Criminal Theories 1 Quiz
Criminal Theories Quiz
Test your knowledge on the fundamental theories of crime and criminal behavior with our comprehensive quiz. Covering notable theorists and concepts, this quiz will challenge your understanding of classical and modern criminology.
- 108 engaging multiple choice questions
- Explore theories from Beccaria to modern rational choice
- Perfect for students, teachers, and enthusiasts alike
Which of the following statements is true?
Beccaria and Bentham are known as modern theorists
Beccaria and Bentham are known as classical theorists
Bentham was a classical theorist, whereas Beccaria was a modern theorist
All of the above are incorrect
What did Beccaria's and Bentham's justice theory pertain to?
It held that individuals are fundamentally "Hedonistic" as they'd pursue a plan of action if the outcome offered more pleasure than pain.
It held that individuals were "Inherently Bad" and sought to achieve gains by their own means
It confirmed that individuals were rational
It confirmed that individuals were "Irrational" and selfish
What do modern-day rational choice theories assume?
They assume that criminals always "Consider" their behaviour before engaging in criminal activities
They assume that criminals may be subjected to irrationality if rewards are higher than the risks
They think that criminals always rationally know their prison sentence
They assume criminal makes impulsive, hedonistic choices
What was the rational choice approach based on?
It was based on the work of Gary Becker
It was based on the classical writings of Bentham
It was based on Cohen and Felson's theories
It was based on Farrington's conclusion
Who was the routine-activities theory and opportunity drawn up by?
Bentham
Barlow
Cohen and Felson
Spapens
What does Gary Becker's Theoretical Economic Theory model convey?
It states that individuals "Choose" to commit crimes, and it asserts that people choose the same course of action when confronted by same alternatives as they seek the maximization of satisfaction
It states that people are prone to making mistakes, so they irrationally choose not to follow the herd
It contemplates that individuals are coerced into corporate white crimes by society itself because they desire the benefits and social rewards
It points that white-collar crimes are caused by the external factors outside of society's control
According to Newborn, what incentives cause humans to commit crimes?
The threshold of monetary benefits that offer wealth and fame that also allows the "Domination" of others hierarchy lower
The thrill and psychological excitement that makes crimes fun and exciting to commit
The promise of "Prestige" and popularity in society
All of the above
What did Clarke and Cornish argue for in 1986?
They argued that a "Sequence" of choices had to be made instead of one, simple "Choice", and that those sequences of choices were influenced by psychological factors brought by the individuals themselves
Both argued that a "Single" choice to commit offences prevailed for criminals, which led them to their path of criminality and demonstrated the "Weak" control of people that succumbed to committing crimes
They argued that crime levels had increased substantially during the 1980's and they called for reform by suggesting innovative ideas to deal with criminal issues
They argued against rehabilitation of criminals because such measures only contributed to criminals spitting society after they had endured their sentencing.
What was the main focus of Cornish and Clarke?
The concept of a "Rational" actor and the factors of their "Criminal Motivations"
The concept of "Irrational" actors, easily disuaded by the corruption of society
The concepts of "New Criminology"
How green crimes are not tackled by state actors
What 6 basic "Propositions" have Clarke and Cornish developed?
1. Crimes are "Purposive Acts" 2. Offenders attempt to make best decisions possible 3. Offender decision making depends on the "Nature" of the crime 4. Crime involvement decisions are different from those relating to the comission of a specific criminal act (Event Decisions) 5. Involvement decisions take into consideration initiation, habituation and desistance. 6. Event decisions involve a sequence of choices - e.g. Preparation of the crime, target selection, comission of the act, escape and aftermath
1. Crimes are "Intentional Rational Acts" 2. Offenders attempt to make fast and swift decisions 3. Offender decision making depends on their "Mental Sanity" 4. Crime involvement decisions are systematically conducted 5. Involvement decisions usually depend on the circumstances and internal factors.
None of the above
All of the above
What can Clarke's 6 propositions be challenged by?
Green Crime Theory
Agency Theory
Bounded Rationality
Irrational Criminal Motivations
Crime opportunity theory is based on 10 principles, which of these is a valid principle?
One crime produces opportunities for another
Opportunities play a role in causing all crime
Both are valid principles
Neither are valid
Which statement is applicable for the routine crime theory?
It takes into consideration a "Likely" offender, who finds a "Suitable" target in the absence of a guardian.
The Routine theory is a recurring phenomenon that concerns goal-seeking activities
None of the above
All of the above
How can a criminal who engages in "Routine" crime be prevented from committing the crime?
They can be prevented by a "Guardian" who steps in to prevent the criminal from committing acts
It can be prevented through surveillance (E.g. camera's), as criminals are less likely to offend if they're being watched
They can be halted if the three elements of routine crimes are missing
All of the above
What is the main criticism of routine activities theory?
