Theories of Crime and Deviance: Interactive Learning Quizzes

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a key premise of biological theories of crime?

Accepted Answer

Social factors play a role in crime causation.

Answer

Criminality is inherited.

Answer

Biological factors can influence criminal behavior.

Answer

Criminals have distinct physical or physiological characteristics.

Question 2

Which sociological theory of crime emphasizes the idea of anomie?

Accepted Answer

Strain theory

Answer

Social bond theory

Answer

Differential association theory

Answer

Social control theory

Question 3

The concept of 'labeling theory' in criminology refers to:

Accepted Answer

The process by which individuals are assigned social labels based on their behavior.

Answer

The tendency for labeled individuals to resist the expectations associated with their labels.

Answer

The use of criminal laws to enforce social norms.

Answer

The role of the media in distorting the truth about crime.

Question 4

In labelling theory, what is considered the main cause of an individual's criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Societal labeling

Answer

Biological factors

Answer

Psychological trauma

Answer

Environmental factors

Question 5

[Revised] Which of the following is a fundamental concept in Merton's strain theory?

Accepted Answer

[Improved] Limited legitimate avenues to attain societal goals

Answer

[Improved] Excessive adherence to societal values

Answer

[Improved] Weakened social ties

Answer

[Improved] Biological predispositions to criminal behavior

Question 6

[Revised] According to Hirschi's social control theory, which of the following is NOT a factor inhibiting deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

[Improved] Biological characteristics

Answer

[Improved] Attachment to others

Answer

[Improved] Commitment to societal norms

Answer

[Improved] Involvement in legitimate activities

Question 7

[Revised] Which research approach is most suitable for examining the link between social class and crime?

Accepted Answer

[Improved] Survey research

Answer

[Improved] Participant observation

Answer

[Improved] Laboratory experiment

Answer

[Improved] Action research

Question 8

[Revised] The idea of 'deviant amplification' refers to:

Accepted Answer

[Improved] Increased societal attention to deviant behavior

Answer

[Improved] Decreased societal tolerance for deviant behavior

Answer

[Improved] Diffusion of deviant behavior to new groups

Answer

[Improved] Emergence of new forms of deviant behavior

Question 9

[Revised] According to conflict theorists, the criminal justice system predominantly serves the interests of which social group?

Accepted Answer

[Improved] The wealthy and influential

Answer

[Improved] The working class

Answer

[Improved] Minorities and marginalized groups

Answer

[Improved] All citizens equally

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a key aspect considered in biological theories of crime?

Accepted Answer

Environmental influences

Answer

Genetic factors

Answer

Neurological mechanisms

Answer

Physical attributes

Question 11

According to psychoanalytic theory, what is a key factor in the development of criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Unresolved unconscious conflicts

Answer

Classical conditioning

Answer

Weak superego

Answer

Low self-esteem

Question 12

Labeling theory asserts that deviance is primarily shaped by:

Accepted Answer

Societal reactions

Answer

Organic factors

Answer

Cognitive processes

Answer

Structural conditions

Question 13

Which of the following is considered a strength of conflict theory in explaining crime?

Accepted Answer

Emphasizes the role of social inequality

Answer

Provides a comprehensive explanation for all types of crime

Answer

Predicts individual criminal behavior

Answer

Focuses on rehabilitation strategies

Question 14

According to social control theory, which of the following is a key factor that deters individuals from engaging in criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Social bonds and conformity

Answer

Economic opportunities

Answer

Biological predispositions

Answer

Fear of punishment

Question 15

Which theory of crime views it as a rational choice made by individuals?

Accepted Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Social disorganization theory

Answer

Routine activity theory

Answer

Differential association theory

Question 16

In the context of crime and deviance, what does the concept of 'intersectionality' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The interconnectedness and mutual influence of social identities and experiences

Answer

The relationship between crime and urban poverty

Answer

The role of the justice system in perpetuating inequality

Answer

The impact of globalization on crime patterns

Question 17

According to Hirschi's Social Control Theory, which factor is considered crucial in preventing individuals from engaging in criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Strong social bonds

Answer

Low self-esteem

Answer

Lack of opportunity

Answer

Differential association

Question 18

A fundamental assumption of conflict theory is that:

Accepted Answer

Society is characterized by groups with competing interests and unequal power dynamics

Answer

Poverty and economic inequality are the primary causes of crime and social problems

Answer

The criminal justice system is inherently biased against certain demographic groups

Answer

Deviant behavior is primarily a product of those in positions of authority

Question 19

A central concept in symbolic interactionism is:

Accepted Answer

The idea that reality is socially constructed and shaped through interactions between individuals

Answer

The notion that deviant behavior is learned through association with others who engage in similar acts

Answer

The belief that strong social bonds and moral values are essential for preventing crime

Answer

The theory that crime is a rational choice made by individuals who weigh the costs and benefits of their actions

Question 20

One strength of rational choice theory is its focus on:

Accepted Answer

The role of individual decision-making in criminal behavior

Answer

The extensive empirical research that supports its claims

Answer

The ease with which it can be applied in practical settings

Answer

The comprehensive framework it provides for understanding the criminalization process

Question 21

A key assumption of routine activity theory is that crime is more likely to occur when:

Accepted Answer

There is a suitable target, a motivated offender, and the absence of capable guardians

Answer

Individuals are experiencing high levels of poverty and economic inequality

Answer

The criminal justice system is biased against certain demographic groups

Answer

Those in positions of authority engage in deviant behavior

Question 22

According to control theory, which of the following factors is considered crucial in preventing criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Strong attachments to family, school, and community.

