Criminological Theory: Explore Major Theories in Criminology

Question 1

Which biological factor is considered a key contributor to criminal behavior according to biosocial criminological theory?

Accepted Answer

Genetics

Answer

Socioeconomic status

Answer

Cultural norms

Answer

Peer pressure

Question 2

How does labeling theory explain the higher rates of criminalization among marginalized communities?

Accepted Answer

Labeling creates a self-fulfilling prophecy, leading to increased societal control and criminalization.

Answer

Labeling normalizes deviant behavior, making criminalization less likely.

Answer

Labeling is only relevant for understanding individual criminal behavior, not group-level patterns.

Question 3

According to Labeling Theory, deviant behavior originates from:

Accepted Answer

Negative societal reactions

Answer

Inborn traits

Answer

Mental disorders

Answer

Economic hardship

Question 4

Which theory proposes that crime is a conscious choice based on cost-benefit analysis?

Accepted Answer

Rational Choice Theory

Answer

Routine Activity Theory

Answer

Social Learning Theory

Answer

Situational Crime Prevention

Question 5

The theory that explores the relationship between individuals and their physical surroundings in shaping crime patterns is:

Accepted Answer

Environmental Criminology

Answer

Control Theory

Answer

Anomie Theory

Answer

General Strain Theory

Question 6

Which theory postulates that crime arises from a lack of opportunities for legitimate success?

Accepted Answer

Strain Theory

Answer

Social Disorganization Theory

Answer

Differential Association Theory

Answer

Broken Windows Theory

Question 7

The theory that argues that crime is acquired through interactions with others is:

Accepted Answer

Social Learning Theory

Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Theory

Answer

Social Control Theory

Answer

Self-Control Theory

Question 8

Which theory suggests that strong social connections to society reduce the likelihood of criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Social Control Theory

Answer

Social Disorganization Theory

Answer

Routine Activity Theory

Answer

Broken Windows Theory

Question 9

Which theory proposes that crime is concentrated in areas with high levels of poverty, unemployment, and social disorder?

Accepted Answer

Social Disorganization Theory

Answer

Anomie Theory

Answer

Strain Theory

Answer

Broken Windows Theory

Question 10

The theory that postulates that criminal behavior stems from weak self-control is:

Accepted Answer

Self-Control Theory

Answer

Rational Choice Theory

Answer

General Strain Theory

Answer

Broken Windows Theory

Question 11

Within which criminological theory are social class and economic inequality considered crucial elements influencing criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Structuralist theory

Answer

Classical theory

Answer

Positivist theory

Answer

Social learning theory

Question 12

In Robert Agnew's General Strain Theory, what is the main cause of frustration and aggression, potentially driving individuals towards crime?

Accepted Answer

Social disadvantage

Answer

Biological factors

Answer

Psychological factors

Answer

Cultural norms

Question 13

According to which theory is criminal behavior acquired through learning and exposure to environmental stimuli?

Accepted Answer

Differential association theory

Answer

Social bond theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 14

Within the Chicago School of criminology, which urban characteristic is strongly associated with elevated crime rates?

Accepted Answer

Low levels of social control

Answer

High population density

Answer

High levels of poverty

Answer

Strong community ties

Question 15

Which criminological theory emphasizes the role of individual rationality in decision-making and crime commission?

Accepted Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Routine activity theory

Answer

Social disorganization theory

Answer

Labeling theory

Question 16

According to Howard Becker's labeling theory, what is the main mechanism through which individuals become deviant or criminal?

Accepted Answer

Labeling

Answer

Socialization

Answer

Punishment

Answer

Peer pressure

Question 17

Which criminological theory suggests that crime rates are primarily determined by the availability of suitable targets and opportunities?

Accepted Answer

Routine activity theory

Answer

Social control theory

Answer

Anomie theory

Answer

Situational crime prevention theory

Question 18

According to John Hagan's Power-Control Theory, what is the crucial factor influencing an individual's likelihood of engaging in crime?

Accepted Answer

Power

Answer

Social class

Answer

Gender

Answer

Race

Question 19

Which criminological theory focuses on the role of culture and social norms in shaping criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Cultural deviance theory

Answer

Social bond theory

Answer

Social control theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 20

Within the Broken Windows Theory, what is considered to be the primary approach for reducing crime in urban areas?

Accepted Answer

Increasing police presence

Answer

Improving economic conditions

Answer

Encouraging community involvement

Answer

Addressing underlying social problems

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT considered a core criminological theoretical perspective?

Accepted Answer

Phrenology

Answer

Biological theories

Answer

Psychological theories

Answer

Sociological theories

Question 22

According to labeling theory, crime is primarily viewed as:

Accepted Answer

A form of social control and stigmatization

Answer

An inherent trait of individuals

Answer

A result of economic deprivation

Answer

A product of faulty upbringing

Question 23

Which of the following is a central tenet of social control theory?

