Criminal Behavior Theories: Explore the Causes of Crime

Question 1

Which sociological theory of criminal behavior focuses on how individuals learn and reinforce criminal behavior through social interactions?

Accepted Answer

Social Learning Theory

Answer

Strain Theory

Answer

Labeling Theory

Question 2

Which theory posits that criminal behavior is acquired through interactions with others and the environment?

Accepted Answer

Social learning theory

Answer

Biological theory

Answer

Psychological theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Question 3

Which biological factor is associated with an increased likelihood of criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Low serotonin levels

Answer

High dopamine levels

Answer

Reduced amygdala activity

Answer

Enlarged hippocampus

Question 4

Rational choice theory maintains that criminal behavior results from:

Accepted Answer

Logical decision-making

Answer

Irrational impulses

Answer

Mental health conditions

Answer

Genetic predispositions

Question 5

Which sociological theory emphasizes the impact of social inequality and economic deprivation on crime rates?

Accepted Answer

Strain theory

Answer

Control theory

Answer

Labeling theory

Answer

Social learning theory

Question 6

Control theory proposes that individuals are less likely to engage in criminal behavior when they possess:

Accepted Answer

Strong social bonds

Answer

A history of victimization

Answer

Low self-esteem

Answer

Association with delinquent peers

Question 7

Labeling theory suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Societal reactions to behavior can reinforce or discourage it

Answer

Criminal behavior originates from biological factors

Answer

Crime is a rational choice based on a cost-benefit analysis

Answer

Mental illness is the primary driver of criminal behavior

Question 8

Which theory proposes that criminal behavior is a result of the interplay of multiple factors, including biological, psychological, and sociological influences?

Accepted Answer

Integrated theory

Answer

Control theory

Answer

Strain theory

Answer

Social learning theory

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT considered a primary perspective in studying theories of criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Philosophical

Answer

Biological

Answer

Psychological

Answer

Sociological

Question 10

Which psychological theory emphasizes the role of faulty thinking patterns in understanding criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive theory

Answer

Psychodynamic theory

Answer

Behavioral theory

Answer

Humanistic theory

Question 11

What is a key principle of behavioral theory as applied to criminal psychology?

Accepted Answer

Criminal behavior is learned through interactions with the environment

Answer

Criminal behavior is primarily driven by internal psychological conflicts

Answer

Criminal behavior is caused by genetic and biological factors

Answer

Criminal behavior is a result of social and economic conditions

Question 12

The social learning theory proposes that criminal behavior is primarily acquired through:

Accepted Answer

Observing and imitating others

Answer

Direct reinforcement and punishment

Answer

Classical conditioning

Answer

Unconscious psychological processes

Question 13

Which genetic condition is associated with a higher likelihood of aggressive and violent behavior?

Accepted Answer

XYY Syndrome

Answer

Down Syndrome

Answer

Sickle Cell Anemia

Answer

Cystic Fibrosis

Question 14

Which theory of criminal behavior emphasizes the influence of genetic and biological factors on an individual's propensity for criminal tendencies?

Accepted Answer

Biological theory

Answer

Psychological theory

Answer

Sociological theory

Answer

Cognitive theory

Question 15

The theory that proposes that criminals have difficulty forming strong emotional bonds with others is known as:

Accepted Answer

Attachment theory

Answer

Trait theory

Answer

Control theory

Answer

Social learning theory

Question 16

Which sociological theory of criminal behavior focuses on the concept of anomie, or a state of normlessness, as a contributing factor to crime?

Accepted Answer

Strain theory

Answer

Control theory

Answer

Social disorganization theory

Answer

Labeling theory

Question 17

Which theory suggests that criminal behavior is learned through observing and imitating the behavior of others?

Accepted Answer

Social learning theory

Answer

Cognitive theory

Answer

Control theory

Answer

Ecological theory

Question 18

Which theory of criminal behavior emphasizes the role of opportunity and the presence of suitable targets in shaping criminal activity?

Accepted Answer

Routine activities theory

Answer

Social disorganization theory

Answer

Ecological theory

Answer

Broken windows theory

Question 19

Which ecological theory of criminal behavior emphasizes the role of the physical environment in providing opportunities for crime?

Accepted Answer

Environmental criminology

Answer

Crime pattern theory

Answer

Broken windows theory

Answer

Hot spot theory

Question 20

Which criminal behavior theory primarily attributes behavior to biological factors, such as genetics and brain structure?

