Criminal Behavior: Theories, Risk Factors, and Assessment

Question 1

Which theory of criminal behavior proposes that individuals learn criminal behaviors through observation and reinforcement?

Accepted Answer

Social learning theory

Answer

Biological theory

Answer

Psychological theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Question 2

The process of assessing an individual's likelihood of re-offending is known as:

Accepted Answer

Risk assessment

Answer

Sentencing

Answer

Parole

Answer

Probation

Question 3

According to rational choice theory, criminal behavior is driven by:

Accepted Answer

Immediate gratification

Answer

Biological impulses

Answer

Psychological disorders

Answer

Lack of social support

Question 4

The theory that suggests criminal behavior stems from a lack of self-control and an inability to delay gratification is:

Accepted Answer

Control theory

Answer

Biological theory

Answer

Psychological theory

Answer

Social learning theory

Question 5

In social learning theory, which factor is considered crucial in shaping criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Observing and imitating others' behavior

Answer

Inheriting certain biological traits

Answer

Growing up in poverty

Answer

Having brain damage or disorders

Question 6

Which of these is least likely to be a risk factor for criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

High intelligence quotient (IQ)

Answer

Low socio-economic status

Answer

Exposure to violence or abuse during childhood

Answer

Mental health conditions

Question 7

According to deterrence theory, which of these is a crucial factor in preventing criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Swift and severe punishment

Answer

Lenient punishment and rehabilitation

Answer

Community service and rehabilitation

Answer

Education and awareness campaigns

Question 8

The rational choice theory assumes that criminals are:

Accepted Answer

Rational decision-makers who consider the potential consequences of their actions

Answer

Impulsive individuals driven by emotional urges

Answer

Lacking in moral understanding

Answer

Influenced solely by social pressures

Question 9

A key principle of the cognitive-behavioral approach to understanding criminal behavior is that:

Accepted Answer

Behavior is largely shaped by thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions

Answer

Criminal behavior is primarily driven by personality traits

Answer

Social factors are the dominant influence on criminal behavior

Answer

Biological factors play a deterministic role in criminal behavior

Question 10

According to the developmental trajectory model, criminal behavior:

Accepted Answer

Can be influenced by environmental and personal factors at different stages of development

Answer

Is typically a stable and unchanging pattern throughout an individual's life

Answer

Is solely determined by genetic predispositions

Answer

Is always a result of childhood trauma or adverse experiences

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a key element of criminal profiling?

Accepted Answer

Prediction of future criminal behavior

Answer

Analysis of crime scene evidence

Answer

Psychological evaluation of the offender

Answer

Consideration of environmental influences

Question 12

According to social learning theory, criminal behavior is primarily learned through:

Accepted Answer

Observation and imitation

Answer

Genetics and biology

Answer

Environmental deprivation

Answer

Cognitive deficits

Question 13

A key criticism of the rehabilitation model of criminal justice is that it:

Accepted Answer

It may not effectively reduce recidivism

Answer

It can be costly and time-consuming

Answer

It focuses too much on punishment

Answer

It is not based on scientific evidence

Question 14

According to rational choice theory, criminal behavior is primarily driven by:

Accepted Answer

Cost-benefit analysis

Answer

Impulsivity and emotion

Answer

Cognitive deficits

Answer

Environmental factors

Question 15

The concept of 'labelling' in criminology refers primarily to:

Accepted Answer

The impact of negative labels on individuals

Answer

The process of identifying and categorizing criminals

Answer

The role of media in creating stereotypes

Answer

The use of stigmatizing language in criminal justice

Question 16

The 'broken windows' theory suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Neighborhood disorder promotes criminal behavior

Answer

Small crimes lead to larger crimes

Answer

Increased police presence reduces crime

Answer

Economic inequality is a root cause of crime

Question 17

Which biological theory of crime suggests that genetics play a role in criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Biosocial Theory

Answer

Glueck Theory

Answer

Evolutionary Theory

Question 18

Which factor is considered a key influence on criminal behavior, according to environmental theories of crime?