It applies well to "Standard-Petty" crimes and concepts of property crimes/violence but less to victimless crimes and crimes of omissions
It only focuses on large crimes but demonstrates a disinterest in green criminology and concepts developed by critical criminologists
It is an outdated theory that requires replacement
It does not apply on a cultural level as each country faces different issues in their environment
Why is the Routine crime theory inapplicable for corporate crime?
There is difficulty in defining what a "Suitable Target" is
Corporations have high surveillance which prevents criminals from engaging in the Routine Crime theory
The time and space in corporate crimes dissuades individuals from wanting to commit crimes
There is nothing to "Steal" nobody to "Harm"
Who was the first criminologist who assumed that biological factors affected a person's propensity to commit crimes?
Cessare Lombroso
Cessare Beccaria
Andrew von Hirsch
Robert Martinson
Who did Cesare Lombroso base his work on?
Charles Darwin's ideas
Jeremy Bentham's ideas
Robert Martinson's ideas of biological factors
Andrew's ideas
What type of research did Wouter Buikhuisen suggest to do in the 1970's?
He suggested to do research on the "Minds" of criminals in order to evaluate their behaviour
He suggested to do research on biological explanations of crime
He suggested research on "Bounded Rationality"
He suggested to analyse the motivational factors of criminals
Which statement is correct for "Genetical Factors"?
Genetical factors are no longer viewed as a "Sole" explanation of criminal behaviour, but they're used as one of the "Risk" factors
Genetical factors are still used today to analyse criminal behaviour
Genetical factors are used to study bounded rationality
Genetical factors have been used by Jeremy Bentham
Which study pertained to study delinquency development?
The "Cambridge" Study
The Study of the South Delinquents
Delinquency in the West
The "Harvard" Study
What percentage of rule breaking was attributed to "Genetical Factors"?
20%
45%
50%
60%
What issues stand in the example case of "Michael" provided by Adrian Raine?
The behaviour of Michael may have been a "Pre-existing" behaviour
This issue is too weak to be qualified as criminal
This issue concerns bounded rationality
None of the above
Adrian Raine was known as the first to _____ ?
Use brain scans to determine the cause of psychological issues
Use brain imaging to compare the brain images of convicted murderers with random individuals who were males
Use therapy as a means of preventing criminal behaviour
To empirically assess the threshold of crimes
Definition setting in the process of social construction of deviant and criminal behaviour has become increasingly difficult in modern societies. Why?
Because modern societies have increasingly become individualistic.
Because modern societies have increasingly transferred sovereignty to international institutions.
Because modern societies have increasingly become ‘risk societies
Because societies have become increasingly more complex and diversified
Criminologists of the Global South are critical about existing criminological concepts because these were mainly developed in the Global North (i.e. North America and Europe). What reflects their main critique?
Research methods that have been developed in the Global North do not work in the Global South
Existing criminological theories provide lenses based on ‘Northern’ historical and cultural developments, and therefore miss ‘Southern’ problems.
In the Global North emphasis is too much on mainstream criminology, whereas in the Global South a ‘critical’ criminological approach is more appropriate
In the Global North emphasis of criminological research is on property and drug crimes, whereas in the Global South violence, particularly to women, is more important.
The question what should be the object of study of criminology has been a topic of ongoing debate. Which topic would critical criminologists consider as relevant for criminological study, whereas mainstream criminologists would not be interested?
War Crimes
Murder
Invasive Exotics
Pollution
Critical criminologists have argued that the object of study of criminology should be directed at social harm instead of at criminalised behaviour. Why is this a contested idea?
Because critical criminology is considered an attack on the existing social and economic order.
Because in modern societies all behaviour that causes social harm is already included in existing legislation, either criminal law or regulatory law
Because the concept of social harm is too vague and includes every type of harm an individual might claim to experience
Because the concept would exclude study of behaviour that is criminalised but not socially harmful
Modern ideas about appropriate punishment revolve around three goals: specific prevention, general prevention and compensating the victim. Which of the following is an example of specific prevention?
Preventing people from taking the law into their own hands
Resolving of conflicts between perpetrators and victims
Incapacitation of the offender through imprisonment
Deterrence to prevent others from committing the same crime
Situational crime prevention theory revolves around five groups of measures. Four of these are: increase the effort; increase the risk; reduce provocations; and remove excuses. What is the fifth group of measures?
Measures to incapacitate the offender
Measures to reduce the rewards.
Measures to empower potential victims.
Measures to provide better victim compensation schemes.
Criminologists of the Global South, and in Asia and Africa in particular, are strong advocates of restorative justice. Why?
Because such methods were already widely applied before the era of colonisation and seem to fit better with indigenous cultures than the ‘Western’ inspired criminal justice system.
Because the official institutions of law enforcement in many Asian and African countries suffer from corruption and cannot be trusted to do justice
Because in the Global South, women are more often the victim of crimes and the criminal justice system treats females differently than males
Because the underlying assumptions of Western inspired criminal justice systems, such as protecting human rights, do not ‘work’ in the Global South
Philosophers and sociologists ask different questions about punishment. What would be a typical philosophical question?
