Chapter 3: Theories of Crime and Measuring Victimization

Test Bank

Multiple Choice

1. Which of the following terms is used to describe frameworks consisting of a group of theories that propose similar explanation for a particular type of behavior?

A. positivism

B. feminism

C. theoretical paradigm

D. strain theory

Learning Objective: 3-1: Explain the importance of criminology and how research contributes to public policy.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Introduction

2. The two major schools of criminological thought are classical and ______.

A. social economy

B. learned behavior

C. positivism

D. biological evolutionism

Learning Objective: 3-1: Explain the importance of criminology and how research contributes to public policy.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Introduction

3. Studying criminology can be helpful in determining ways to______.

A. understand human nature

B. apprehend criminals

C. increase rates of arrest

D. deter crime

Learning Objective: 3-1: Explain the importance of criminology and how research contributes to public policy.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Introduction

4. Which theorist criticized the injustices in and arbitrariness of the administration of law and punishment and encouraged reforms to make laws more consistent and rational?

A. Lombroso

B. Beccaria

C. Bentham

D. Comte

Learning Objective: 3-2: Distinguish between the classical and positivist schools of criminology and their explanations for criminality.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Classical and Positivist Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

5. Which of the following statements reflects beliefs of the classical school of criminology?

A. People who commit criminal acts are possessed by supernatural forces.

B. People who are more intelligent are less likely to engage in criminal behavior.

C. Criminal behavior is caused by few opportunities for prosperity.

D. Criminal behavior is rational, and all people have the capacity to engage in criminal acts.

Learning Objective: 3-2: Distinguish between the classical and positivist schools of criminology and their explanations for criminality.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Classical and Positivist Theories

Difficulty Level: Medium

6. According to theorists in the classical school of criminology, what purpose does punishment serve?

A. to avenge those hurt by criminal behavior

B. to deter criminal behavior

C. to rehabilitate criminals

D. to provide harsh consequences to violent offenders

Learning Objective: 3-2: Distinguish between the classical and positivist schools of criminology and their explanations for criminality.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Classical and Positivist Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

7. Cesare Lombroso used which term to describe characteristics of offenders?

A. atavistic

B. anomie

C. mesomorph

D. stigmata

Learning Objective: 3-2: Distinguish between the classical and positivist schools of criminology and their explanations for criminality.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Classical and Positivist Theories

Difficulty Level: Medium

8. Which theorist is credited as the father of criminology.

A. Lombroso

B. Beccaria

C. Bentham

D. Comte

Learning Objective: 3-2: Distinguish between the classical and positivist schools of criminology and their explanations for criminality.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Classical and Positivist Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

9. Theorists from which school sought to determine basic causes of crime, had strong faith in scientific experts, and believed in rehabilitating offenders rather than punishing them?

A. classical

B. neoclassical

C. Chicago

D. positivist

Learning Objective: 3-2: Distinguish between the classical and positivist schools of criminology and their explanations for criminality.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Classical and Positivist Theories

Difficulty Level: Medium

10. Until the 18th century, what was thought to be the cause of criminal behavior?

A. sociological factors

B. cultural factors

C. supernatural forces

D. psychological forces

Learning Objective: 3-2: Distinguish between the classical and positivist schools of criminology and their explanations for criminality.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Classical and Positivist Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

11. Which of the following traits has research from the past two decades linked to criminal behavior?

A. high IQ level

B. high birth weight

C. deficit in frontal lobe brain region

D. deficit in ability to cope with stress

Learning Objective: 3-3: Explain how biological and physical traits have been used to explain criminality.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Biological, Trait, and Developmental Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

12. Which of the following describes how socialization may impact a person’s propensity to engage in criminal behavior?

A. A boy’s biological parents engaged in crime, and he does as well.

B. A boy’s biological parents did not engage in crime, and he does not either.

C. A boy’s biological parents engaged in criminal activity, but his adoptive parents did not. He engages in criminal activity.

D. A boy’s biological parents did not engage in criminal activity, but his adoptive parents diD. He engages in criminal activity.

