Crime Theories: A Comprehensive Guide for Criminal Justice Students

Question 1

According to the biological theory of crime, which factor is believed to contribute to criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Genetic traits

Answer

Environmental factors

Answer

Social conditions

Answer

Psychological disorders

Question 2

Which of the following is a key concept in social disorganization theory?

Accepted Answer

Poverty and lack of opportunity

Answer

Strong social bonds and community support

Answer

Effective law enforcement

Answer

Presence of role models

Question 3

According to social learning theory, which type of learning plays a significant role in criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Observational learning

Answer

Classical conditioning

Answer

Operant conditioning

Answer

Cognitive learning

Question 4

The rational choice theory suggests that criminals are primarily motivated by:

Accepted Answer

Cost-benefit analysis

Answer

Irrational impulses

Answer

Emotional instability

Answer

Social pressure

Question 5

Which theory of crime emphasizes the lack of attachment to society as a key factor in criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Control theory

Answer

Strain theory

Answer

Social learning theory

Answer

Labeling theory

Question 6

Which research method involves collecting data by observing subjects in their natural environment?

Accepted Answer

Participant observation

Answer

Interviews

Answer

Surveys

Answer

Experiments

Question 7

What is the primary difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

Accepted Answer

Felonies are more likely to result in a harsher punishment

Answer

Misdemeanors are typically more serious offenses than felonies

Answer

Felonies are punishable only by imprisonment, while misdemeanors are punishable by fines

Answer

Misdemeanors involve intent, while felonies do not

Question 8

Which criminological theory emphasizes the influence of genetics and biological factors in criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Biological theory

Answer

Psychological theory

Answer

Sociological theory

Answer

Cognitive theory

Question 9

Which sociological theory of crime explains crime as a result of social inequality and class conflict?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Social bond theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Question 10

Attachment theory suggests that which factor is crucial for reducing the likelihood of delinquent or criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Secure attachment to primary caregivers

Answer

High self-esteem

Answer

Intelligence

Answer

Socioeconomic status

Question 11

Which theory of crime posits that criminal behavior results from the interaction of individual characteristics with environmental factors?

Accepted Answer

Integrated theory

Answer

Social control theory

Answer

Labeling theory

Answer

Differential association theory

Question 12

According to differential association theory, individuals are more likely to engage in criminal behavior when they:

Accepted Answer

Associate primarily with criminals

Answer

Associate primarily with non-criminals

Answer

Live in affluent neighborhoods

Answer

Have high IQs

Question 13

Which theory of crime suggests that criminal behavior is a result of lack of legitimate opportunities to achieve success?

Accepted Answer

Strain theory

Answer

Social disorganization theory

Answer

Control theory

Answer

Learning theory

Question 14

Which theory of crime argues that criminal behavior is a consequence of the labeling process and the negative social consequences of being labeled as a criminal?

Accepted Answer

Labeling theory

Answer

Interactionist theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Social learning theory

Question 15

Which theory of crime emphasizes biological factors, such as genetics and physical traits, as primary contributors to criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Biological theory

Answer

Psychological theory

Answer

Social learning theory

Answer

Control theory

Question 16

According to social disorganization theory, which characteristic is commonly found in areas with high levels of crime?

Accepted Answer

Weak community ties and social cohesion

Answer

Strong family structures and support systems

Answer

Abundant economic opportunities and resources

Answer

Effective law enforcement and policing

Question 17

Which psychological theory posits that criminal behavior stems from maladaptive thought patterns and beliefs?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive theory

Answer

Behavioral theory

Answer

Psychoanalytic theory

Answer

Trait theory

Question 18

The labeling theory argues that:

Accepted Answer

Individuals labeled as criminals are more likely to engage in criminal behavior in the future.

Answer

Criminal behavior is a result of genetic predisposition.

Answer

Crime is a normal part of society and not a deviant behavior.

Answer

Social inequality plays no role in crime causation.

Question 19

Which sociological theory explains crime as a result of economic deprivation, inequality, and lack of legitimate opportunities?

Accepted Answer

Strain theory

Answer

Social control theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Routine activities theory

Question 20

According to the rational choice theory, criminals make decisions based primarily on:

Accepted Answer

Long-term goals, potential consequences, and perceived rewards.