What is an adequate amount of punishment for a given crime?
How do prisons contribute to support the power of the ruling classes?
Does a prison sentence reduce the probability of recidivism?
Is the criminal justice system fair?
Braithwaite’s concept of reintegrative shaming differs from classic negative ‘naming and shaming.’ There is however also a similarity. What is it?
Both approaches assume that perpetrators must feel ashamed before changing their behaviour.
Both approaches focus on for predatory crimes, and leave victimless crimes aside
Both approaches assume that shaming requires a careful process that includes specific rituals.
Both approaches only work in tightly-knit local communities.
A difference between criminal law enforcement agencies and administrative enforcement agencies is the fact that the first look backward, whereas the second look forward. Does this explain the fact that corporate criminals often receive low prison sentences?
Yes, because corporate criminals usually commit administrative offenses, and are not punished for offenses they committed in the past.
Yes, because the ‘toolbox’ of administrative enforcement agencies does not allow harsh sentences.
No, because criminal law enforcement and administrative enforcement agencies usually cooperate in cases of corporate crime.
No, because the forward orientation only implies that it often takes long before corporate offenders are prosecuted, but does not refer to sentencing as such.
Which of the following assumptions is particularly true for rational choice theories of crime?
The fact that human beings will commit crimes when opportunity arises.
The fact that criminal behaviour follows from one’s personal characteristics.
The fact that criminal behaviour follows from adverse living conditions.
The fact that when criminals are rehabilitated in prison, they will stop committing crimes.
Robert Agnew further developed Merton’s strain theory into the General Strain Theory in 1992. Which of the following new aspects did Agnew include in his expansion of the original strain theory?
He included the notion that individuals respond to strain very differently.
He included the notion that wealthy people also experience strain when their income and status are at risk
He included the notion that in the Global South strain works differently because these societies do not pursue the ‘American dream.’
He included the notion that strain also explains the behaviour of non-human animals.
The reading material discusses social structure theories and social process theories. Which of the following criminological theories is a social process theory?
General strain theory.
Social disorganisation theory.
Treadmill of production theory
Social learning theory.
Feminist criminology rapidly gained momentum from the 1980s onwards. Which of the following questions is fundamental for feminist criminologists?
Why ‘liberated’ females commit more crimes than women who grow up in patriarchal (male- dominated) families.
Why females in the Global South are victimised more often than in the Global North.
Why females offend significantly less than males.
Why the criminal justice system treats females more gently than males.
What is the basic proposition of the labelling theory?
The fact that labelling a person as ‘criminal’ will cause them to behave according to the stigma.
The fact that inhabitants of ‘bad neighbourhoods’ become stigmatised to the extent that they have no choice but to become criminals
The fact that how we stigmatise crime is not an objective process, but the outcome of social construction: ‘If people define situations as real, they are real in their consequences.’
The fact that power differences between the government and individuals results in labelling people as criminal, whereas their behaviour does not warrant this
The industrial revolution and the social changes and urbanisation that it produced has had a profound impact on development of criminological theory. Which of the following theories has its roots in the societal changes brought about by industrialisation?
Strain theory
Subcultural theory
Differential association theory
Routine activities theory
Peter Kropotkin has been famous for his anarchist thinking. Do his views on crime and punishment reflect classical or positivist thinking, or neither?
Kropotkin developed his ideas on crime in the 19th Century and therefore he was a classical thinker.
Kropotkin assumed that people, when ‘freed from the shackles of law’ would rationally choose to solve their problems cooperatively, which makes him a classical thinker.
Kropotkin assumed that there was a link between the economic system and moral degradation and crime, which makes him a positivist thinker
Kropotkin’s ideas ground in Marxism, which blames capitalism for all criminal behaviour, and he is therefore neither a classical nor a positivist thinker
Sykes and Matza’s neutralisation theory seems to apply well to corporate crime. Which of the following statements best explains this?
Denial of the victim is easier for corporate offenders. For example, if a person chooses to live near a chemical factory that emits pollutants and becomes ill, it is their own fault.
Denial of the crime is easier for corporate criminals. They mostly commit regulatory offenses, and do not see this as committing a crime.
Denial of injury is easier for corporate offenders because harmful effects are usually less immediate (‘statistics’) than those of street crimes. This allows offenders to maintain that there was no harm done
Condemning the condemners is easier for corporate offenders. People who protest and complain that a corporation violates the rules are usually also violating regulations themselves.
Which of the following factors explains the Volkswagen Diesel gate Scandal at the organisational level?
The fact that Volkswagen’s CEO’s had advocated a corporate culture in which rule violations were admissible
The fact that Volkswagen had a peculiar corporate structure that prevented cost reductions through sizing down its labour force
The fact that Volkswagen was unable to comply with stricter environmental regulations and at the same time keep its cars affordable
The fact that because of its economic power, Volkswagen had been able to negotiate exemptions regarding the United States’ strict environmental regulations.