Learning Objective: 3-3: Explain how biological and physical traits have been used to explain criminality.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Biological, Trait, and Developmental Theories

Difficulty Level: Hard

13. Which of the following have researchers relied on to study the affect of nature and nurture on criminal behavior?

A. crime statistics

B. IQ tests

C. victimization surveys

D. adoption studies

Learning Objective: 3-3: Explain how biological and physical traits have been used to explain criminality.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Biological, Trait, and Developmental Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

14. Which of the following theories are also referred to as life-course criminology?

A. social conflict theories

B. developmental theories

C. learning theories

D. positivist theories

Learning Objective: 3-3: Explain how biological and physical traits have been used to explain criminality.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Biological, Trait, and Developmental Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

15. A girl is adopted at birth. Shortly after the girl is adopted, one of her adopted parents is laid off. Because they are stressed, her adoptive parents begin to be verbally and physically abusive. When the girl becomes an adult, she becomes a pharmacy technician and begins to use and sell prescription drugs illegally. Eventually, she seeks out contact with her biological parents and finds they have both been imprisoned due to illegal drug use and trafficking. What does this exemplify?

A. dual hazard prediction

B. social strain theory

C. existence of atavistic features

D. labeling theory

Learning Objective: 3-3: Explain how biological and physical traits have been used to explain criminality.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Biological, Trait, and Developmental Theories

Difficulty Level: Hard

16. Which of the following traits did biologists once believe was caused by a “criminal” chromosome?

A. aggressive behavior

B. short stature

C. gregariousness

D. hormonal imbalances

Learning Objective: 3-3: Explain how biological and physical traits have been used to explain criminality.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Biological, Trait, and Developmental Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

17. Which refers to the presence of both natural and socialize criminogenic factors as a contributing factor to criminal behavior?

A. hierarchy rule

B. routine activity theory

C. social conflict theory

D. dual hazard prediction

Learning Objective: 3-3: Explain how biological and physical traits have been used to explain criminality.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Biological, Trait, and Developmental Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

18. Which type of theorists argue that criminal behavior is related to culture and social class?

A. critical theorists

B. control theorists

C. conflict theorists

D. social structure theorists

Learning Objective: 3-4: Describe how social structures in society--characteristics of urban environments and access to legitimate opportunities--create conditions conducive to crime.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Social Structure Theories

Difficulty Level: Medium

19. A person argues that criminal behavior occurs in communities with high population turnover and weakened core social institutions, such as poor schools. With which theory is this person most aligned?

A. strain theory

B. social disorganization theory

C. conflict theory

D. learning theory

Learning Objective: 3-4: Describe how social structures in society--characteristics of urban environments and access to legitimate opportunities--create conditions conducive to crime.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer location: Social Structure Theories

Difficulty Level: Medium

20. Which of the following did Robert Merton argue might cause normlessness?

A. racial homogeny

B. social change

C. poverty

D. economic opportunity

Learning Objective: 3-4: Describe how social structures in society--characteristics of urban environments and access to legitimate opportunities--create conditions conducive to crime.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Social Structure Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

21. Which term refers to a state of normlessness that is central to strain theory?

A. anomie

B. anxiety

C. confusion

D. disorder

Learning Objective: 3-4: Describe how social structures in society--characteristics of urban environments and access to legitimate opportunities--create conditions conducive to crime.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Social Structure Theories

Difficulty Level: Medium

22. According to Robert Merton, which of the following may cause people to feel strain?

A. a high turnover of residents in a neighborhood

B. lack of social change in an area

C. lack of opportunity to achieve economic goals

D. a racially homogenous neighborhood

Learning Objective: 3-4: Describe how social structures in society--characteristics of urban environments and access to legitimate opportunities--create conditions conducive to crime.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Social Structure Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

23. Reginald had to call in sick to work for many weeks due to a severe case of the flu. He has been chronically unemployed, so he becomes worried about losing his job and fears he will not be able to support himself. To begin saving money in case he does lose his job, Reginald begins to sell illegal copies of software he owns to other users online. Which theory of crime does this exemplify?

A. social disorganization theory

B. strain theory.

C. learning theory

D. control theory

Learning Objective: 3-4: Describe how social structures in society--characteristics of urban environments and access to legitimate opportunities--create conditions conducive to crime.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Social Structure Theories

Difficulty Level: Hard

24. Which of the following neighborhood characteristics is seen as breaking down social controls and contributing to criminal behavior?

