Crime and Criminal Behavior Theories: Explore Causes and Patterns

Question 1

According to Differential Association Theory, an individual's likelihood of committing crimes increases when they associate with individuals who:

Accepted Answer

Exhibit delinquent behaviors

Answer

Possess strong moral values

Answer

Belong to religious organizations

Answer

Have a history of criminal activity in their families

Question 2

According to Biosocial Theory, criminal conduct is influenced by the interplay of which two factors?

Accepted Answer

Genetics and environmental influences

Answer

Personality traits and social learning

Answer

Psychological disorders and substance abuse

Answer

Social bonds and economic conditions

Question 3

Which theory proposes that criminal behavior is the result of a rational cost-benefit analysis?

Accepted Answer

Rational Choice Theory

Answer

Social Learning Theory

Answer

Environmental Criminology

Answer

Broken Windows Theory

Question 4

Which theory focuses on the influence of physical surroundings and land use on the likelihood of criminal activity?

Accepted Answer

Environmental Criminology

Answer

Social Learning Theory

Answer

Routine Activities Theory

Answer

Broken Windows Theory

Question 5

According to Routine Activities Theory, crime occurs when:

Accepted Answer

Motivated offenders and suitable targets converge in the absence of capable guardians

Answer

Social bonds are weak and peer pressure is strong

Answer

Economic inequality creates social unrest

Answer

Genetic factors predispose individuals to criminal behavior

Question 6

According to Conflict Theory, crime stems from:

Accepted Answer

Unequal distribution of resources

Answer

Inadequate social institutions

Answer

Influence of genetics and environment

Answer

Presence of suitable targets

Question 7

Which theory of crime causation emphasizes the role of genetics and brain chemistry?

Accepted Answer

Biological Theory

Answer

Psychological Theory

Answer

Sociological Theory

Answer

Environmental Theory

Question 8

Which sociological theory of crime causation focuses on the relationship between social structure and crime rates?

Accepted Answer

Social Disorganization Theory

Answer

Social Learning Theory

Answer

Strain Theory

Answer

Control Theory

Question 9

According to Control Theory, what is less likely to contribute to criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Strong social bonds

Answer

Economic opportunities

Answer

Weak ties to family

Answer

Low self-esteem

Question 10

Which theory of crime causation emphasizes the role of cognitive processes and learned behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Social Learning Theory

Answer

Differential Association Theory

Answer

Strain Theory

Answer

Social Control Theory

Question 11

According to psychological theories of crime, which of the following should be a priority in criminal justice policy?

Accepted Answer

Investing in rehabilitation and treatment programs

Answer

Increasing the severity of punishment

Answer

Expanding the use of incarceration

Answer

Eliminating the criminal justice system

Question 12

Which theory of crime causation highlights the role of genetics and biological characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Biological positivism

Answer

Social learning theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Anomie theory

Question 13

According to social learning theory, criminal behavior is primarily acquired through which process?

Accepted Answer

Observational learning

Answer

Classical conditioning

Answer

Operant conditioning

Answer

Cognitive distortion

Question 14

Which sociological theory suggests that crime is a product of social inequality and the lack of legitimate opportunities?

Accepted Answer

Strain theory

Answer

Social control theory

Answer

Differential association theory

Answer

Labeling theory

Question 15

Which theory emphasizes the influence of labeling individuals as criminals and the subsequent impact on their behavior and identity?

Accepted Answer

Labeling theory

Answer

Critical criminology

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Question 16

According to rational choice theory, individuals engage in criminal behavior primarily because they:

Accepted Answer

Perceive the benefits of crime as outweighing the consequences

Answer

Are unable to control their urges

Answer

Are influenced solely by their social environment

Answer

Are mentally ill

Question 17

Which theory emphasizes the role of social disorganization and weak social ties in fostering crime?

Accepted Answer

Social disorganization theory

Answer

Routine activities theory

Answer

Broken windows theory

Answer

Social control theory

Question 18

Which theory emphasizes the role of social inequality, power imbalances, and conflict dynamics in shaping crime patterns?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Feminist theory

Answer

Queer theory

Question 19

Which of the following is a valid criticism of biological theories of crime?

Accepted Answer

They fail to consider the full range of factors that contribute to criminal behavior.

Answer

They overemphasize the influence of genetics.

Answer

They lack empirical support.

Answer

They are not applicable to violent crimes.

Question 20

Which of the following is not considered a major perspective in criminological theory?

Accepted Answer

Theological

Answer

Biological

Answer

Psychological

Answer

Sociological

Question 21

According to the strain theory, a primary cause of crime is:

Accepted Answer

Social inequality

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Mental illness

Answer

Childhood trauma

Question 22

Which theory suggests that criminal behavior is learned through interactions with others?

Accepted Answer

Differential association theory

Answer

Social control theory

Answer

Biological determinism theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Question 23

According to the rational choice theory, criminals:

Accepted Answer

Calculate the potential costs and benefits of committing crimes

Answer

Are born with inherent evil tendencies

Answer

Are driven by uncontrollable biological impulses

Answer

Do not possess the capacity to control their behavior

Question 24

The labeling theory proposes that:

Accepted Answer

Social labels can create self-fulfilling prophecies

Answer

Criminals are born with inherent traits that predispose them to crime

Answer

Crime is primarily caused by poverty and social inequality

Answer

Criminals lack the ability to reason morally

Question 25

A key concept in the social control theory is:

Accepted Answer

The strength of an individual's ties to society

Answer

The biological predisposition to commit crimes

Answer

The availability of opportunities for crime

Answer

An individual's criminal history

Question 26

Which theory suggests that crime is a product of environmental factors, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education?