Biological and psychological approaches to explain criminal behaviour have met with substantial criticism. Which critique applies to both approaches?
In both approaches there is a substantial risk that totalitarian regimes may misuse them to justify prosecution (or worse) of individuals who divert from average norms.
In both approaches emphasis is on personal characteristics whereas the importance of one’s social and societal environment is ignored.
In both approaches it is impossible to determine the thresholds necessary to explain criminal behaviour
In both approaches the problem is such factors only explain violent behaviour
Mafia-type organised crime has several specific characteristics. Which of the following crimes is typical for mafia-type crime syndicates?
Drug trafficking
Fraud with government contracts.
Mobile banditry.
Waste trafficking.
According to Jeanette Satink, domestic violence as a violation of human rights was initially a difficult topic? Why?
Because domestic violence was not considered to be different than other types of violence.
Because human rights law was not developed to protect individuals.
Because most victims of domestic violence were found in the Global South and attracted less attention.
Because the severity of the impact of domestic violence on victims was underestimated because of a lack of research
The cybercriminal profile of cybercrime-for-profit actors is highly diverse; different individuals from different cultural, ethnic, and financial backgrounds engage in it. However, one trait seems to unify most actors engaged in this type of crime. Which one?
Technological capability.
Financial Expertise
Support from "Dark Organizations"
Access to ransom tools/malware
Which of the following statements is correct?
Assessing a victim’s vulnerability to repeat victimisation in a case of domestic violence is a higher priority than in a case of bicycle theft.
A case of domestic violence can be explained from the perspective of routine activities theory.
Both statements are correct.
Both are incorrect.
Following a ruling by the Supreme Court, several US States have introduced new legislation that makes abortion almost impossible. Judging from criminological research, what effect on juvenile crime rates may we expect?
It will increase crime rates: the number of children growing up with a single or teen mother will rise and this is considered a risk factor related to criminal behaviour.
It will increase crime rates: the number of people who are convicted for conducting illegal abortions will rise.
It will have no effect: criminological research has not shown any correlation between whether abortion is legal or illegal, and crime rates.
It will decrease crime rates: the new legislation will make couples behave more responsibly and thus prevent unwanted pregnancies.
In the teaching video on the Volkswagen Diesel scandal Toine Spapens used Diane Vaughan’s framework to analyse the case, by exploring the role of top managers, corporate characteristics and the institutional and market environment of VW. However, as it transpired, many car manufacturers applied similar defeat devices. Does this affect the value of this framework of analysis, and if so, how?
Yes, because it implies the case cannot be explained by the behaviour of VW’s top management and corporate characteristics.
Yes, because apparently other factors were more important than the three identified by Vaughn.
No, because, the Vaughan did not state that all three elements in her framework have equal weight.
No, because the analysis of VW does not rule out that in other companies, top managers and company characteristics were also important.
The concepts of rural criminology, environmental crime and cybercrime have a common problem. Which one?
The fact that it is impossible to determine how the boundaries of these concepts should be set.
The fact that these concepts encompass a broad range of crimes to which many criminological theories apply.
The fact that neither of these concepts can be defined in terms of criminal law.
The fact that all concepts involve individual perpetrators, corporate criminals, state crime as well as organised crime.
In the reading material we referred to ‘neighbourhood Corleones’, who are viewed as organised crime kingpins who use a mix of intimidation and philanthropy to ensure ‘walls of silence.’ Is this relevant in the context of social disorganisation theory and attempts to improve neighbourhoods?
Yes, because neighbourhood Corleones disrupt improvement schemes because ‘walls of silence’ promote their illegal activities.
Yes, because neighbourhood Coreleones are neglected as allies who may help to improve conditions in their neighbourhoods.
No, the main problem is that such programs aim primarily at improving the physical environment instead of tackling the many other problems confronting the people who live there.
No, because most of the residents’ criminal activities take place elsewhere in the city and beyond, and are not related to the neighbourhoods in which they reside.
Which statement is true?
Morning cortisol levels were lower for non-violent females than violent females
Cortisol levels for violent females were lower than those of violent male inmates
Cortisol levels were lower in violet females than their non-violent counterparts in the morning.
There is no correct answer
What is the correct definition of "Epigenetics"?
It is the interaction between genes and genomes
It is the interaction between "Genes" and the "Environment"
It is the relationship between the dermis and epidermis
It is the interconnection between cells and RNA
What does the psychological approach to criminal behaviour entail?
It entails that a persons personality correlates with their genome structure
It pertains to the fact that a person's personality traits may correlate with the "Risk" of offending
It highlights that aggression may be caused by environmental and external factors
It entails the study and research of nihilists
A study of the criminal careers of fraudsters revealed that they usually start offending as adults and the main risk factors are found in adversities in their professional and personal life. If we assume that a lack of self-control is a primary risk factor, how would Gottfredson and Hirschi, who drew up the self- control theory, judge this outcome?