A. racial homogeny

B. high rate of poverty

C. low resident turnover

D. IQ rates

Learning Objective: 3-4: Describe how social structures in society--characteristics of urban environments and access to legitimate opportunities--create conditions conducive to crime.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer location: Social Structure Theories

Difficulty Level: Medium

25. Which theory suggested that criminal behavior occurs when attachments to family and prosocial others break down?

A. control theory

B. psychological theory

C. differential association theory

D. labeling theory

Learning Objective: 3-5: Distinguish between three types of theories--learning, control, and labeling--that represent social process explanations of crime.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Social Process Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

26. Which social process theory notes that people acquire criminal skills and motivations from primary groups, such as family, friends, and peers?

A. strain theory

B. control theory

C. learning theory

D. labeling theory

Learning Objective: 3-5: Distinguish between three types of theories--learning, control, and labeling--that represent social process explanations of crime.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Social Process Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

27. According to differential association theory, a person becomes a criminal by ______.

A. living in a society without norms

B. learning criminal techniques from others

C. demonstrating a persistent pattern of law-breaking

D. establishing an internal identity as a criminal

Learning Objective: 3-5: Distinguish between three types of theories--learning, control, and labeling--that represent social process explanations of crime.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Social Process Theories

Difficulty Level: Medium

28. Janet begins working at a new office supply company as a salesperson. After a few months, she notices her colleagues routinely use and take inventory for personal use. At her previous job, this was considered stealing. When she asks a coworker, her coworker rationalizes the behavior by saying, “Well, with what they pay us, the company at least owes us free office supplies.” Janet eventually begins to take office supplies for her personal use as well. Which of the following theories best explains Janet’s actions?

A. learning theory

B. social disorganization theory

C. labeling theory

D. strain theory

Learning Objective: 3-5: Distinguish between three types of theories--learning, control, and labeling--that represent social process explanations of crime.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer location: Social Processes Theories

Difficulty Level: Hard

29. Which of the following theories assumes that people are born “bad” and must learn to modulate their own behavior in order to be “good?”

A. strain theory

B. control theory

C. labeling theory

D. learning theory

Learning Objective: 3-5: Distinguish between three types of theories--learning, control, and labeling--that represent social process explanations of crime.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Social Processes Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

30. Which of the following theorists would argue that people are inherently self-serving?

A. labeling theorist

B. learning theorist

C. strain theorist

D. control theorist

Learning Objective: 3-5: Distinguish between three types of theories--learning, control, and labeling--that represent social process explanations of crime.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer location: Social Processes Theories

Difficulty Level: Medium

31. Social bond theory proposes that criminal behavior can be deterred when people have strong bonds with ______.

A. family

B. natural instincts

C. self-concept

D. incarcerated individuals

Learning Objective: 3-5: Distinguish between three types of theories--learning, control, and labeling--that represent social process explanations of crime

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Social Processes Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

32. Juanita is a teenager in high school. She is involved in many extracurricular activities at her school and spends the majority of her free time volunteering with a local nonprofit and spending time with her family. What conclusion might a control theorist make about Juanita?

A. She will not engage in crime because she has not learned criminal behavior from peers.

B. She will not engage in crime because she has strong bonds to society.

C. She will engage in crime because she works hard and sees little opportunity for advancement.

D. She will engage in crime because of emotional strain caused by her busy schedule.

Learning Objective: 3-5: Distinguish between three types of theories--learning, control, and labeling--that represent social process explanations of crime.

Cognitive Domain: Analysis

Answer location: Social Processes Theories

Difficulty Level: Hard

33. Albert is a teenager who lives in a close-knit rural community of 3,000 people where everyone knows one another. He resides in a house with his parents and grandparents. A couple of kids from his school have talked about spray painting the back of the grocery store, but Albert knows the owner of the store and what a hardship it would be for the owner to clean up the mess. Albert talks the kids out of the plan in favor of meeting some friends to play basketball in the park. Albert's actions are best explained by which theory?

A. critical theory

B. social structure theory

C. labeling theory

D. control theory

Learning Objective: 3-5: Distinguish between three types of theories--learning, control, and labeling--that represent social process explanations of crime.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Social Process Theories

Difficulty Level: Hard

34. Which of the following theories considers the affect of one’s master status on creating a self-fulfilling prophecy that can cause criminal behavior?