Accepted Answer

Biological theory

Answer

Psychological theory

Answer

Sociological theory

Answer

Social learning theory

Question 21

According to psychodynamic theory, which defense mechanism involves unconsciously redirecting unacceptable thoughts or urges onto a socially acceptable target?

Accepted Answer

Projection

Answer

Repression

Answer

Rationalization

Answer

Sublimation

Question 22

Social learning theory posits that criminal behavior is primarily acquired through:

Accepted Answer

Observational learning

Answer

Classical conditioning

Answer

Operant conditioning

Answer

Genetic inheritance

Question 23

Which assumption is NOT central to the rational choice theory of crime?

Accepted Answer

Social and economic conditions play a key role in driving criminal activity.

Answer

Criminals make rational decisions based on potential rewards and consequences.

Answer

Biological or psychological factors do not significantly influence criminal behavior.

Answer

Criminals possess the capacity to control their actions and make choices.

Question 24

The concept of "general deterrence" is based on the principle that:

Accepted Answer

Threat of punishment can discourage individuals from criminal acts.

Answer

Punishments are more effective than rewards in preventing crime.

Answer

Certain crimes are inherently more susceptible to deterrence than others.

Answer

Punishment severity correlates directly with its deterrent effect.

Question 25

A core principle of the "broken windows theory" of crime is that:

Accepted Answer

Minor offenses and visible disorder attract more serious crime.

Answer

Increased police presence effectively deters crime.

Answer

Community policing initiatives are crucial for reducing crime rates.

Answer

Deterrence serves as the most impactful crime prevention strategy.

Question 26

According to Biological Theory, which factor is emphasized as a key determinant of criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Genetic makeup and biological predispositions

Answer

Social environment and childhood experiences

Answer

Cognitive distortions and irrational beliefs

Answer

Cultural norms and values

Question 27

Psychoanalytic Theory suggests that criminal behavior stems from:

Accepted Answer

Unresolved conflicts and childhood trauma

Answer

Biochemical imbalances and neurological abnormalities

Answer

Negative peer influences and delinquent subcultures

Answer

Economic deprivation and social inequality

Question 28

Which theory proposes that criminal behavior is acquired through imitation and reinforcement from others?

Accepted Answer

Social Learning Theory

Answer

Differential Association Theory

Answer

Social Control Theory

Answer

Strain Theory

Question 29

Differential Association Theory asserts that criminal behavior is a result of:

Accepted Answer

Repeated exposure to antisocial values and behaviors

Answer

Lack of parental supervision and guidance

Answer

Environmental stressors and economic hardship

Answer

Biological predispositions and genetic factors

Question 30

Social Control Theory maintains that criminal behavior is prevented primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Strong social bonds, attachment to society, and internalized moral values

Answer

Fear of punishment, surveillance, and legal sanctions

Answer

Educational opportunities, job training, and economic stability

Answer

Genetic factors, personality traits, and biological predispositions

Question 31

Conflict Theory views criminal behavior as a consequence of:

Accepted Answer

Social inequality, power imbalances, and class conflict

Answer

Cultural norms, values, and socialization processes

Answer

Individual personality traits and psychological disorders

Answer

Biological factors and genetic predispositions

Question 32

According to the biological theory of criminal behavior, which of the following is believed to be a contributing factor to criminal tendencies?

Accepted Answer

Genetic makeup

Answer

Environmental influences

Answer

Social conditioning

Answer

Cognitive distortions

Question 33

Which psychological theory posits that deficiencies in moral development can lead to criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Psychoanalytic theory

Answer

Social learning theory

Answer

Trait theory

Answer

Cognitive theory

Question 34

The sociological theory of criminal behavior maintains that crime is primarily a result of:

Accepted Answer

Social inequalities

Answer

Biological predispositions

Answer

Psychological disorders

Answer

Lack of education

Question 35

The Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) is primarily used to evaluate:

Accepted Answer

Levels of psychopathy

Answer

Intelligence quotient

Answer

Risk of violence

Answer

Personality disorders

Question 36

Within cognitive theory, criminal behavior is believed to be influenced by:

Accepted Answer

Irrational beliefs

Answer

Genetic factors

Answer

Childhood trauma

Answer

Social environment

Question 37

The concept of 'latent traits' in trait theory suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Criminal behavior is influenced by underlying, stable traits that may not be easily observed

Answer

Criminal behavior is solely determined by observable personality traits

Answer

Criminal behavior is entirely random and unpredictable

Answer

Criminal behavior is primarily the result of environmental factors

Question 38

In Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory, which part of the personality is thought to be the main cause of criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Id

Answer

Ego

Answer

Superego

Question 39

According to labeling theory, what is a potential consequence of labeling an individual as a criminal?