As supporting their theory, because they associate a lack of self-control with a lack of material success, and this problem may also arise in adult life.
As supporting their theory, because these findings do not rule out that committing criminal acts in response to adversities in adulthood are related to a lack of self-control.
As challenging their theory, because they would not accept that a lack of self-control postpones criminal behaviour until adulthood.
As challenging their theory, because they would not accept that adversities in professional or personal life would initiate changes in a person’s level of self-control.
Which of the following criminological theories would you first choose to apply when trying to explain why persons become victim of trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation, if you use a feminist perspective?
Deviant subculture theory.
Power-control theory.
Rational choice theory.
Structural contradictions theory.
Criminologists who study migration have introduced the concept of crimmigration. What does it refer to?
To the fact that migration increases crime risks in the countries of destination.
To the fact that migration is increasingly criminalised.
To the fact that terrorists may piggyback on migration streams to enter Europe or the United States.
To the fact that organised crime groups are increasingly involved in irregular migration.
Haggerty and Ericson use the term ‘assemblage’ to point at a development in mass surveillance they consider problematic. What does assemblage entail?
It refers to the fact that nowadays both public and private actors collect massive amounts of personal data.
It refers to the fact that surveillance data is nowadays used for solving crimes reactively as well as proactively for preventing crimes and terrorism.
It refers to the risks posed by mutual exchange of mass surveillance data between public and private actors.
It refers to the ‘blurring’ of the use of mass surveillance for solving crimes versus disciplining the population.
In criminological literature the concepts of terrorism and state crime seem to overlap to a certain extent. What causes this overlap?
The fact that terrorist groups may also perform state roles in ungoverned spaces.
The fact that terrorist groups and state criminals have the common goal of installing fear.
The fact that terrorism is a very widely defined sensitising concept: all harm caused by state actors would fit the definition.
The fact that state actors may also commit acts that can be defined as terrorism.
Which elements is the Big Five model composed of?
Extraversion, openness, happiness, biodiversity, justice, morality
Openness, extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness
Love, happiness, compassion, extraversion, neuroticism
Agreeableness, compassion, neuroticism, openness to experience
What percentage of the world's population is non-compliant with societal regulations and proper moral conduct?
10%
3.5%
7%
5%
Which theory involved David Matza and Gresham Sykes?
Neutralization Theory
Bounded Rationality Theory
Irrational Human Theory
White Corporate Theory
Which of these is NOT a technique provided by the Neutralization theory?
Denial of responsibility
Denial of injury
Condemnation of parents
Appeal to higher loyalties
Which of the following was added to the Neutralization Theory later on?
Appeal to higher authorities
Condemnation of the condemners
Denial of secondary-victimization
The metaphor of the ledger
Why are the "Empirical" evaluations of the neutralization hypothesis scarce?
Because not enough research has been conducted
Because of the complexity and difficulty of establishing what happens cognitively before a law violation occurs
Because not enough researchers have decided to fund the empirical evaluations project
Because the neutralization hypothesis is extremely flawed
Which statement applies to corporate offenders?
All of the above
They attempt to "Neutralize" their acts
They are usually corrupted
They deny what they did was "Harmful" let alone a "Crime"
How are "Street" criminals different from "Corporate" criminals?
They admit their guilt to get out of responsibility, whereas "Corporate" offenders deny any involvement at all
They deny they committed the acts, whereas the corporate offenders try to "Neutralize" their acts
They confess to their deeds, whereas corporate offenders bribe the government
They usually commit much "Lesser" crimes than corporate offenders
What does "Retaliation" provide for others according to the Self-Control Theory drawn up by Gottfredson and Hirschi?
It provides pleasure and instant relief from pain and suffering by allowing victims to take out their anger on perpetrators
It provides victims with the opportunity to be heard and have a safe space of venting
It provides immediate gratification, but also produces pain and suffering for victims and the risk of long-term costs for the offender
It provides suffering and agony for both the victim and the perpetrator
What is the cause of "Low" self-control according to Hirschi and Gottfredson?
A bad environment that leads to an eventual loss of self-control, resulting in very low ability to restrain oneself
Ineffective parenting which causes the child to grow up having "Low" self-control
Bad external factors
Alcohol and loss of perception
According to the "Self-control" theory, at what age is self-control set and determined at?
Age 5
Age 7
Age 9
Age 10
Which type of crimes is the self-control theory vulnerable to?
Corporate crimes
State Crimes
White Collar Crimes
Environmental crimes
What concepts do Hirschi and Gottfredson disregard in their argument of the theoretical application of self-control/general crime theory to white collar crimes?