Answer

Weak bonds to social institutions, resulting in a lack of internalized norms.

Answer

Frequent contact with law enforcement and the criminal justice system.

Answer

Access to economic opportunities that provide legitimate means of success.

Question 23

What is a key distinction between crime and deviance?

Accepted Answer

Crime is always illegal, while deviance is not necessarily illegal.

Answer

Deviance is always harmful, while crime is not always harmful.

Answer

Crime is a product of individual pathology, while deviance is a product of societal norms.

Answer

Deviance is a more serious offense than crime.

Question 24

Which of the following is considered a key concept in symbolic interactionism?

Accepted Answer

The influence of interactions with others on the formation of one's self-concept.

Answer

The biological determinants of personality and behavior.

Answer

The role of economic factors in shaping social behavior.

Answer

The impact of cultural norms and values on human development.

Question 25

Which of the following is a distinctive feature of ethnographic research?

Accepted Answer

Direct observation and immersion in the field.

Answer

Collection of data through surveys and questionnaires.

Answer

Use of statistical analysis to examine patterns and relationships.

Answer

Manipulation of variables in a laboratory setting.

Question 26

What is an advantage of using crime statistics?

Accepted Answer

They provide a quantitative snapshot of crime trends and patterns.

Answer

They accurately reflect the true extent of all crimes committed.

Answer

They offer insights into the root causes of criminal behavior.

Answer

They are unbiased and free from any distortions or inaccuracies.

Question 27

According to conflict theory, which of the following is a primary source of social conflict?

Accepted Answer

Struggle over limited resources and power imbalances.

Answer

Differences in cultural values and beliefs.

Answer

Technological advancements that disrupt society.

Answer

Natural disasters and environmental crises.

Question 28

Which of the following is a basic assumption of rational choice theory?

Accepted Answer

Individuals make decisions based on rational calculations of costs and benefits.

Answer

Individuals are solely driven by economic incentives.

Answer

Individuals have complete control over their actions and choices.

Answer

Individuals are always fully aware of the consequences of their behavior.

Question 29

Which sociological theory emphasizes the influence of social inequality and social structure on shaping criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Social learning theory

Question 30

The labeling theory suggests that deviance is primarily:

Accepted Answer

A socially constructed concept that varies across cultures.

Answer

An inherent characteristic of specific behaviors.

Answer

A result of individual psychological pathology.

Answer

A crime that is punished more severely than others.

Question 31

Social control theory posits that individuals are less likely to engage in criminal behavior when they have:

Accepted Answer

Strong attachments to society and its values.

Answer

Weak family bonds and support systems.

Answer

Low self-esteem and a negative self-image.

Answer

Limited access to education and economic opportunities.

Question 32

According to differential association theory, individuals learn criminal behavior primarily through:

Accepted Answer

Direct interactions with others who engage in criminal activities.

Answer

Exposure to violent content in the media.

Answer

Experiences of poverty, discrimination, and social inequality.

Answer

Inheriting criminal tendencies from their parents.

Question 33

The social constructionist perspective on crime and deviance argues that:

Accepted Answer

Crime and deviance are socially defined and created by societal norms and values.

Answer

Crime and deviance are fixed and unchanging phenomena that exist independently of social context.

Answer

Crime and deviance are necessary for maintaining social order and stability.

Answer

Crime and deviance are primarily caused by biological or psychological factors.

Question 34

Which sociological theory postulates that crime is caused by a lack of social control, resulting in weak bonds between individuals and society?

Accepted Answer

Social control theory

Answer

Psychological theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Biological theory

Question 35

Which sociological theory argues that crime is a result of social inequality, where the powerful exploit the less privileged, leading to social conflict and deviance?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Psychological theory

Answer

Social control theory

Answer

Biological theory

Question 36

Which key concept in strain theory highlights the gap between culturally defined goals and the means to achieve them, leading to crime as a form of adaptation?

Accepted Answer

Anomie

Answer

Social control

Answer

Differential association

Answer

Socialization

Question 37

Which theory suggests that crime is primarily learned through interactions with others, particularly through exposure to deviant peers and behaviours?

Accepted Answer

Differential association theory

Answer

Social control theory

Answer

Biological theory

Answer

Psychological theory

Question 38

Which critical theory argues that crime is a form of resistance against oppressive social structures, such as capitalism or colonialism?

Accepted Answer

Critical criminology

Answer

Psychological theory

Answer

Social control theory

Answer

Biological theory

Question 39

Which major weakness of the biological theory of crime lies in its failure to explain why individuals with similar genetic predispositions may exhibit vastly different criminal behaviour?

Accepted Answer

It does not explain why some people with the same genetic factors do not commit crimes.

Answer

It is based on outdated research.

Answer

It is too deterministic.

Question 40

Which theory suggests that crime is a consequence of a breakdown in social order, characterised by weakened social ties and a lack of collective efficacy?

Accepted Answer

Social disorganization theory

Answer

Biological theory

Answer

Social control theory

Answer

Psychological theory