Criminology Test 1
Which of the following is true of qualitative research methods?
They are important for the insights they provide into the subjective workings of the criminal mind.
What is a primary goal of CrimeSolutions.gov?
To encourage practitioners to replicate successful programs
The belief that society exists to provide individuals with benefits that they would not receive living in isolation is a central assumption of _______ criminology.
classical
The _____ model indicates that criminal offenders deserve the punishment they receive at the hands of the law.
just deserts
Smoking in public places such as parks was recently criminalized in Ashfolk. This decision, however, was not put to a vote and was decided purely on the basis of the prevailing social norms of the country. It is most likely that Ashfolk's law was passed based on the ________ perspective.
consensus
Differing interpretations of the killing of black men by the police is an example of
social relativity
Before initiating its after-school programs, city council members received testimony from a criminologist who theorized that such activities would lead to reduced rates of juvenile delinquency. This connection between research and workable social policy is referred to as
translational criminology
Which of the following is true about current perceptions of biology's influence on criminal behavior?
Biological influences are mediated through a person's surroundings to produce behavior.
How do modern theorists view the influence of biology on crime?
Biological influences are mediated through the environment to produce behavior.
_____ maintain(s) that the basic determinants of human behavior, including criminality, are constitutionally based and often inherited.
Biological theories
During a discussion about capital punishment, Jamal argues that criminals such as serial killers, who were executed by the criminal justice system, simply got what they deserved. Jamal's argument is best aligned with which model?
Just deserts
Which of the following best illustrates a challenge to translational criminology?
Research showing a detrimental link between on-screen violence and increased levels of violent behavior among children
Which of the following would Cesare Beccaria be most likely to consider a just punishment?
Roberto is convicted of assault and is sentenced to be flogged the next day
Which of the following is an example of a crime?
Ryan drives 15 MPH over the speed limit on a busy highway
Reginald's parents are divorced. He grew up in a low-income home in a rough neighborhood. Because of his background, Reginald becomes involved in crime. Which perspective best explains this outcome?
Social problems perspective
Which of the following best defines qualitative research methods?
They are research techniques that produce subjective results.
Which of the following is true of advocates of the social problems perspective on crime and criminality?
They believe crime must be addressed in the same way as public health concerns
Which of the following statements regarding newer biosocial perspectives is correct?
They hold that genes are more likely to be facilitators of behavior
A tentative explanation accounting for a set of facts that can be tested by further investigation is a(n) ________.
hypothesis
A ________ involves a comprehensive and systematic review of other studies about a particular topic of interest.
meta-analysis
Ruby works with juvenile delinquents as part of a rehabilitation program. Although she is told often by people that these juveniles "have crime in their blood," she is convinced that providing the right environment can reduce criminal tendencies. Moreover, she believes that their genes are more likely to be facilitators, rather than determinants, of behavior. In this scenario, Ruby is an advocate of _____.
the biosocial perspective
The state legislature recent passed a new law which states that all offenders who are sentenced to a term of incarceration must serve at least 75 percent of their term before they may be considered for parole. This is an example of _____________.
truth in sentencing
Which of the following statements best defines mala in se acts?
Acts that are said to be fundamentally wrong in and of themselves
Which of the following is a valid criticism of classical criminology?
Classical criminology fails to explain how individuals choose whether to engage in criminal activity
George and Julio are invited out to dinner at an expensive restaurant. Although the environment is quiet and subdued, they laugh and talk loudly all during dinner. Which of the following statements best applies to their behavior?
George and Julio are violating a folkway
Official statistics show a decrease in crime over the past two decades. Which of the following statements relating to this decrease is most likely to be made by advocates of modern neoclassical approaches to crime control who are trying to take credit for the decline?
Get tough on crime policies have led to a substantial decrease in official rates of crime over the past 20 years.
What was Konrad Lorenz's greatest contribution to the study of human behavior?
His claim that all human behavior is to some extent "adapted instinctive behavior"
Which is true of the political perspective on crime?
It asserts that criminal laws do not necessarily bear any inherent relationship to popular notions of right and wrong.
Which of the following is a key assumption of biological theories?
Observed gender and racial differences in rates and types of criminality may be, at least partially, the result of biological differences.