A. strain theory

B. learning theory

C. social bond theory

D. labeling theory

Learning Objective: 3-5: Distinguish between three types of theories--learning, control, and labeling--that represent social process explanations of crime.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Social Processes Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

35. After his placement on juvenile probation for burglary, Mike's parents now call him a delinquent. His teachers whisper about it, and he hears them say he is going nowhere fast. Even other kids at school tell Mike he is a criminal. Mike is starting to think that's all he'll ever amount to. Mike's feelings are best explained by which theory?

A. control theory

B. labeling theory

C. social bond theory

D. social structure theory

Learning Objective: 3-5: Distinguish between three types of theories--learning, control, and labeling--that represent social process explanations of crime.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Social Process Theories

Difficulty Level: Hard

36. Which of the following reflects the assumptions of social conflict theory?

A. Criminal laws are designed by those in power to oppress those not in power.

B. Once identified as a criminal, a person will assume a deviant identity.

C. Regardless of environmental factors, anyone can learn to become a criminal.

D. People living in dysfunctional, normless environments will turn to crime.

Learning Objective: 3-6: Explain why social conflict theorists believe that crime is a product of powerful groups who dominate less powerful groups to protect their interests.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Social Conflict Theories

Difficulty Level: Medium

37. Which of the following theorists links capitalism to crime?

A. social control theorists

B. labeling theorists

C. social conflict theorists

D. strain theorists

Learning Objective: 3-6: Explain why social conflict theorists believe that crime is a product of powerful groups who dominate less powerful groups to protect their interests.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Social Conflict Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

38. During a discussion of causes of crime, Carmen notes that those who are more affluent control criminal legislation. Such control causes less powerful groups, such as ethnic and social minorities, to be apprehended and punished at higher rates than those who are members of the affluent group. With which theory does Carmen’s opinion most align?

A. social control theory

B. strain theory

C. labeling theory

D. social conflict theory

Learning Objective: 3-6: Explain why social conflict theorists believe that crime is a product of powerful groups who dominate less powerful groups to protect their interests.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer location: Social Conflict Theories

Difficulty Level: Hard

39. What did early social conflict theorists believe was the root of criminal behavior and deviance?

A. normless environment

B. supernatural influences

C. biological differences

D. group struggle

Learning Objective: 3-6: Explain why social conflict theorists believe that crime is a product of powerful groups who dominate less powerful groups to protect their interests.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Social Conflict Theories

Difficulty Level: Medium

40. Freda Adler and Rita Simon proposed that increases in which area would cause increases in women engaging in criminal behavior?

A. birth rates

B. economic opportunity

C. marriage rates

D. property ownership

Learning Objective: 3-7: Summarize the assumptions of feminist theories and how rates of female offending have changed over time.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Feminist Theories

Difficulty Level: Medium

41. In which of the following areas is feminist theory sometimes categorized?

A. labeling theory

B. strain theory

C. social conflict theory

D. social process theory

Learning Objective: 3-7: Summarize the assumptions of feminist theories and how rates of female offending have changed over time.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Feminist Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

42. Some feminist writers criticize Adler’s work, stating that feminism has instead made female crime more ______.

A. prevalent

B. visible

C. violent

D. accepted

Learning Objective: 3-7: Summarize the assumptions of feminist theories and how rates of female offending have changed over time.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Feminist Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

43. Which of the following is true regarding crimes committed by women over the past seven years?

A. property crimes committed by women have declined

B. rape crimes committed by women have declined

C. arrests of women have declined

D. drug abuse violations by women have declined

Learning Objective: 3-7: Summarize the assumptions of feminist theories and how rates of female offending have changed over time.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Feminist Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

44. Which of the following does feminist theory attempt to explain in criminology?

A. why women are less likely to experience social strain than men

B. why women are more likely to have a criminal master status than men

C. why men are less likely to commit violent crimes than women

D. why men are more likely to engage in criminal activity than women

Learning Objective: 3-7: Summarize the assumptions of feminist theories and how rates of female offending have changed over time.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer location: Feminist Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

45. Which of the following is a theory that emphasizes gender involvement in crime?

A. feminist theory

B. social control theory

C. labeling theory

D. biological theory

Learning Objective: 3-7: Summarize the assumptions of feminist theories and how rates of female offending have changed over time.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Feminist Theories

Difficulty Level: Medium

46. Which of the following describes the moment a would-be robber announces his intention to rob his victim and establishes dominance over the victim?