Answer

Impulsive urges and emotional responses.

Answer

Subconscious fears and past experiences.

Answer

External pressures and societal expectations.

Question 21

Which of the following is a key assumption of the general deterrence theory?

Accepted Answer

The fear of punishment is an effective deterrent to crime.

Answer

Crime is primarily caused by social and economic factors.

Answer

Criminals are inherently evil and cannot be rehabilitated.

Answer

Incapacitation is the most effective crime control strategy.

Question 22

The incapacitation theory suggests that:

Accepted Answer

The primary goal of punishment is to prevent criminals from committing future crimes by isolating them from society.

Answer

Prisons should focus on rehabilitation and reintegration.

Answer

Social programs are more effective than incarceration in reducing crime.

Answer

Deterrence is the most effective crime prevention strategy.

Question 23

One of the main criticisms of the biological perspective on crime is that it:

Accepted Answer

Overemphasizes the role of genetics and ignores environmental factors.

Answer

Has been consistently supported by empirical research.

Answer

Promotes the idea that criminals are inherently evil and untreatable.

Answer

Provides a comprehensive explanation for all types of crime.

Question 24

In the context of criminal justice, recidivism refers to:

Accepted Answer

The tendency for individuals to commit new crimes after being released from prison or jail.

Answer

The process of rehabilitating and reintegrating criminals into society.

Answer

The underlying causes and motivations for criminal behavior.

Answer

The effectiveness of punishment in deterring crime and preventing future offenses.

Question 25

According to biological theories of crime, which factor is considered a primary contributor to criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Genetic or biological factors

Answer

Psychological factors

Answer

Sociological factors

Answer

Environmental factors

Question 26

Which of the following mechanisms is central to social learning theory as a means of acquiring criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Observational learning

Answer

Classical conditioning

Answer

Operant conditioning

Answer

Vicarious reinforcement

Question 27

Within sociological theories of crime, which theory emphasizes the influence of social inequality on criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Strain theory

Answer

Social disorganization theory

Answer

Labeling theory

Answer

Differential association theory

Question 28

The concept of 'differential association' is most closely associated with which theory of crime?

Accepted Answer

Social learning theory

Answer

Control theory

Answer

Labeling theory

Answer

Strain theory

Question 29

According to rational choice theory, what primary factor motivates individuals to commit crimes?

Accepted Answer

The perceived benefits outweighing the risks

Answer

Biological or psychological compulsions

Answer

Social inequality and lack of opportunities

Answer

Societal labeling as criminals

Question 30

Which theory of crime focuses on the role of cognitive distortions and irrational beliefs in shaping criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive theory

Answer

Social learning theory

Answer

Strain theory

Answer

Differential association theory

Question 31

Which theory suggests that crime is a consequence of disruptions in social order and community cohesion?

Accepted Answer

Social disorganization theory

Answer

Social learning theory

Answer

Control theory

Answer

Labeling theory

Question 32

One of the criticisms of labeling theory is that it:

Accepted Answer

Can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy

Answer

Overemphasizes the role of biological factors

Answer

Is empirically difficult to test

Answer

Fails to account for situational influences

Question 33

Which theory of crime proposes that crime results from a lack of legitimate opportunities to achieve desired goals?

Accepted Answer

Strain theory

Answer

Differential association theory

Answer

Social control theory

Answer

Labeling theory

Question 34

How do sociological theories of crime, such as social disorganization theory and strain theory, inform crime prevention strategies?

Accepted Answer

Addressing social and economic inequalities

Answer

Prioritizing individual rehabilitation programs

Answer

Increasing police presence in high-crime areas

Answer

Enacting harsher criminal punishments

Question 35

How have societal values, scientific advancements, and technological developments influenced the evolution of crime theories?

Accepted Answer

Societal values, scientific advancements, and technological developments have all significantly shaped the evolution of crime theories.

Answer

Societal values and cultural norms have remained constant, with no impact on crime theories.

Answer

Scientific advancements and technological developments have not contributed to the development of crime theories.

Answer

Crime theories have developed independently of societal, scientific, and technological changes.

Question 36

Which of the following is a fundamental principle of the biological theory of crime?

