noted about individuals who had been punished?

Answer 26

They were inclined to persist in their criminal activities, indicating no deterrence.

Question 27

What is Lombroso's theory about offenders?

Answer 27

Offenders are born criminals and have traits that mark them.

Question 28

What type of theory is Lombroso's?

Answer 28

Positivist theory.

Question 29

According to Lombroso, what are criminals considered?

Answer 29

"Genetic throwbacks" or "atavistic."

Question 30

What did Lombroso do in his experiments?

Answer 30

Conducted extensive examinations with criminals and non-criminals.

Question 31

How many soldiers did Lombroso measure physical characteristics of?

Answer 31

3,000 soldiers.

Question 32

What did Lombroso develop in 1876?

Answer 32

A list of traits distinguishing between criminals and non-criminals.

Question 33

What are some traits of born criminals according to Lombroso?

Answer 33

Large jaws; strong canines; prominent zygomae (cheekbone); strongly developed orbital arches.

Question 34

What proportion of all criminals are considered 'born criminals'?

Answer 34

Make up 1/3 of all criminals.

Question 35

How do 'born criminals' resemble early humans?

Answer 35

They resemble 'cavemen.'

Question 36

What is the Age of Enlightenment?

Answer 36

A cultural revolution that promoted new ideas and values concerning scientific, philosophical, economic, and political debates. ## Footnote Key concepts include equality and basic human rights.

Question 37

What issues were present in the judicial system during the 1760s?

Answer 37

Judges interpreted laws to suit their personal interests, gave arbitrary punishments, and engaged in bribery. ## Footnote Sentencing was usually irrational and harsh.

Question 38

Who wrote a book advocating for reform within the criminal justice system?

Answer 38

Beccaria

Question 39

What does 'hedonistic' mean?

Answer 39

People pursue their own interests and promote pleasure.

Question 40

What do people have according to Enlightenment thinkers?

Answer 40

Free will and rationality. ## Footnote This includes the ability to calculate risks and rewards.

Question 41

What can we do to control crime?

Answer 41

Create effective punishments. ## Footnote The pain associated with punishment must outweigh the pleasure associated with crime.

Question 42

What are the components of a just punishment?

Answer 42

Known, swift, severe, and certain.

Question 43

What does 'known' mean in the context of just punishment?

Answer 43

Punishments should be universally read and understood.

Question 44

What does 'swift' mean in the context of just punishment?

Answer 44

Unnecessary delay should be avoided.

Question 45

What does 'severe' mean in the context of just punishment?

Answer 45

Punishment should be proportionate to the crime the offender committed.

Question 46

What was the punishment for offenders before the 18th century?

Answer 46

Punishment for offenders was physical.

Question 47

What perspective was challenged by classical thinkers?

Answer 47

The demonic (or spiritual) perspective was challenged by classical thinkers.

Question 48

What does 'mala prohibita' mean?

Answer 48

Offenses prohibited by law but not wrong in themselves.

Question 49

What is a theory?

Answer 49

Interrelated propositions designed to explain particular phenomena (e.g., crime, delinquency).

Question 50

What are propositions?

Answer 50

Relational statements that link theoretical constructs. ## Footnote Example: An individual with low IQ are more likely to commit crimes.

Question 51

What are the 4 conditions of a good theory?

Answer 51

1. EXPLANATORY POWER 2. TESTABILITY 3. SIMPLICITY 4. POLICY RELEVANCE

Question 52

Before the 18th century, what was believed to cause criminal behavior?

Answer 52

The devil.

Question 53

Before the 18th century, where were criminals punished?

Answer 53

In public.

Question 54

Before the 18th century, did criminals have the chance to put on a defense?

Answer 54

No.

Question 55

Before the 18th century, how were confessions obtained?

Answer 55

Torture.

Question 56

mala in se

Answer 56

offenses that are wrong by their very nature

Question 57

what is crime

Answer 57

a violation of criminal law