Accepted Answer

Physical environment

Answer

Personality traits

Answer

Genetic inheritance

Answer

Rational decision-making

Question 19

Which theory suggests that criminal behavior is caused by inherited traits?

Accepted Answer

Biological theory

Answer

Social learning theory

Answer

Psychological theory

Answer

Control theory

Question 20

According to social learning theory, individuals acquire criminal behavior through:

Accepted Answer

Observing others engage in criminal acts

Answer

Experiencing negative childhood experiences

Answer

Having a genetic predisposition to criminality

Answer

Developing a mental illness

Question 21

The primary objective of conducting a criminal behavior risk assessment is to:

Accepted Answer

Predict the potential for future criminal activity

Answer

Determine an appropriate punishment for a crime committed

Answer

Diagnose a mental health condition

Answer

Provide support and rehabilitation for offenders

Question 22

Which treatment approach is commonly used for individuals with antisocial personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Pharmacological therapy

Answer

Hospitalization

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a commonly used method in the assessment of criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Medical examination

Answer

Structured interviews

Answer

Psychological testing

Answer

Behavioral observation

Question 24

Which theory of criminal behavior suggests that biological factors, such as genetics, play a role in an individual's predisposition towards criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Biological theory

Answer

Sociological theory

Answer

Cognitive theory

Answer

Psychological theory

Question 25

According to Labeling Theory, individuals who are labeled as criminals are more likely to continue engaging in criminal behavior because:

Accepted Answer

They adopt a criminal identity and see themselves as criminals.

Answer

They are punished more severely for future offenses.

Answer

They lose trust in the justice system.

Question 26

Which factor is strongly associated with an increased likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior in young people?

Accepted Answer

Exposure to violence or trauma at a young age

Answer

Positive family environment

Answer

High academic achievement

Answer

Strong peer support

Question 27

The process of evaluating an individual's potential for violent behavior and assessing their risk of re-offending is called:

Accepted Answer

Risk assessment

Answer

Expert testimony

Answer

Victim assessment

Answer

Psychological profiling

Question 28

Which category of crime involves the use of force or the threat of force to harm or control others?

Accepted Answer

Violent crime

Answer

White-collar crime

Answer

Property crime

Answer

Organized crime

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of psychopathy, a personality disorder linked to criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Empathy

Answer

Grandiosity

Answer

Superficial charm

Question 30

The theory that criminal behavior is a rational choice made after weighing the potential costs and benefits is known as:

Accepted Answer

Rational Choice Theory

Answer

Biosocial Theory

Answer

Social Learning Theory

Answer

Strain Theory

Question 31

Which type of crime involves the unlawful acquisition of property for financial gain?

Accepted Answer

Property crime

Answer

Computer crime

Answer

White-collar crime

Answer

Violent crime

Question 32

The Social Bond Theory of criminal behavior argues that individuals with:

Accepted Answer

Weak ties to society are more likely to engage in criminal behavior.

Answer

Low self-esteem are more likely to engage in criminal behavior.

Answer

Strong religious beliefs are less likely to engage in criminal behavior.

Answer

Positive peer influences are more likely to engage in criminal behavior.

Question 33

When assessing criminal behavior, one of the key ethical considerations is:

Accepted Answer

Respecting the privacy and confidentiality of individuals.

Answer

Using assessments solely for law enforcement purposes.

Answer

Accurately predicting future behavior.

Answer

Prioritizing the needs of society over individual rights.

Question 34

Which of the following is not typically considered a factor that can contribute to criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Supportive family environment

Answer

Poverty and economic hardship

Answer

Peer influence

Answer

Mental health issues

Question 35

Which theory of criminal behavior emphasizes the interplay of biological and environmental factors?

Accepted Answer

Biosocial theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Social control theory

Answer

Psychological theory

Question 36

Which assessment tool is specifically designed to assess psychopathic traits?