________ is defined as the notion that social events are interpreted differently according to the cultural experiences and personal interests of the initiator, the observer, or the recipient of that behavior.
Social relativity
According to C. Ray Jeffery, twentieth-century criminology was based on which other discipline?
Sociology
Which of the following examples best illustrates the fact that deviant behavior is not necessarily criminal?
Wearing eccentric and shocking styles of clothing, but not violating decency statutes
A(n) ________ is a brief summation of a research report's findings that lets readers determine whether the subject matter will be of interest to them without having to read the entire report.
abstract
The ________ perspective holds that behaviors are typically criminalized through a political process only after debate over the appropriate course of action.
pluralist
There has been considerable debate over the legalization of marijuana. In a number of states, voters have decided to modify the law to legalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use. This is an example of the _________ perspective.
pluralist
The practice of evidence-based criminology puts the criminologist in role of a(n)
scientist
Neil believes that individual evil behavior can be explained by spiritual influences. His view best fits __________.
the Demonic Era
Which scenario most appropriately relates to evidence-based criminology?
A criminal psychologist believes that damage to a particular part of the brain results in increased risk that an individual commits violent crime. She obtains funding to research this and presents her findings in a paper.
George analyzes and compiles the results of 127 previously published studies about the occurrences of drunk driving in major cities. Which type of research has George conducted?
A meta-analysis
Which of the following statements best represents the views of Jack Katz?
Criminal offenders find crime rewarding because it is exciting and feels good
Ian is studying pairs of identical and fraternal twins and claims that his results suggest that criminal tendencies are due primarily to genetic factors. What did Ian find?
Ian found that MZ twin pairs were more likely to display similar degrees of criminality than DZ twin pairs
Which of the following statements best describes Incapacitation?
Incapacitation refers to the use of imprisonment or other means to reduce the likelihood that an offender will be capable of committing future offenses
According to Sheldon's research into somatotyping, which body type is most likely to be associated with involvement in delinquency?
Mesomorph
Which statement is true about the proper order in the theory building process?
Theory building begins as a result of an observed correlation.
_________ is defined as the attitudes and behavior that result from strong feelings of identification with one's own social group.
Tribalism
An example of evidence-based criminology occurs when
a city's experiment with after-school activities was shown to significantly reduce rates of juvenile delinquency.
Fred, a 35-year-old accountant, witnesses a car accident on a lonely road. He drives slowly past the scene and sees many injured people, but offers no help and does not call 911, even though Good Samaritan laws apply. Fred's behavior is an example of
criminal behavior
Sonya is expected to dress well for work but cannot always afford new clothes, so she occasionally resorts to shoplifting. Cesare Lombroso would most likely consider Sonya to be a(n) _________.
criminaloid
Professor Martin's research examines the relationship between crime and socioeconomic status. Because she is often asked to provide consulting services to local and state law enforcement agencies, Professor Martin is a
criminologist
A theory which attempts to explain all (or at least most) forms of criminal conduct through a single overarching approach is referred to as a(n) ________ theory.
general
Will has noticed that a many of his friends who dropped out of school have been involved in some form of petty crime within a few years after dropping out. He suggests that an uneducated population is more likely to be a crime-prone population. Will appears to be in the ________ stage of scientific research.
problem identification
The primary significance of crime and of criminal behavior is fundamentally ______ in nature.
social
An early Positivist would be most likely to support _________.
social determinism
It is asserted in this chapter that control over crime must stem from effective
social policy
Which behaviors is considered delinquent in all states?
A 13-year-old running away from home
Which scenario best illustrates evidence-based criminology in action?
A researcher develops a research study to test her theory that college-educated offenders are more likely to commit property crimes than violent crimes
Which of the following is an example of how criminological research affects public policy?
A researcher found that diverting low-level offenders out of the criminal justice system significantly reduced recidivism. After the results were publicized, several jurisdictions created diversion programs for minor offenders
Which of the following statements regarding supermales is true?
A supermale has an additional Y chromosome
Which of the following is an example of altruism?
After a hunt, wolves bring back meat to weaker members of the pack
Which of the following is an example of a restrictive punishment, according to Jeremy Bentham?
After his third speeding ticket, Joshua's license is suspended
Which statement illustrates the process of theory building?