Accepted Answer

Innate biological traits, such as genetics, play a significant role in criminal behavior.

Answer

Criminal behavior is primarily a result of environmental factors.

Answer

Psychological factors are the main determinants of criminal behavior.

Answer

Socioeconomic inequality is the root cause of crime.

Question 37

According to the psychological theory of crime, which factor is most strongly associated with an increased likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Low self-esteem and negative self-image

Answer

High intelligence and academic achievement

Answer

Strong family support and positive peer relationships

Answer

Exposure to positive role models and prosocial values

Question 38

Which of the following is a core concept within social learning theory?

Accepted Answer

Observing and imitating the behaviors of others, particularly those in positions of authority or influence

Answer

Experiencing positive or negative consequences as a result of one's actions

Answer

Restructuring one's thought patterns and beliefs to align with societal norms

Answer

Developing strong bonds with individuals who share similar values and beliefs

Question 39

Which of the following is a strength of rational choice theory?

Accepted Answer

It acknowledges the role of individual decision-making in criminal behavior.

Answer

It is supported by a substantial body of empirical research.

Answer

It provides a comprehensive explanation for all types of criminal behavior.

Answer

It is easy to apply to real-world situations.

Question 40

Which theory of crime posits that biological factors, including genetics and brain chemistry, can influence criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Biological theory

Answer

Psychological theory

Answer

Sociological theory

Answer

Environmental theory

Question 41

In the social control theory of crime, which concept emphasizes the importance of attachment to social institutions in preventing criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Attachment to social institutions

Answer

Differential association

Answer

Strain theory

Answer

Social disorganization

Question 42

Who is the primary proponent of the general strain theory of crime?

Accepted Answer

Robert Agnew

Answer

Robert Merton

Answer

Travis Hirschi

Answer

Albert Bandura

Question 43

According to the rational choice theory of crime, which of the following is a key consideration for potential criminals?

Accepted Answer

Criminals weigh the costs and benefits of committing crimes

Answer

Criminals are always irrational

Answer

Crime is solely driven by psychological factors

Answer

Criminals are incapable of making decisions

Question 44

What is the central focus of conflict theory in criminology?

Accepted Answer

Power imbalances and social inequality

Answer

Biological predispositions to crime

Answer

Psychological disorders

Answer

Environmental factors

Question 45

Which of the following is NOT a key assumption of labeling theory?

Accepted Answer

All criminals are inherently deviant

Answer

Crime is a social construct

Answer

Labels can stigmatize and shape behavior

Answer

Society plays a role in creating criminals

Question 46

Which of the following is an example of a qualitative research method often used in criminology?

Accepted Answer

Interviews

Answer

Surveys

Answer

Experiments

Answer

Statistical analysis

Question 47

Which theory of crime postulates that criminal behavior is caused by inherited genetic traits and other biological attributes?

Accepted Answer

Biological perspective

Answer

Psychological perspective

Answer

Social learning theory

Answer

Strain theory

Question 48

Which of the following sociological theories of crime highlights the impact of social disorganization and economic inequality in creating environments conducive to criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Social disorganization theory

Answer

Social control theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Social learning theory

Question 49

The theory of differential association posits that criminal behavior is primarily acquired through:

Accepted Answer

Regular interactions with delinquent peers

Answer

Hereditary predispositions

Answer

Unsatisfied psychological needs

Question 50

Which theory of crime suggests that individuals engage in criminal acts to maximize pleasure and reduce discomfort?

Accepted Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Social learning theory

Answer

Biosocial theory

Answer

Strain theory

Question 51

According to the biosocial theory of crime, criminal behavior results from an interplay of:

Accepted Answer

Biological and social factors

Answer

Biological factors exclusively

Answer

Social factors exclusively

Answer

Biological, psychological, and social factors

Question 52

Which theory of crime underscores the role of societal labels and stigma in shaping criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Labeling theory

Answer

Strain theory

Answer

Social disorganization theory

Question 53

The concept of differential opportunity theory proposes that:

Accepted Answer

Crime is more likely in areas with limited lawful opportunities

Answer

Individuals from all backgrounds have an equal likelihood of committing crimes

Answer

Criminal behavior primarily stems from psychological disorders