Accepted Answer

Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R)

Answer

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2)

Answer

Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI-III)

Answer

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)

Question 37

Which of the following is a key characteristic of psychopathy?

Accepted Answer

Lack of empathy and remorse

Answer

Chronic anxiety and depression

Answer

Impulsivity and poor self-control

Answer

Excessively high self-esteem

Question 38

A primary goal of rehabilitation programs for criminal offenders is to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce the likelihood of reoffending

Answer

Punish offenders for their past actions

Answer

Provide offenders with financial assistance

Answer

Isolate offenders from society

Question 39

Which of the following factors is associated with an increased risk of recidivism?

Accepted Answer

Unemployment and lack of stable employment

Answer

Adequate housing and financial stability

Answer

Access to education and job training

Answer

Strong family and community support

Question 40

Which of the following is an example of a violent crime?

Accepted Answer

Assault with a deadly weapon

Answer

Fraudulent financial transactions

Answer

Identity theft

Answer

Embezzlement

Question 41

Which characteristic is commonly associated with white-collar crimes?

Accepted Answer

High financial gain and low risk of violence

Answer

Gang affiliation and drug involvement

Answer

Violent and aggressive behavior

Answer

Low financial gain and high risk of arrest

Question 42

Which of the following factors has contributed to the rise in cybercrime?

Accepted Answer

Advancements in technology and increased internet connectivity

Answer

Reduced economic inequality and social unrest

Answer

Increased ethical awareness and online security measures

Answer

Stricter laws and increased law enforcement

Question 43

According to the social learning theory, criminal behavior is learned through:

Accepted Answer

Observing and imitating others

Answer

Deficient cognitive abilities

Answer

Inheriting genetic traits

Answer

Exposure to negative environmental factors

Question 44

Which of the following is a well-established risk factor for criminal activity?

Accepted Answer

Poverty and social inequality

Answer

Strong family support

Answer

Wealth and privilege

Answer

High levels of education

Question 45

The Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) is primarily used to:

Accepted Answer

Assess psychopathic traits and risk of violent behavior

Answer

Determine eligibility for parole

Answer

Diagnose mental health disorders

Answer

Predict likelihood of recidivism

Question 46

Which of the following is a cognitive distortion that can contribute to criminal thinking and behavior?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive rigidity and inability to consider alternative perspectives

Answer

Self-awareness and self-reflection

Answer

Empathy and compassion for others

Answer

High emotional intelligence

Question 47

The principle of differential association theory suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Criminal behavior is learned through interactions with criminal peers and role models

Answer

Criminal behavior is solely caused by environmental factors

Answer

Criminal behavior is inherited

Question 48

Which type of criminal offense involves the threat or use of physical force against individuals?

Accepted Answer

Violent Crime

Answer

Corporate Crime

Answer

Cyber Crime

Answer

Property Crime

Question 49

The primary purpose of probation is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide supervision, guidance, and support to individuals convicted of crimes, with the aim of reducing recidivism

Answer

Punish individuals for their crimes

Answer

Incapacitate and isolate individuals from society

Question 50

Which of the following is a criticism of the traditional medical model of criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

It may stigmatize individuals with mental illness and overlook social factors

Answer

It promotes a compassionate and understanding approach to criminals

Answer

It provides a scientifically valid framework for understanding criminal behavior

Answer

Its focus on rehabilitation has proven ineffective in reducing crime

Question 51

Criminal intent refers to:

Accepted Answer

The mental state and purpose of an individual at the time of committing a crime

Answer

The severity or consequences of the crime committed

Answer

The motive or reason behind the criminal act

Question 52

A key ethical consideration when working with individuals with criminal backgrounds is:

Accepted Answer

Treating individuals with dignity, respect, and fairness, regardless of their past actions

Answer

Prioritizing public safety at all costs

Answer

Judging individuals solely based on their criminal history

Answer

Using punitive measures to ensure compliance