Accepted Answer

Social disorganization theory

Answer

Psychological theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Broken windows theory

Question 27

The concept of crime as a rational choice implies that:

Accepted Answer

Criminals weigh the potential benefits and costs of committing crimes

Answer

Criminals are always fully aware of the consequences of their actions

Answer

Criminals are not responsible for their behavior

Answer

Criminals have no control over their actions

Question 28

Which theory of crime causation emphasizes the influence of genetics and brain chemistry?

Accepted Answer

Biological theory

Answer

Psychological theory

Answer

Sociological theory

Answer

Environmental theory

Question 29

According to which theory, individuals learn criminal behaviors through observing and imitating others?

Accepted Answer

Social learning theory

Answer

Cognitive theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Labeling theory

Question 30

What theory emphasizes the significance of social bonds and attachments in preventing criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Control theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Situational crime prevention

Answer

Broken windows theory

Question 31

Which theory posits that crime is a deliberate choice made by individuals who consider the potential costs and benefits?

Accepted Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Cognitive theory

Answer

Social control theory

Answer

Labeling theory

Question 32

According to which theory, the application of labels by society can lead individuals to engage in criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Labeling theory

Answer

Social learning theory

Answer

Social control theory

Answer

Cognitive theory

Question 33

Which theory suggests that crime is caused by a breakdown in social order, characterized by poverty, unemployment, and family instability?

Accepted Answer

Social disorganization theory

Answer

Social conflict theory

Answer

Anomie theory

Answer

Strain theory

Question 34

What theory emphasizes the absence of clear social norms and values as a contributing factor to crime?

Accepted Answer

Anomie theory

Answer

Social learning theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Situational crime prevention

Question 35

Which theory focuses on the influence of cognitive processes, such as decision-making and problem-solving, on criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive theory

Answer

Biological theory

Answer

Environmental theory

Answer

Social control theory

Question 36

Which crime prevention strategy is MORE effective in reducing crime: working closely with the community or changing the environment to make crime harder? Choose the BEST answer and explain why.

Accepted Answer

Working with the community builds trust but can take a lot of time and money.

Accepted Answer

Changing the environment to deter crime is effective but may not solve deeper societal issues.

Answer

Working with the community only works in small towns where everyone knows each other.

Answer

Changing the environment to deter crime is always too expensive and difficult to do.

Question 37

Which theory primarily attributes criminal behavior to biological factors like genetics and brain composition?

Accepted Answer

Biological theory

Answer

Psychological theory

Answer

Sociological theory

Answer

Environmental theory

Question 38

According to the social learning theory, individuals acquire criminal behavior through:

Accepted Answer

Observing and imitating others' actions

Answer

Inheriting genetic predispositions

Answer

Experiencing traumatic events

Answer

Developing physical and mental impairments

Question 39

The theory proposing that individuals rationally weigh potential costs and benefits before committing crimes is known as:

Accepted Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Classical theory

Answer

Positivist theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Question 40

Which theory attributes crime to weak social controls and a lack of community cohesion?

Accepted Answer

Social disorganization theory

Answer

Cultural deviance theory

Answer

Labeling theory

Answer

Routine activities theory

Question 41

The theory that focuses on society's role in defining and labeling certain behaviors as criminal is:

Accepted Answer

Labeling theory

Answer

Phenomenological theory

Answer

Interactionist theory

Answer

Differential association theory

Question 42

The theory emphasizing the importance of fear of crime, crime prevention measures, and urban design in reducing crime is known as:

Accepted Answer

Situational crime prevention theory

Answer

Environmental criminology theory

Answer

Crime prevention theory

Answer

Risk management theory

Question 43

Which theory suggests that criminal behavior stems primarily from the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of suffering?

Accepted Answer

Hedonistic theory

Answer

Social control theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Strain theory

Question 44

Which criminological theory emphasizes the influence of biological factors, such as genetics and inherited traits, on criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Biological theory

Answer

Sociological theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Psychological theory

Question 45

Which criminological theory focuses on how social structure, economic conditions, and cultural norms influence criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Sociological theory

Answer

Psychological theory

Answer

Biological theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 46

Which criminological theory suggests that crime is a rational choice made by individuals who weigh the costs and benefits of criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Labeling theory

Answer

Routine activities theory

Answer

Social learning theory

Question 47

Which criminological theory emphasizes the role of cognitive distortions and irrational beliefs in influencing criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Psychological theory

Answer

Biological theory

Answer

Social learning theory

Question 48

Which criminological theory suggests that criminal behavior is learned through interaction with others, particularly through exposure to criminal models and techniques?

Accepted Answer

Social learning theory

Answer

Labeling theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Question 49

Which criminological theory suggests that social labels can create self-fulfilling prophecies, leading to criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Labeling theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Strain theory

Answer

Social control theory

Question 50

Which criminological theory suggests that crime is more likely to occur when there is a lack of capable guardians, suitable targets, and motivated offenders?

Accepted Answer

Routine activities theory

Answer

Social disorganization theory

Answer

Social learning theory

Answer

Strain theory

Question 51

Which criminological theory suggests that crime is caused by a lack of opportunities and resources in society, leading to feelings of frustration and anomie?

Accepted Answer

Strain theory

Answer

Differential association theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Social learning theory

Question 52

Which criminological theory suggests that crime is more likely to occur in areas with high levels of social disorganization, characterized by weak social ties, low levels of collective efficacy, and a breakdown of informal social controls?

Accepted Answer

Social disorganization theory

Answer

Cultural deviance theory

Answer

Routine activities theory

Answer

Strain theory

Question 53

Which criminological theory suggests that crime is a form of cultural expression that is transmitted through generations and is shaped by a group's values, beliefs, and norms?

Accepted Answer

Cultural deviance theory

Answer

Labeling theory

Answer

Social disorganization theory

Answer

Conflict theory