After observing that crime rates vary throughout the month, a researcher theorizes that the full moon provides more light, making it easier for offenders to see to commit crimes at night. The researcher collects data on crime during each lunar phase and finds that more crimes occur when the moon is full
Brody is a strong support of biological explanations of behavior and claims that there is sufficient evidence to prove that crime can be explained by biology. Which of the following findings is most likely to refute Brody's claim?
After states lowered the legal limit for driving under the influence to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%, drunk driving arrests increased.
Which of the following statements would a sociobiologist most likely consider to be true?
All human behavior, even rational thought, results from instinctual aspects of biology
Which statement best describes the relevance of altruism to sociobiological theory?
Altruism plays a role in ensuring the survival and continuity of the gene pool in a species.
Which of the following is a feature of scientific research, such as evidence-based criminology?
An emphasis on a worthwhile subject in need of independent study
In which of the following cases is a qualitative research method being employed?
Betty asks participants open-ended questions about law enforcement practices in urban areas
Which of the following research findings would best support the notion of atavism?
Carlo studies incarcerated male offenders and concludes that their facial features differ from those of non-criminals
__________ is/are defined as the scientific study of crime, the criminal law, and components of the criminal justice system, including the police, courts, and corrections.
Criminal justice
According to the basic assumptions of biological theories, which behavior is more likely to be learned, rather than being instinctual in humans?
Criminality
Mark is attempting to convince the parole board that he should be released. He explains that he has obtained vocational training while in prison and will have a job. He also states that he has a young daughter and wants to set a good example for her. The parole board considers this information when assessing which concept?
Dangerousness
In which of the following scenarios has a violation of criminal law occurred?
Daniel drives above the speed limit specified for the interstate highway, but does not harm anyone or cause any damage.
After a researcher conducts a study on the risk factors for pedophilia, the list of participating test subjects is made public. This violates which ethical standard?
Data confidentiality
Jim researched how inmates responded to more humane treatment by the guards, and then published the results of his study hoping to affect public policy. However, when other researchers repeated the study, they found the interactions to be very different from what Jim observed. What problem did the studies encounter?
Data replicability
Which of the following statements is more likely to be made by a contemporary biological theorist, rather than an early biological theorist?
Diet can affect human behavior
Which event in the late 1950s contributed to the beginning of a steady increase in the crime rate?
Dollar limits were removed from larceny statutes
Which of the following is true of the era of criminology that John Laub referred to as the Golden Age of Theory?
During this period, there was no systematic attempt to link criminological research to theories of crime
Which of the following factors that may affect criminal behavior is more likely to be studied by a contemporary biological theorist rather than an early biological theorist?
Environmental contaminants
Hilary believes that the root causes of criminality are found in "bad genes," which are passed from one generation to the next. Which of the following beliefs is Hilary supporting?
Eugenics
George has received a research grant to study prostitution in the community and hires six graduate students to interview local prostitutes. When George reads through the interviews, he notices that the subjects interviewed by Heidi, one of the graduate students, tended to be much less responsive than those interviewed by the other students. He questions Heidi and discovers that she considers individuals involved in prostitution to be depraved and that she communicated her beliefs to the subjects she interviewed. Heidi has most clearly violated which of Frank Hagan's ethical guidelines?
Exercise objectivity and professional integrity in performing and reporting research
Michael's parents divorced when he was very young and he grows up poor, without many opportunities to thrive. He eventually begins to participate in criminal activities and is eventually arrested and charged with breaking and entering, as well as assault with a deadly weapon. In her closing argument, the prosecutor asserts that many other individuals in Michael's position do not commit crimes and that Michael is solely responsible for his behaviors. Which perspective most closely reflects the prosecutor's argument?
Individual responsibility perspective
Which statement regarding evidence-based criminology is true?
It is founded upon the experimental scientific method
Which of the following is true of the consensus perspective on criminalizing certain behaviors?
It is most applicable to homogeneous societies, or those characterized by shared values, norms, and belief systems
Which of the following is true of operationalization?
It states a hypothesis in a way that facilitates measurement.