Accepted Answer

Lower self-esteem and higher chance of re-offending

Answer

Greater social control and less crime

Answer

No significant change in behavior or self-view

Answer

Better job prospects and higher social status

Question 40

According to the Biological Theory, what is a primary contributing factor to criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Inherited genetic traits

Answer

Childhood experiences

Answer

Social influences

Answer

Economic conditions

Question 41

Which of the following is a key tenet of the Psychodynamic Theory of criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Unresolved childhood conflicts and unconscious motivations

Answer

Cognitive distortions and irrational thinking

Answer

Low self-esteem and negative self-perception

Answer

Environmental stressors and social pressures

Question 42

Labeling Theory suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Criminal behavior is a product of societal definitions and reactions, rather than inherent traits.

Answer

Criminals are predisposed to criminal behavior from birth.

Answer

Criminal behavior is primarily caused by psychological disorders.

Answer

Criminal behavior can be effectively prevented through harsh punishments.

Question 43

Which theory posits that criminal behavior is a learned behavior acquired through interactions with others, observing their actions and consequences?

Accepted Answer

Social Learning Theory

Answer

Classical Conditioning Theory

Answer

Cognitive Theory

Answer

Psychoanalytic Theory

Question 44

According to the Rational Choice Theory, criminal behavior is:

Accepted Answer

A calculated decision based on perceived costs and benefits.

Answer

Always impulsive and irrational.

Answer

Primarily driven by biological urges.

Answer

Entirely influenced by external environmental factors.

Question 45

Which theory emphasizes the importance of social bonds and attachment in preventing criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Social Control Theory

Answer

Differential Association Theory

Answer

Strain Theory

Answer

Social Learning Theory

Question 46

Differential Opportunity Theory suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Criminal behavior is more likely to occur in areas where legitimate opportunities are limited.

Answer

All individuals have equal opportunities to commit crimes.

Answer

Criminal behavior is solely determined by genetic factors.

Answer

Social class has no influence on criminal behavior.

Question 47

Which theory proposes that crime is a result of a breakdown in the social fabric and a lack of social capital?

Accepted Answer

Social Disorganization Theory

Answer

Strain Theory

Answer

Rational Choice Theory

Answer

Differential Association Theory

Question 48

Critique of Criminology refers to:

Accepted Answer

A critical examination of the assumptions, methods, and theories used in criminological research.

Answer

A complete rejection of all criminological theories.

Answer

A focus on providing practical solutions to crime problems.

Answer

A belief that criminal behavior is always the result of individual pathology.

Question 49

According to the biological theory of criminal behavior, which of the following genetic factors has been linked to aggression and antisocial behavior?

Accepted Answer

Monoamine oxidase deficiency

Answer

High levels of dopamine

Answer

Increased volume of the prefrontal cortex

Question 50

Which psychological theory views criminal behavior as a learned behavior acquired through interactions with the environment?

Accepted Answer

Social Learning Theory

Answer

Trait Theory

Answer

Psychoanalytic Theory

Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Theory

Question 51

Rational choice theory suggests that individuals engage in criminal activity when they perceive that the perceived benefits of the crime outweigh the perceived risks.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

It depends on the specific situation.

Answer

False

Answer

None of the above

Question 52

The general theory of crime proposes that criminal behavior is primarily driven by a lack of self-control.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

None of the above

Answer

False

Answer

It depends on the individual.

Question 53

Which theory emphasizes that strong social bonds can inhibit criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Social Control Theory

Answer

Differential Association Theory

Answer

Social Learning Theory

Answer

Strain Theory

Question 54

Labeling theory suggests that individuals who are labeled as criminals may internalize the label and engage in further criminal behavior.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

None of the above

Answer

It depends on the situation.

Answer

False

Question 55

Which theory proposes that criminal behavior is influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors?

Accepted Answer

Biopsychosocial Theory

Answer

Psychological Theory

Answer

Biological Theory

Answer

Sociological Theory

Question 56

According to routine activities theory, criminal behavior is more likely to occur when a combination of motivated offenders, suitable targets, and the absence of capable guardians converge in time and space.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

It depends on the specific situation.

Answer

False

Answer

None of the above

Question 57

One criticism of the theory of differential association is that:

Accepted Answer

It assumes that criminal behavior is solely learned through interactions with others.

Answer

It has not been empirically supported.

Answer

It does not consider the role of biological factors in crime.