They disregard the fact that criminal business processes of corporate crimes are complex and require substantial knowledge of regulations to exploit gaps and create niches
They disregard the fact that there is a vulnerability of applying self-control to white collar crimes
They disregard the effort, time and space required for criminals to engage in such sophisticated crimes
They disregard that corporate criminals always act in their own favour
In the mid-2000s America were these: African Americans constituted roughly 14 percent of the population, yet nearly 50 percent of those arrested for violent crime were black, as were 33 percent of those arrested for property crimes, 40 percent of those serving jail time, and 47 percent of those in state prisons. How would the general theory of Gottfredson and Hirschi explain these facts if we assume that the criminal justice system is as such unbiased?
Parental management of children is the key to understanding racial variations in crime
Cultural and social studies hold the key to the correct answer
Who was the "Situational" action theory drawn by?
Arendt and Payne
Per-Olof Wikström and colleagues
Emma Green
Monk
What does the "Situational" action theory assume?
This theory assumes that an individual’s level of morality – how strongly the person holds common values of right and wrong – will influence behavioural choices
This theory assumes that a person's conduct will be based on their situation.
This theory asserts that rationality is derived from morality
None of the above.
What does the "Situational" action theory express?
Situational Action Theory rests on the basic assumptions that humans are essentially rule” guided creatures, and that society (social order) is based on shared rules of conduct. People express their desires, and respond to frictions, within the context of rule”guided choice
The Situational Action Theory is predicated on the notions that people are fundamentally remorse-driven creatures and that society (or social order) is governed by rigid codes of behaviour. People disregard their preferences and react to conflicts in the setting of rule-guided choice.
According to Situational Action Theory, society has lax moral standards and that people are mostly anger-driven. In the framework of rule-guided decision, people fail to attend to their needs.
It expresses that humans are rational creatures
Who is the founder of the sociological study of crime and law?
Miles Durkins
Emile Durkheim
E.J John Doe
Jeremy Bentham
What is anomie explained as?
Abnormalities within the community
A social condition in which normlessness prevails
Strange occurrences in the neighbourhood
Odd behaviour shown by humans
Why does "Anomie" exist?
Anomie exists because society has been unable to restrain bad behaviour leading to various types of harms
Anomie exists because systems of regulation and restraint in a society have diminished so much that individuals suffer a loss of external guidance and control in their goal seeking endeavours
Anomie exists because of psychological condition which alters human behaviour, leading to low thresholds of self-control
Anomie exists to guide biodiversity
Durkheim argued that anomie is more likely during periods of rapid social change, when traditional norms prove ineffective in regulating human conduct. In which era did Durkheim base his ideas on?
The era of the Industrial Revolution
The era of the renaissance
The late medieval period
Early Modern Europe
Which criminological theory argues that we cannot properly explain crime unless we give attention on how perpetrators experience committing a crime, for example in terms of emotions?
Seductions of crime theory
Self control theory
Labelling theory
Subcultural theory
Feminist criminologists have given much attention to intimate partner violence targeted at women. What do they assume to cause the problem in rural areas?
The fact that in rural communities, a culture of masculinity is dominant
The fact that in rural communities, the police does not take reports of such violence seriously
The fact that in rural communities, women are more likely to accept intimate partner violence because it has always been like that
The fact that in rural communities, it is much more difficult for victims to seek support
According to Moors and Spapens, which of the following criminological theories provide the best explanation for intergenerational transmission of criminal behaviour within families?
Differential association theory and psychological theory
Rational choice theory and biosocial theory
Opportunity (routine activities) theory and social learning theory
Subcultural theory and opportunity (routine activities) theory
Overall drug use is lower in rural areas than in urban areas. Yet, the opioid crisis in the US wreaked havoc in rural and relatively poor states. This can be explained in several ways. First, corporations such as Purdue Pharma aggressively marketed synthetic opioids in rural states such as West-Virginia. Second, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved opioids such as Oxycontin but ignored potential societal effects, whereas the Drug Enforcement Agency failed to regulate and control the production and sale of powerful painkillers. Finally, there was substantial customer demand for these drugs because opioids fit with the idea in American society that 'there is a pill for every ill', and also provided a cheap alternative for poor people who had less access to (expensive) medical treatment. From a criminological perspective, which of the following approaches would you provide the best lens to study the opioid crisis?
The state corporate crime and cultural criminological perspectives
The mainstream criminological and state crime perspectives
The cultural and rural criminological perspectives
The state crime and rural criminological perspectives
According to neo-Marxist theories, capitalism is 'criminogenic'. What does this mean?
That the upper-class and the lower class commit different types of crime
That some people in society are prone to committing crime and others are not
That the economic system of capitalism itself creates the conditions for crime
That the law is created by the upper-class to maintain control over the lower class.