A. tipping point

B. critical mass moment

C. moment of commitment

D. make or break moment

Learning Objective: 3-8: Describe why crime occurs according to environmental criminology theorists.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Environmental Criminology Theories

Difficulty Level: Medium

47. Which of the following is also called crime science?

A. social conflict theory

B. social process theory

C. environmental criminology theory

D. differential association theory

Learning Objective: 3-8: Describe why crime occurs according to environmental criminology theorists.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Environmental Criminology Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

48. Which theories of crime assume that opportunity is the root cause of crime?

A. social conflict theory

A. social conflict theory

B. social process theory

C. environmental criminology theory

D. differential association theory

Learning Objective: 3-8: Describe why crime occurs according to environmental criminology theorists.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Environmental Criminology Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

49. Which theory is represented by the crime triangle?

A. social conflict theory

B. routine activity theory

C. feminist theory

D. labeling theory

Learning Objective: 3-8: Describe why crime occurs according to environmental criminology theorists.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Environmental Criminology Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

50. What is the role of a guardian in the routine activity theory?

A. control offenders

B. create safe places

C. establish routines

D. protect targets

Learning Objective: 3-8: Describe why crime occurs according to environmental criminology theorists.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Environmental Criminology Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

51. A law enforcement agency monitors daily user activity on certain websites to predict which users will be most likely to commit internet fraud. Which theory explains why law enforcement may choose this method of deterring criminal activity?

A. strain theory

B. routine activity theory

C. social control theory

D. labeling theory

Learning Objective: 3-8: Describe why crime occurs according to environmental criminology theorists.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer location: Environmental Criminology Theories

Difficulty Level: Hard

52. Situational crime prevention notes that crime occurs when people ______.

A. feel they cannot achieve their goals within a certain social system

B. do not have strong social bonds

C. internalize how others view them

D. perceive they will not be caught and the reward is high

Learning Objective: 3-8: Describe why crime occurs according to environmental criminology theorists.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Environmental Criminology Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

53. Courtney was caught shoplifting several tubes of lip-gloss from her favorite store. When asked why she stole the lip-gloss, she noted she did not think she would be caught since it was only a few tubes. Which is one of the five dimensions of criminal opportunity does Courtney note as reasoning for shoplifting?

A. high reward

B. low risk

C. excusable

D. provoke people

Learning Objective: 3-8: Describe why crime occurs according to environmental criminology theorists.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer location: Environmental Criminology Theories

Difficulty Level: Hard

54. In which criminology theory would law enforcement focus on making crime less attractive to potential offenders?

A. situational crime prevention

B. routine activity theory

C. labeling theory

D. dual hazard prediction

Learning Objective: 3-8: Describe why crime occurs according to environmental criminology theorists.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer location: Environmental Criminology Theories

Difficulty Level: Medium

55. Daniel burglarizes the home of his friend who is out of town and steals cash from a safe. When he is caught depositing the large sum of cash into his account, he is questioned by law enforcement. Daniel admits that his spouse was recently laid off and that he intended to pay the friend back as soon as he could. Which criminal dimension does Daniel note in his reasoning for committing the crime?

A. high reward

B. low risk

C. excusable

D. provoke people

Learning Objective: 3-8: Describe why crime occurs according to environmental criminology theorists.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Environmental Criminology Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

56. According to one study, which of the following crimes in most symbolic of contemporary urban violence?

A. burglary

B. armed robbery

C. carjacking

D. assault

Learning Objective: 3-8: Describe why crime occurs according to environmental criminology theorists.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Environmental Criminology Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

57. Steve enters a convenience store with the intent to steal a couple of cases of beer. However, after he grabs the beer, he is confronted by the store clerk. Steve shoots and kills the clerk before running out of the store with the two cases of beer. Under the hierarchy rule, which crime(s) is reported by the police to the FBI?