Jon wants to know how images of violence affect individuals who are not routinely exposed to violent images. He is teaching two sections of a research methods course, so he exposes the students in one section to violent images and records their reactions. He exposes the students in the other section to nonviolent images and records their reactions. What approach is Jon using to help validate his results?
Jon is using a control group to help isolate the effects of violent images
Which of the following is considered deviant behavior?
Lily, a lawyer, prefers to wear casual clothes to work despite her firm having a formal dress code.
Which of the following is a threat to external validity?
Multiple-treatment interface
Which of the following studies is using quantitative methods?
Nathan uses police reports to determine the age at which juveniles are most likely to begin committing serious crimes.
Which of the following individuals is considered a criminal justice professional?
Police officer
Dr. Jonas works in a state prison and observes that a large number of inmates who are incarcerated for committing a specific violent crime come from the same neighborhood. Most of them have mentioned a "peculiar smell" that existed in their neighborhood. Dr. Jonas theorizes that an environmental contaminant present in that neighborhood causes brain damage which manifests as a specific type of violent behavior. She researches this and publishes a paper which details her findings and proposes a solution for addressing the environmental contaminant. Which type of research has Dr. Jonas conducted?
Primary research
Which of the following statements best fits with Cesare Beccaria's views regarding crime and punishment?
Punishment should be only severe enough to outweigh the personal benefits obtained from the crime.
The eugenics movement proposed which of the following social policies as a way of improving the species?
Selective human breeding
Thomas Hobbes argued that people are so afraid of violent death that they are willing to give up some freedoms to the government in exchange for protection. Which concept best represents Hobbes' belief?
Social contract
Sally has designed a study to analyze physical characteristics of a population of male criminals in a state prison system. She collects information on the height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and overall body type of criminals who have committed violent crimes. Which term is most closely related to the researcher's study?
Somatotyping
Which goal of criminal sentencing seeks to prevent a particular offender from committing another crime in the future?
Specific deterrence
___________ is a situational crime prevention technique that involves adding fences, alarms, and electronic surveillance to improve a building's security.
Target hardening
The rivalry between two Chicago street gangs, the Gangster Disciples and the Latin Kings, is responsible for a large number of homicides and other violence in the city. Which aspect of sociobiology can be used to explain this?
Territoriality
What differentiates deviant behavior from delinquent behavior?
The age of the perpetrator
Which of the following early sources of criminal law included unwritten legal precedents that help guide judicial decision making?
The common law
Despite research evidence suggesting that capital punishment does not deter offenders from committing homicide, many death penalty advocates continue to argue that capital punishment can be an effective deterrent. Which of the following statements best supports their claim?
The current system of criminal justice does not allow for the swift and certain imposition of capital punishment.
In which section of a research report will Jose learn that the investigators used a randomized controlled trial to study the effects of violent pop culture on individual decision making, and that a two-tailed test of statistical significance was used?
The description of the research plan
Which of the following contributed to the development of the neoclassical movement in the 1970s?
The nothing-works doctrine
Which of the following statements is a key theme of phrenology, as proposed by Franz Joseph Gall?
The shape of the skull corresponds to the shape of the brain and indicates personality
Which of the following is a criticism of sociobiology?
There is no credible evidence of genetically based or determined tendencies to act in certain ways.
Which of the following statements best supports the use of selective incapacitation as a crime-control strategy?
Three-strikes laws and similar habitual offender statutes focus on incarcerating offenders who are chronic recidivists
How do classical and neoclassical criminology differ in their views of punishment?
While classical thought viewed deterrence as the primary purpose of punishment, neoclassical thought has expanded the role of punishment to include the concept of retribution
Hank tells his lawyer that his continued poverty forced him to commit crimes for his survival. Hank's poverty is a(n) ________ of crime.
contribution
Jason argues that career criminals and mentally handicapped individuals should not be allowed to have biological children, as their "bad genes" would only lead to more criminals being born. Based on this information, Jason appears to accept the idea of ________.
genetic determinism
Jeremy Bentham argued that the value a behavior holds for the individual who engages in it is determined by the amount of pleasure or pain the behavior can be expected to produce for that person. This belief is known as _________.
hedonistic calculus
The belief that behavior holds value to any individual undertaking it according to the amount of pleasure or pain it can be expected to produce for that person is referred to as __________.
