Understanding Criminal Behavior Flashcards
What is positive reinforcement
Presenting a positive stimulus in exchange for the desired response
What is negative reinforcement?
Withdrawing a negative stimulus in exchange for the desired response
What is punishment?
Either applying a negative stimulus or withdrawing a positive stimulus when presented with undesired behavior
What is the routine activities theory of crime causation?
The theory that both the motivation to commit crime and the supply of offenders is constant and that the activities and circumstances of potential victims are the determining factors in crime
3 elements that influence crime according to the routine activities theory of crime causation
The availability of suitable targets
The absence of capable guardians
The presence of motivated offenders
What is the rational choice theory of crime causation?
The theory that the decision to commit a crime is a rational and careful choice on the perpetrator’s part with the goal of an intended benefit
2 ways crime can be deterred according to the rational choice theory of crime causation
Reduce opportunities for criminal activity
Increase personal risk to the perpetrator
What is the theory of differential association?
People learn the values, attitudes, techniques, and motives for criminal behavior by communicating with and participating in intimate personal groups in a way that results in an excess of conclusions favorable to violation of the law over conclusions unfavorable to violation of the law
What is the social control theory of crime causation?
The stronger a person’s bond of affection for other law-abiding people is, the more likely the person is to consider that factor and to be deterred from committing a criminal act
According to behaviorism, what is the least effective method of changing criminal behavior?
Punishment
What are the components of classical criminology?
People have free will
Criminal behavior is more attractive when the gains are estimated to be greater than the losses
Swift and severe penalties to crime are more likely to deter criminal behavior
According to the differential reinforcement theory, when is behavior reinforced?
When rewards are gained (positive reinforcement)
When punishment is avoided (negative reinforcement)
According to the differential reinforcement theory, when is behavior reinforced?
When rewards are gained (positive reinforcement)
When punishment is avoided (negative reinforcement)