A. murder

B. murder and burglary

C. murder, burglary, and theft

D. murder, aggravated assault, and burglary

Learning Objective: 3-9: Explain the three primary methods for measuring crime and advantages and disadvantages of each.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Measuring Crime and Victimization

Difficulty Level: Hard

58. Data from which system divides crime into two categories and uses the hierarchy rule?

A. Uniform Crime Reports

B. National Incident-Based Reporting System

C. National Crime Victimization Survey

D. the U.S. Census

Learning Objective: 3-9: Explain the three primary methods for measuring crime and advantages and disadvantages of each.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Measuring Crime and Victimization

Difficulty Level: Easy

59. A researcher is conducting an examination into the rates of kidnapping/abduction in her geographic area. Which of the following crime databases would most likely have the best information related to these data?

A. Uniform Crime Reports

B. U.S. Census data

C. National Crime Victimization Survey

D. National Incident-Based Reporting System

Learning Objective: 3-9: Explain the three primary methods for measuring crime and advantages and disadvantages of each.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Measuring Crime and Victimization

Difficulty Level: Hard

60. Which of the following is a random survey of U.S. households that measures crimes NOT reported to police?

A. Uniform Crime Reporting Program

B. National Incident-Based Reporting System

C. National Victimization Survey

D. Dual Hazard Prediction Program

Learning Objective: 3-9: Explain the three primary methods for measuring crime and advantages and disadvantages of each.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Measuring Crime and Victimization

Difficulty Level: Easy

61. A researcher is attempting to estimate the number of rape offenses that have not been reported to the police over the past 6 months. Which of the following databases would most likely have the best information related to these data?

A. National Crime Victimization Survey

B. U.S. Census data

C. Uniform Crime Reports

D. National Incident-Based Reporting System

Learning Objective: 3-9: Explain the three primary methods for measuring crime and advantages and disadvantages of each.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Measuring Crime and Victimization

Difficulty Level: Hard

62. Within the NCVS, personal crime includes all of the following EXCEPT ______.

A. burglary

B. robbery

C. assault

D. sexual attack

Learning Objective: 3-9: Explain the three primary methods for measuring crime and advantages and disadvantages of each.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Measuring Crime and Victimization

Difficulty Level: Easy

63. Which is the most widely used and most accurate reporting of crimes in the United States that is published by the FBI?

A. National Crime Victimization Survey

B. U.S. Census data

C. Uniform Crime Reports

D. National Incident-Based Reporting System

Learning Objective: 3-9: Explain the three primary methods for measuring crime and advantages and disadvantages of each.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Measuring Crime and Victimization

Difficulty Level: Easy

64. Which includes data on eight different offenses and on both crimes against persons and crimes against property?

A. National Crime Victimization Survey

B. U.S. Census data

C. Uniform Crime Reports

D. National Incident-Based Reporting System

Learning Objective: 3-9: Explain the three primary methods for measuring crime and advantages and disadvantages of each.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Measuring Crime and Victimization

Difficulty Level: Easy

65. Which of the following describes the practice of only reporting the most serious offense in crimes where multiple offenses are committed?

A. dual hazard prediction

B. hierarchy rule

C. crime triangle

D. social control

Learning Objective: 3-9: Explain the three primary methods for measuring crime and advantages and disadvantages of each.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Measuring Crime and Victimization

Difficulty Level: Easy

66. When figuring the crime rate of an area, the number of offenses is divided by which of the following?

A. population of the jurisdiction

B. 100,000

C. population of the nation

D. 373

Learning Objective: 3-9: Explain the three primary methods for measuring crime and advantages and disadvantages of each.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Measuring Crime and Victimization

Difficulty Level: Easy

67. Aside from determining the number of crimes for a given area, the crime rate can also show the ______.

A. likelihood that offenders commit multiple crimes concurrently

B. severity of crimes committed by offenders

C. rate at which victims avoid reporting crimes

D. chances one has of becoming a victim of crime

Learning Objective: 3-9: Explain the three primary methods for measuring crime and advantages and disadvantages of each.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Measuring Crime and Victimization

Difficulty Level: Easy

68. One reported weakness of the Uniform Crime Report is that it does NOT consider ______.

A. common part II offenses

B. common part I offenses

C. some less serious crimes

D. the most severe crimes

Learning Objective: 3-9: Explain the three primary methods for measuring crime and advantages and disadvantages of each.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Measuring Crime and Victimization