Which of the following is NOT a type of cybercrime
Cyber assault
Cyber theft
Cyber trespass
Cyber violence
In the NL wolves had been extinct for over a century, but recently, a number migrated back into the country and are successfully breeding again. This has caused quite a bit of debate. Wolves have for instance killed several sheep, or at least have been suspected of doing so. Others are accused of 'unnatural behaviour' because they do not seem to be afraid of humans. Videos have been posted on social media in which a wolf seems to approach children, although it later turned out to be a dog. Right-wing politicians have entered into the discussion and argue that there in no place for wolves in the NL because the country is simply too small and too full. Those who oppose wolves being present have predicted that a wolf will probably kill a child sometime soon. Others have argued that in any case problem wolves' should be preventively shot. However, wolves are protected and this would be against the law. When we look at the case description, can we apply the theory of moral panics to it?
Yes the case shows the most elements of moral panic in terms of threat perception, prediction that things will become worse and negative portrayal of wolves as a group
Yes, the case shows most elements of moral panic. The arguments are comparable to the debate about human migrants
No, one or more of the elements of what defines a moral panic are lacking in this case. It may be better viewed in terms of social construction and definition setting
No, one or more of the elements of what defines a moral panic are lacking in this case. Especially the fact that the theory does not apply to non human animals.
In their original neutralisation theory, Sykes andd Matza describe a set of six neutralization techniques. To which technique does the following description refer? The offenders stated that they were victims of circumstance and were forced into situations beyond their control.
Condemnation of the condemners
Denial of the victim
Denial of responsibility
Appeal to higher loyalities
In a recent interview in a Dutch magazine, criminologist Teun Voets argued that the Netherlands is a narco state in the sense that many people use drugs to cope with the strains that their high workloads put upon them, whereas the lower classes may be driven to drugs to cope for example with stressed caused by insecurities and exploitative jobs. Given the analytical framework developed by the Diane Vaughan, which was discussed in the context of Volkswagen diesel scandal to which level does Voets' explanation apply?
To the individual level
To the organisational level
To the systemic level
To the cultural level
Why is the merger of criminal and immigration law dangerous to the safety and wellbeing of immigrants?
Because this may result in an increase in the number and type of crimes that result in deportation and actions by immigrants that were previously civil violations have become criminal offenses
Because actions by immigrants that were previously civil violations have become criminal offenses and immigrants must meet more requirements to stay in a country
Because this may result in an increase in the number and type of crimes that result in deportation and immigrants must go through a longer immigration procedure
Because immigrants must meet more requirements to stay in a country and because this may result in the number and type of crimes that result in deportation
Which of the following statements is correct? (1) Situational crime prevention measures may be applied to curb environmental crimes which add to climate change. (2) 'Surveillance capitalism' by private corporations in the shape of geo-tracking features included in their smartphone app can be considered a situational crime prevention measure
Only statement 1 is correct
Only statement 2 is correct
Statement 1 and 2 are both correct
Statement 1 and 2 are both incorrect
Surveillance researchers worry about developments such as 'assemblage'. What do they refer to by this?
To the fact that private and public for economic and public safety reason actors become increasingly dependent on each otherer for economic and public safety reasons respectively
To the fact that technical innovations have increased the amount of control non-democratic leaders are able to exert on their populations
To the fact that private and public authors increasingly share personal data which blurs the lines between their respective roles in society
To the fact that social media have accelerated polarization in societies which is increasingly threatening democracies
The concept of ungoverned spaces' refers to situations in which legitimate governments are unable to enforce the law, or leave specific activities unregulated. However the term is not entirely accurate. Why not?
Because these spaces are not 'ungoverned' but 'governed' by non-state actors instead
Because the state covertly does govern these spaces, but leaves the 'dirty work' to other actors
Because the state is in practice the initiator of leaving spaces ungoverned
Because these spaces are not physical but mostly virtual
Which of the following answers explains why states have been reluctant to apply criminal law to protect citizens from human rights breaches, such as domestic and parental violence?
Because human rights traditionally are designed to protect against environmental damage
Because the use of criminal law is deemed inappropriate as domestic and parental violence are considered private issues
Because the use of criminal law is deemed inappropriate as domestic and parental violence are considered mental health issues
Because human rights traditionally give rise to protection from the state using criminal law
Some commentors group organised crime and terrorism together as variations on the same phenomenon whereas others insist on separating them as two distinct forms of crime. What is the most significant distinguishing factor that separates these two types of criminal activity?
Number of individuals involved
Nature of their organisation structure
Motivation for engaging in criminal activity
Complexity of illegal actions taken
In his original strain theory, Robert Merton lists five possible reactions of people to strain. Which two reactions are most likely to result in criminal behaviour?
Conformity and Innovation
Innovation and Rebellion
Ritualism and Retreatism
Retreatism and Rebellion
Ideas about social construction of what societies define as criminal behaviour and penalise in criminal law are reflected in cultural criminology. How?