Accepted Answer

Social bonds prevent individuals from engaging in crime

Answer

Social inequality leads to crime

Answer

Crime is a rational choice made by individuals

Answer

Mental illness is the root cause of crime

Question 24

Conflict theory posits that crime:

Accepted Answer

Is a result of social inequality and power imbalances

Answer

Is a violation of shared social norms

Answer

Is an individual pathology

Answer

Is a product of environmental factors

Question 25

A key distinction between positivist and interpretivist criminology is that:

Accepted Answer

Positivist criminology emphasizes objective data, while interpretivist criminology focuses on subjective experiences.

Answer

Interpretivist criminology emphasizes objective data, while positivist criminology focuses on subjective experiences.

Answer

Both positivist and interpretivist criminology emphasize objective data.

Answer

Both positivist and interpretivist criminology emphasize subjective experiences.

Question 26

Which of the following is a key tenet of labeling theory?

Accepted Answer

Primary and secondary deviance

Answer

Differential association

Answer

Social control

Answer

Institutional anomie

Question 27

Who is credited with developing the theory of differential association?

Accepted Answer

Edwin Sutherland

Answer

Robert Merton

Answer

Travis Hirschi

Answer

Cesare Lombroso

Question 28

Which theory suggests that rational decision-making processes underlie criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Social control theory

Answer

Strain theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 29

According to social control theory, what is a primary factor in deterring individuals from committing crimes?

Accepted Answer

Attachment to others

Answer

Moral development

Answer

Fear of punishment

Answer

Economic opportunities

Question 30

Which theorist argued that crime stems from social inequality and oppression?

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Emile Durkheim

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Sigmund Freud

Question 31

What is the fundamental distinction between nomothetic and idiographic approaches in criminology?

Accepted Answer

Nomothetic focuses on general laws, while idiographic focuses on individual cases

Answer

Idiographic focuses on general laws, while nomothetic focuses on individual cases

Answer

There is no distinction between the two approaches

Answer

Only nomothetic approaches are valid in criminology

Question 32

Which criminological theory focuses on the influence of social and economic factors on criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Sociological theory

Answer

Biological theory

Answer

Psychological theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Question 33

According to conflict theory, crime is primarily caused by:

Accepted Answer

Power imbalances and social inequality

Answer

Individual mental health issues

Answer

Free will and conscious choices

Answer

Genetic predispositions

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT a central tenet of labeling theory?

Accepted Answer

Rational choice and deterrence

Answer

Primary and secondary deviance

Answer

Stigmatization and social control

Answer

Differential association and socialization

Question 35

According to deterrence theory, crime can be most effectively prevented by:

Accepted Answer

Increasing the perceived likelihood and severity of punishment

Answer

Improving social conditions and reducing inequality

Answer

Providing rehabilitation and support programs

Answer

Reducing opportunities for criminal behavior

Question 36

Which criminological theory places a strong emphasis on the role of biological and genetic factors in explaining criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Biological theory

Answer

Social control theory

Answer

Routine activity theory

Answer

Situational crime prevention theory

Question 37

According to social control theory, individuals are less likely to engage in criminal behavior when they have:

Accepted Answer

Strong bonds to society and positive social influences

Answer

Weak bonds to society and negative social influences

Answer

Limited opportunities for legitimate success

Answer

High levels of self-control

Question 38

Which theory suggests that crime is more likely to occur in areas with high levels of social disorganization and lack of social control?

Accepted Answer

Social disorganization theory

Answer

Routine activity theory

Answer

Situational crime prevention theory

Answer

Environmental criminology

Question 39

Which criminological theory emphasizes the importance of rational decision-making and cost-benefit analysis in explaining criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Biosocial theory

Answer

Social learning theory

Answer

Developmental theory

Question 40

According to strain theory, which of the following is a primary cause of crime?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality and class conflict

Answer

Biological factors

Answer

Lack of self-control

Answer

Rational decision-making

Question 41

Which theory proposes that learning criminal behavior occurs through interactions with others, such as family, peers, and the media?

Accepted Answer

Social learning theory

Answer

Positivist theory

Answer

Neoclassical theory

Answer

Labelling theory

Question 42

Rational choice theory suggests that individuals commit crimes when they perceive that the:

Accepted Answer

Benefits outweigh the costs

Answer

Costs outweigh the benefits

Answer

Social norms will not be violated

Answer

Punishment will be severe

Question 43

Which theory emphasizes the negative effects of labeling individuals as criminals, leading to their further involvement in crime?