Difficulty Level: Easy

69. Which of the following categories is unique to the National Incident-Based Reporting System?

A. crimes against persons

B. crimes against property

C. crimes against society

D. crimes against corporations

Learning Objective: 3-9: Explain the three primary methods for measuring crime and advantages and disadvantages of each.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Measuring Crime and Victimization

Difficulty Level: Easy

70. Which of the following is a potential weakness of the National Crime Victimization Survey?

A. focuses on crimes considered “personal”

B. estimates crime based on a representative sample

C. relies heavily on the hierarchy rule

D. excludes crimes against property

Learning Objective: 3-9: Explain the three primary methods for measuring crime and advantages and disadvantages of each.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Measuring Crime and Victimization

Difficulty Level: Easy

True/False

1. Criminologists used theoretical paradigms to explain why crime occurs.

Learning Objective: 3-1: Explain the importance of criminology and how research contributes to public policy.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Introduction

Difficulty Level: Easy

2. Scholars in the first portion of the 20th century did research to determine whether individuals with a mesomorphic body type were more prone to criminal behavior.

Learning Objective: 3-1: Explain the importance of criminology and how research contributes to public policy.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Biological, Trait, and Developmental Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

3. Criminologists used theoretical paradigms to explain why crime occurs.

Learning Objective: 3-1: Explain the importance of criminology and how research contributes to public policy.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Social Conflict Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

4. In his Essays on Crime and Punishments, Beccaria lamented the shift away from spiritualism and the belief that criminals are possessed by the devil and must be punished severely to save their immortal souls.

Learning Objective: 3-2: Distinguish between the classical and positivist schools of criminology and their explanations for criminality.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Classical and Positivist Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

5. One of the principles of classical criminology is that the criminal justice system should be predictable--the citizens know the laws and their punishments.

Learning Objective: 3-2: Distinguish between the classical and positivist schools of criminology and their explanations for criminality.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Classical and Positivist Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

6. Positivist criminology viewed criminals as being controlled by free will.

Learning Objective: 3-2: Distinguish between the classical and positivist schools of criminology and their explanations for criminality.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Classical and Positivist Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

7. Lombroso believed that offenders were atavistic in nature.

Learning Objective: 3-2: Distinguish between the classical and positivist schools of criminology and their explanations for criminality.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Classical and Positivist Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

8. Labeling theory claims that when social rules are overly structured and strict, people will feel frustration and act out in criminal ways.

Learning Objective: 3-4: Describe how social structures in society--characteristics of urban environments and access to legitimate opportunities--create conditions conducive to crime.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer location: Social Structure Theories

Difficulty Level: Medium

9. Strain theorists argue that crime is caused by a learned helplessness.

Learning Objective: 3-4: Describe how social structures in society--characteristics of urban environments and access to legitimate opportunities--create conditions conducive to crime.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer location: Social Structure Theories

Difficulty Level: Medium

10. Learning theory argues that criminal behavior is acquired through social learning processes.

Learning Objective: 3-5: Distinguish between three types of theories--learning, control, and labeling--that represent social process explanations of crime.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer location: Social Process Theories

Difficulty Level: Medium

11. Control theorists argue that external pressures and the values of others mean nothing to those intent on engaging in criminal behavior.

Learning Objective: 3-5: Distinguish between three types of theories--learning, control, and labeling--that represent social process explanations of crime.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer location: Social Process Theories

Difficulty Level: Medium

12. Critical theory argues that the most powerful groups use the law to serve their needs and to oppress less powerful groups.

Learning Objective: 3-6: Explain why social conflict theorists believe that crime is a product of powerful groups who dominate less powerful groups to protect their interests.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer location: Social Conflict Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

13. The most difficult aspect of an armed robbery is the escape, when the robber must leave the scene before the victim raises the alarm.

Learning Objective: 3-8: Describe why crime occurs according to environmental criminology theorists.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge Answer location: Environmental Criminology Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

14. One of the limitations of the Uniform Crime Reports is that when a number of crimes are committed as part of the same criminal event, only the most serious offense is reported to the FBI.

