Behavior Theories - Causes for Crime

Front

A violation of social norms defining appropriate or proper behavior under a particular set of circumstances.

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Deviance

Answer explanation

The term 'Deviance' refers to actions that violate social norms, making it the correct choice. It specifically addresses behavior that is deemed inappropriate in a given context.

Front

Which one of Merton's categories would explain an individual who took part in victimless crimes?

Back

Retreatest

Answer explanation

A 'Retreatist' in Merton's categories rejects societal goals and means, often engaging in victimless crimes as a form of escape from societal norms. This aligns with their withdrawal from conventional success.

Front

A "Supermale" is said to display what chromosomal structure?

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XYY

Answer explanation

A "Supermale" is characterized by the presence of an extra Y chromosome, resulting in the chromosomal structure XYY. This condition is associated with certain physical and behavioral traits.

Front

A perspective on criminological thought that views offense and deviant behavior as the product of dysfunctional personalities.

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Psychological School

Answer explanation

The Psychological School focuses on individual mental processes and dysfunctional personalities as key factors in deviant behavior, making it the correct choice for understanding offenses as products of such dysfunction.

Front

A perspective on criminological thought that views offense and deviant behavior as the product of free will, and pain versus pleasure.

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Classical School

Answer explanation

The Classical School of criminology posits that individuals have free will and make choices based on a cost-benefit analysis of pain versus pleasure, making it the correct perspective for the given description.

Front

A perspective on criminological thought that views offense and deviant behavior is genetically determined and can be passed through generations.

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Biological School

Answer explanation

The Biological School posits that criminal behavior is influenced by genetic factors and can be inherited, making it the correct choice for the perspective that views deviance as genetically determined.

Front

A perspective on criminological thought that views offense and deviant behavior is constructed through societies cultures and subcultures.

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Sociological School

Answer explanation

The Sociological School emphasizes that crime and deviance are shaped by societal norms and cultural contexts, making it the correct choice for understanding how behaviors are constructed through cultures and subcultures.

Front

The name most widely associated with psychological theories of crime is Sigmund Freud.

Back

True

Answer explanation

True. Sigmund Freud is widely recognized for his psychological theories, including those related to crime, emphasizing the influence of the unconscious mind and early experiences on behavior.

Front

Behavior conditioning theory holds that a learned response of reward or punishment can determine the frequency of any behavior.

Back

True

Answer explanation

True. Behavior conditioning theory states that behaviors can be modified through rewards or punishments, influencing how often those behaviors occur.

Front

Which theory suggests that criminal behavior is learned through interaction with others?

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Social Learning Theory

Answer explanation

Social Learning Theory posits that criminal behavior is acquired through interactions with others, emphasizing the role of social influences and modeling in learning deviant behaviors.