In the sense that what we consider to be criminal behaviour differs between societies
In the sense that what we consider to be criminal behaviour is influenced by power differences
In the sense that what we consider to be criminal behaviour depends upon subjective and moral factors rather than on objective calculation
In the sense that what we consider to be criminal behaviour changed over time
Which of the following statements is correct? (1) The COVID-19 pandemic is relevant for green criminologists because the emergence of the virus may be linked to ecological destruction. (2) The war in Ukraine is relevant for mainstream criminologists because of the risk that refugees may become victims of human trafficking.
Only statement 1 is correct
Only statement 2
Statement 1 and 2
None
I don't have the exact question but it refers to the paper on Romania. Cyber crime being a problem in Romania because of corruption and the lack of employment opportunities.
By taking down markets and forums associated with cybercriminal activity and arresting known actors involved
By reducing corruption in cybercrime acting countries and increasing legitimate employment opportunities for skilled tech professionals
By using anti cybercrime software to shutdown access to computer-based technologies for actors involved or who might potentially become involved in cybercrime
By organising country-wide programs to discourage young people from getting involved in cybercrime and increasing education for young people interested in the tech sector
A climate activist who recently threw soup at the painting of the girl with the pearl earring was sentenced to 2 months in prison although the work was not damaged. At the same time, farmers who 'visited' the home of the Dutch minister responsible for reducing the NOx emissions to protest against her policies - bringing tractors - and who caused an intimidating situation for her family and damaged a police car were sentenced 120 hours of community service. How would you explain the difference in the judge's response from a critical criminological perspective?
By starting from the hypothesis that an attempt to damage irreplaceable work of art is a more serious crime that intimidating a minister at home
By starting from the hypothesis that climate activists are a less powerful group in society and therefore receive harsher punishment than farmers who are an economic force and may also retaliate by blocking motorways and damaging the economy
By starting from the hypothesis that people's faith in the protective function of enforcement agencies was shaken more by the action of the climate activist than by the farmers
By starting from the hypothesis that this climate activist perhaps had a history of earlier arrests and convictions for similar actions whereas the farmers probably held no criminal records and probability of recidivism was far lower
Great thinkers like Durkheim, Kropotkin and Foucault had very different ideas about punishment. However, their thinking could be unified in one particular way, how?
All thought that punishment could not be readily understood through sociological, political or philosophical, study and analysis
All believed that the system of punishment as a concept was inherently flawed and needed to be abolished
All examined the nature of punishment and sought to determine the motivations behind it
All strove over the course of their respective careers to develop a new means of framing and improving the criminal justice system
There are 4 domains of study within cultural criminology, in which domain does the study of 'moral panics' fit best?
The study of culture as a crime
The study of media construction of crime and crime control
The study of crime as a culture
The study of the political dimension of culture and crime
Which of the following statements is correct? (1) Ideas about crime that have been developed during the Renaissance reflect modern theories on rational choice (2) Positivist approaches to crime reflect for example modern social psychological theories on crime
Only statement 1
Statement 2 only
Both
None
Organised crime and criminal families - sorry idk the exact ques
The fact that both organised and environmental criminals misuse regulated business infrastructure for which administrative agencies have first line enforcement responsibilities
The fact that both organised and env criminals are involved in money-laundering and admin enforcement agencies have more knowledge on this than police
The fact that both organised and env criminals are involved in complicated criminal business processes which the police find difficult to dissect
The fact that both organised and env criminals operate at the local as well as the international level and admin enforcement agencies are better placed to tackle local problems
During thr covid lockdowns there was a fear that criminals who committed crimes such as burglary and street robberies would switch to cybercrime because crimes were given the circumstances evidently less easy to commit. Which of the following theories would predict that this could indeed be expected and which theories would predict that this is not so easy for people to switch from one type of crime to another?
Routine activities theory would predict displacement whereas social disorganisation theory would imply restrictions
Routine choice theory would predict displacement whereas network theory would imply restrictions
Social learning theory would predict displacement wherease crim subculture theory would imply restrictions
Strain theory would predict displacement whereas self control theory would imply restrictions
The border area of colombia and panama is a notorious hotspot for drug trafficking, human smuggling and environmental crime. A criminologist is involved in a research project which aims to assess the overlap between environmental crime and organised crime. One observation is that organised crime groups operating in the area have increasingly become involved in illegal gold-mining. They have now started to operate and control this process by bringing in hired workers from elsewhere whereas earlier they levied a percentage from local miners' profits. Looking at this development, which of the following theories could be relevant to apply a sensitising concepts?
Social disorganisation theory and opportunity theory
Structural contradictions theory and network theory
Social learning theory builds upon differential association theory but what is the main difference?
Differential association theory is macro level theory wheres social learning theory is a micro level theory
Social learning theory claims that criminal behaviour patterns are acquired through processes of interaction and communication whereas differential association theory claims they are acquired through imitation and modelling
Differential association theory claims that we learn criminal behaviour solely through exposure regardless of frequency, duration and intensity whereas in social learning theory these are important issues
Social learning theory places much more emphasis on the mechanisms by which individuals in fact learn from others
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