Learning Objective: 3-9: Explain the three primary methods for measuring crime and advantages and disadvantages of each.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer location: Measuring Crime and Victimization

Difficulty Level: Medium

15. The crime rate formula can also be used as a way to show the likelihood that someone will be victimized.

Learning Objective: 3-9: Explain the three primary methods for measuring crime and advantages and disadvantages of each.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer location: Measuring Crime and Victimization

Difficulty Level: Medium

Short Answer

1. How do criminologists use theoretical paradigms?

Learning Objective: 3-1: Explain the importance of criminology and how research contributes to public policy.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Introduction

Difficulty Level: Medium

2. Until the 18th century, what was the belief about why individuals committed criminal acts?

Learning Objective: 3-2: Distinguish between the classical and positivist schools of criminology and their explanations for criminality.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Classical and Positivist Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

3. How did classical criminologists such as Beccaria believe punishment should be applied?

Learning Objective: 3-2: Distinguish between the classical and positivist schools of criminology and their explanations for criminality.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Classical and Positivist Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

4. How did positivist criminologists such as Comte believe punishment should be applied?

Learning Objective: 3-2: Distinguish between the classical and positivist schools of criminology and their explanations for criminality.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Classical and Positivist Theories

Difficulty Level: Medium

5. What have scientists hypothesized with regard to an aberrant or criminal chromosome?

Learning Objective: 3-3: Explain how biological and physical traits have been used to explain criminality.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Aberrant or “Criminal” Chromosomes

Difficulty Level: Medium

6. How would Merton explain the relationship between domestic violence and social conditions?

Learning Objective: 3-4: Describe how social structures in society--characteristics of urban environments and access to legitimate opportunities--create conditions conducive to crime.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Social Structure Theory

Difficulty Level: Medium

7. Explain the difficulty in applying differential association theory to delinquents.

Learning Objective: 3-5: Distinguish between three types of theories--learning, control, and labeling--that represent social process explanations of crime.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Social Process Theories

Difficulty Level: Medium

8. What affect did criminologist Freda Adler believe legislation emancipating women, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Act (1972) and Pregnancy Discrimination act of 1978, would have on rates of crime perpetrated by women?

Learning Objective: 3-7: Summarize the assumptions of feminist theories and how rates of female offending have changed over time.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Feminist Theories

Difficulty Level: Medium

9. Discuss the five dimensions of criminal opportunity and their affect on criminal behavior as outlined in the theory of situational crime prevention.

Learning Objective: 3-8: Describe why crime occurs according to environmental criminology theorists.

Cognitive Domain: Analysis

Answer Location: Environmental Criminology Theories

Difficulty Level: Medium

10. How does the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) handle the hierarchy rule?

Learning Objective: 3-9: Explain the three primary methods for measuring crime and advantages and disadvantages of each.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Measuring Crime and Victimization

Difficulty Level: Easy

Essay

1. Describe the main principles of classical criminology.

Learning Objective: 3-2: Distinguish between the classical and positivist schools of criminology and their explanations for criminality.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Classical and Positivist Theories

Difficulty Level: Easy

2. Describe the concept of strain and how it impacts an individual's likelihood to engage in criminal behavior.

Learning Objective: 3-4: Describe how social structures in society--characteristics of urban environments and access to legitimate opportunities--create conditions conducive to crime.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Social Structure Theory

Difficulty Level: Hard

3. Probation and parole rules that prohibit offenders from having contact with other offenders would have what kind of linkage to learning theories?

Learning Objective: 3-5 Distinguish between three types of theories--learning, control, and labeling--that represent social process explanations of crime.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Social Process Theories

Difficulty Level: Hard

4. Some drug enforcement policies mandate prison sentences for possession of small amounts of crack and heroin, drugs that are primarily used by racial minorities. Explain a critical theorist’s perspective of this type of legislation.

Learning Objective: 3-6: Explain why social conflict theorists believe that crime is a product of powerful groups who dominate less powerful groups to protect their interests.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Social Conflict Theory

Difficulty Level: Hard

5. Contrast two elements of the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) and the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS).

Learning Objective: 3-9: Explain the three primary methods for measuring crime and advantages and disadvantages of each.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Measuring Crime and Victimization

Difficulty Level: Medium