Question 1

Which school of criminological theory asserts that crime is a matter of individual choice?

Accepted Answer

The classical school of criminology posits that individuals have free will and make rational choices, including the decision to commit crimes.

Question 2

Which school of criminological theory asserts that criminal behavior is explained by factors beyond the individual's control?

Accepted Answer

The positivist school of criminology argues that criminal behavior is determined by factors beyond the individual's control, such as biological, psychological, or social influences.

Question 3

Criminologists from this school of thought rebelled against the spiritual explanations of crime that formed the criminal justice policies in most of Europe during the 18^thand early 19^thcenturies.

Accepted Answer

The classical school of criminology emerged in the 18th century as a reaction against spiritual and religious explanations of crime, advocating for a more rational and systematic approach to criminal justice based on free will and deterrence.

Question 4

The founder(s) of the classical school of criminology is:

Accepted Answer

Cesare Beccaria is considered the founder of the classical school of criminology, emphasizing rationality and free will in criminal behavior.

Question 5

The founder(s) of the positivist school of criminology is:

Accepted Answer

Cesare Lombroso is considered the founder of the positivist school of criminology, which focuses on the idea that criminal behavior is determined by factors beyond an individual's control, such as biological or psychological traits.

Question 6

The philosophy that asserts that people agree to forgo their selfish behavior and instead accept the right of state to use force to maintain social order is known as:

Accepted Answer

The social contract philosophy posits that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to surrender some of their freedoms and submit to the authority of the state in exchange for protection of their remaining rights and maintenance of social order.

Question 7

Which one of the following is true of Beccaria's On Crime and Punishment?

Accepted Answer

Beccaria's "On Crime and Punishment" was published anonymously, was banned by the Catholic Church, and influenced the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, making all options correct.

Question 8

Early critics of the classical school of criminology complained that it treated everyone alike and championed the need for revisions so judges could exercise discretion. This revision was called the:

Accepted Answer

The neoclassical school of criminology emerged as a revision to the classical school, allowing for judicial discretion and considering individual circumstances in sentencing.

Question 9

Which modern day classical theory asserts that an individual makes a rational choice to commit a crime by weighing the risks and benefits of doing so?

Accepted Answer

The rational choice theory posits that individuals make decisions to commit crimes by weighing the potential risks and benefits, thus making a rational choice.

Question 10

Which modern day classical theory argues that crime occurs when there are motivated offenders, suitable targets, and an absence of capable guardians?

Accepted Answer

The routine activities theory posits that crime occurs when there is a convergence of motivated offenders, suitable targets, and a lack of capable guardians.

Question 11

Lombroso's term for criminals who were biological throwbacks to an earlier evolutionary stage:

Accepted Answer

Lombroso used the term "atavistic" to describe criminals who he believed were biological throwbacks to an earlier evolutionary stage.

Question 12

Lombroso's research with prisoners concluded that well over one-half of all criminals were:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Lombroso's research with prisoners concluded that well...

Question 13

Physical-appearance theorists William Sheldon and Sheldon and Eleanor Glueck argued that persons with which type of skeletons were more likely to commit acts of aggression?

Accepted Answer

William Sheldon and the Gluecks proposed that individuals with a mesomorphic body type, characterized by a muscular build, were more prone to aggressive behavior.

Question 14

Family-study researcher Charles Goring asserted that criminality is associated with the inherited characteristics of:

Accepted Answer

Charles Goring's research suggested that criminality was associated with physical characteristics such as height and weight, rather than race, gender, IQ, or personality.

Question 15

Twin and adoption researcher Karl Christiansen found stronger patterns of criminal behavior among:

Accepted Answer

Karl Christiansen's research indicated that identical twins, who share more genetic material, showed stronger patterns of criminal behavior compared to fraternal twins, suggesting a genetic influence on criminal behavior.

Question 16

Adrian Raine and Angela Scerbo theorized that antisocial people have lower levels of which neurotransmitter that accounts for criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Adrian Raine and Angela Scerbo theorized that lower levels of serotonin are associated with increased impulsivity and aggression, which can contribute to antisocial and criminal behavior.

Question 17

Biological criminologist Sarnoff Mednick studied the relationship between criminal behavior and which nervous system to find that people who are not easily aroused emotionally are more likely to resist socialization and more likely to break the law without fearing legal consequences.

Accepted Answer

Sarnoff Mednick's research focused on the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating involuntary body functions and emotional arousal. His studies suggested that individuals with a less responsive autonomic nervous system are less likely to be emotionally aroused, which may lead to difficulties in socialization and a higher likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior.

Question 18

Are pregnancy complications or delivery complications significantly related to offending behavior?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Are pregnancy complications or delivery complications significantly...

Question 19

If research determines that biological factors increase the likelihood that an individual will engage in criminal behavior, crime control policy shifts to which model?

Accepted Answer

The medical model focuses on biological and physiological factors, suggesting that criminal behavior can be treated or managed through medical or therapeutic interventions.

Question 20

Which theory asserts that crime is an expression of buried internal conflicts that result from traumas and deprivations during childhood, such as a poor early relationship with the mother or father?

Accepted Answer

The psychological theory of crime suggests that criminal behavior is a result of internal conflicts and traumas experienced during childhood, such as poor relationships with parents.

Quiz 3: Theories of Offender Treatment: Reasons to Have a Theoretical Roadmap