hedonistic calculus
The criminal anthropologists who studied the Jukes and the Kallikaks were focusing on _________.
heredity
Sonya is interviewing subjects about their history of substance abuse. Before the interviews, she tells the subjects that their responses will be used to understand social aspects of drug abuse, reassures them that their participation is voluntary, and explains that they may withdraw from the study at any time. In this case, Sonya is ensuring ________.
informed consent
Dr. Presley, a sociologist, and Dr. Meyer, a genetic biologist, have both spent many years working with incarcerated violent adult offenders to study the impact of early childhood experiences on adult criminality. Working together, they have developed a theory of violent criminal behavior that uses concepts from both fields of study. They have most likely developed a(n) ___________ theory.
integrated
Jonathan is writing a research report about home security in the United States. He is currently preparing the section that discusses discussing previously published articles about home invasions, burglary rates, and advances in home security systems. He also explains how these studies relate to his research. Jonathan is compiling the ________ section of his research report.
literature review
Groups opposed to abortion may claim that the unborn fetus is a person and entitled to all the protections that any other living human being receives. This argument is based on ________.
natural law
According to the _____________ perspective, crime is viewed as behavior that poses a threat to those in power.
political
Ted works at a large state prison and decides to track all offenders released during a single year. He discovered that 53 percent of these offenders were rearrested for a new crime within the next five years. Ted has calculated the ________ rate.
recidivism
Felicity steals her sister Lily's pearl necklace and sells it. Felicity claims that she stole it because she needed the money, while Lily accuses her of being jealous. Their neighbor, Stefan, observes the argument and concludes that the crime occurred because of the deterioration of family values. Such different interpretations of the same event are explained by the concept of
social relativity
Different communities view the presence of police in different ways. These difference might be explained by
social relativity.
Drew is excited by the thought of driving fast. Though he is aware of the speed limits and that he could be arrested, he enjoys speed. Sometimes he imagines himself to be in a high-speed car chase, which further adds to the thrill. Drew's behavior best fits the ________ perspective on crime.
social responsibility
A theory which posits only one factor or source for all forms of criminal conduct is referred to as a(n) ________ theory.
unicausal
George is examining the relationship between violent video games and violent behavior and states that banning the sale of violent video games to minors will reduce violent criminal behavior by juveniles. In which stage of the theory-building process is George most likely to make this statement?
A theory-based hypothesis develops
________ is defined as any human activity that violates social norms.
Deviant behavior
Which of the following is a threat to internal validity?
Differential selection
Which of the following best describes crime from a legalistic perspective?
It is any human conduct in violation of the criminal laws of a state, the federal government, or a local jurisdiction that has the power to make such laws.
Joel is interesting in studying a local motorcycle gang. He joins the gang and becomes an active member to learn about the gang's activities. Which data-gathering technique is Joel using?
Participant observation
Which of the following is an example of secondary research?
Rita assesses the effectiveness of a drug awareness program by analyzing the results obtained by 16 previously published studies
Which of the following statements regarding the purpose of theory is true?
Theories give meaning to observations, explaining what we see in a particular setting by relating it to other things already understood
Pete claims that capital punishment is unfair because it is imposed disproportionately on racial minorities. Oscar is an advocate of capital punishment and disagrees. Which of the following arguments best supports Oscar's position?
While about 50% of those on death row are racial minorities, about 50% of all crimes eligible for the death penalty are committed by racial minorities, so there is no disproportionality
The belief that crime results from forces beyond the individual's control is termed ________.
hard determinism
Justin is a criminologist who studies alcohol abuse. He believes that all forms of alcohol abuse should be criminal, regardless of whether or not they cause harm to others. Justin is most likely to hold the ________ perspective on crime.
maladaptive
After deliberate thought, Clayton decides to embezzle money from his employer. He believes his employer will not notice, and therefore his chances of getting caught are minimal, while the benefits he will receive from the extra money are huge. Clayton's crime is best explained by ________.
rational choice theory
Which of Frank Hagan's ethical guidelines was violated when the publication of information about the inefficacy of D.A.R.E. programs was blocked by the NIJ?
Exercise objectivity and professional integrity in research
Most contemporary criminologists primarily employ a(n) ________ perspective.
sociological