Accepted Answer

Labelling theory

Answer

Positivist theory

Answer

Social learning theory

Answer

Neoclassical theory

Question 44

Positivist theories of crime causation typically focus on:

Accepted Answer

Biological and environmental factors

Answer

Individual choice and rational decision-making

Answer

Social inequality and structural conditions

Answer

Cultural values and moral norms

Question 45

Robert Merton's strain theory suggests that crime arises from:

Accepted Answer

A lack of opportunities to achieve socially approved goals

Answer

Exposure to negative role models

Answer

Biological predispositions towards aggression

Answer

Defective socialization processes

Question 46

Which research method involves collecting and analyzing data from written or spoken sources to identify themes and patterns?

Accepted Answer

Content analysis

Answer

Survey

Answer

Experiment

Answer

Interview

Question 47

The ethical principle that requires researchers to obtain informed consent from participants before conducting research is known as:

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 48

Which crime prevention strategy seeks to reduce crime by addressing the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to it?

Accepted Answer

Prevention

Answer

Incapacitation

Answer

Rehabilitation

Answer

Deterrence

Question 49

The concept of recidivism refers to:

Accepted Answer

The tendency for criminal behavior to persist over time

Answer

The effectiveness of punishment in deterring crime

Answer

The role of social support in reducing crime

Answer

The impact of genetics on criminal behavior

Question 50

In juvenile justice systems, how do restorative justice principles and practices facilitate reconciliation and healing between victims and offenders?

Accepted Answer

Restorative practices create a safe and supportive environment for open dialogue and active participation from both victims and offenders.

Answer

Restorative justice prioritizes punishment and retribution over reconciliation.

Answer

Restorative justice is only suitable for minor offenses and should not be applied to serious crimes.

Answer

The benefits of restorative justice are primarily experienced by victims, with minimal impact on offenders.

Question 51

Which of the following is NOT a premise underpinning the classical school of criminology?

Accepted Answer

Social conditions play a significant role in crime

Answer

Crime is a matter of rational choice

Answer

Free will and responsibility are essential

Answer

Harsh punishment prevents crime effectively

Question 52

According to labelling theory, which process contributes to the formation of deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

Attaching labels and stigmas to individuals as deviant

Answer

Enforcing strict social rules

Answer

Providing ample opportunities for criminal acts

Answer

Rewarding criminal behavior

Question 53

Control theory emphasizes the significance of what factor in crime prevention?

Accepted Answer

Strong social bonds

Answer

Well-defined legal penalties

Answer

Ample economic opportunities

Answer

Increased police presence

Question 54

A fundamental concept of routine activity theory is:

Accepted Answer

Availability of suitable targets

Answer

Moral decay

Answer

Motivated offenders

Answer

Social disarray

Question 55

Which of the following theories of crime centres on the role of gender inequality?

Accepted Answer

Power-control theory

Answer

Situational crime prevention

Answer

Broken windows theory

Answer

Differential association theory

Question 56

An example of a qualitative research method frequently used in criminology is:

Accepted Answer

Interviews

Answer

Surveys

Answer

Experiments

Answer

Meta-analysis

Question 57

The primary goal of a criminological theory is to:

Accepted Answer

Systematically explain crime and criminal behavior

Answer

Develop laws and policies to combat crime

Answer

Assess effectiveness of criminal justice interventions

Answer

Predict an individual's likelihood of committing crimes

Question 58

According to conflict theory, what is the primary cause of crime?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality and power imbalances

Answer

Strain between individuals and society's goals

Answer

Biological factors

Answer

Psychological disorders

Question 59

Which criminological theory emphasizes the role of social learning in criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Differential association theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Routine activities theory

Answer

Anomie theory

Question 60

According to labeling theory, what is NOT a potential consequence of labeling individuals as deviant?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced self-esteem

Answer

Increased likelihood of future criminal behavior

Answer

Social isolation and stigma

Answer

Reduced opportunities for employment and education

Question 61

Which concept in criminology refers to the idea that individuals conform to social norms because they fear punishment?

Accepted Answer

Deterrence

Answer

Control

Answer

Social bonding

Answer

Strain

Question 62

Which criminological perspective highlights the influence of biological and genetic factors on criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Biosocial theory

Answer

Psychological theory

Answer

Social structural theory

Answer

Environmental theory

Question 63

According to rational choice theory, when do individuals engage in criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

When they perceive the benefits outweigh the costs

Answer

When they perceive the costs outweigh the benefits

Answer

When they perceive the probability of getting caught is high

Answer

When they perceive the severity of punishment is low

Question 64

What is a key strength of ecological theories in criminology?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on the role of physical and social environment

Answer

Focus on individual decision-making

Answer

Incorporation of psychological factors

Answer

Accurate prediction of specific criminal behavior