Criminal Sociology II: Classical, Environmental, Biological, and Psychological Theories of Crime

Practice flashcards covering key concepts, foundational theorists, and exam questions from Criminal Sociology II, focusing on Classical, Environmental (CPTED), Biological, and Psychological criminological theories.

What is the core assumption of the Classical Theory of crime causation regarding human behavior?

People exercise free will in their actions and are thus completely responsible for their conduct.

Which criminological perspective is categorized as a MACRO perspective?

Sociological Theory.

How do Derek Cornish and Ronald Clarke define crime under Rational Choice Theory?

As a purpose of a decision-making process in which the potential offender weighs costs and benefits.

Under Rational Choice Theory, what is an effective intervention for a police agency seeking to reduce auto theft in a high-crime area?

Increasing the number of security cameras and lamps installed throughout the neighborhood.

According to Marcus Felson and Laurence Cohen's Routine Activity Theory, which three elements must converge for crime to occur?

A motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian.

In Routine Activity Theory, how are economically struggling adolescents engaging in unlawful acts classified?

Motivated offenders.

How does Lifestyle Theory explain the risk of criminal victimization?

People become crime victims because their lifestyle increases their exposure to criminal offenders.

Which criminological theory best explains why routinely taking late-night walks alone in a high-crime neighborhood elevates victimization risk?

Lifestyle Theory.

What is the definition of victim precipitation in victimology?

Situations in which a victim's actions, whether intentional or unintentional, contribute to the events leading to the commission of a crime.

Which concept describes a situation where motorists leave their vehicles unlocked or leave valuables behind, making crime easier for offenders?

Victim facilitation.

How is victim provocation distinguished from victim facilitation in victimology?

Victim provocation occurs when a person does something that actively incites another person to commit an illegal act against them.

Under Thomas Hobbes' Social Contract Theory in Leviathan (1651), why do individuals surrender certain freedoms to a sovereign authority?

To escape the state of nature and secure protection and a more orderly society.

What is the primary objective of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)?

Reducing crime through the design and management of the built environment.

Which criminological framework is explicitly recognized as a direct product of environmental criminology?

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).

What does the CPTED principle of Natural Surveillance achieve?

It creates spaces with few hiding places through good lighting and trimmed landscaping.

A bank lobby directing pedestrian flow around a counter or physical barrier demonstrates which CPTED principle?

Natural Access Control.

Which CPTED concept involves establishing clear boundaries to discourage criminal activity?

Territorial Reinforcement.

Under CPTED principles, what message does allowing a physical location to remain in disrepair communicate?

That nobody cares what happens in that space, signaling a loss of control.

What CPTED principle encompasses physical efforts such as installing deadbolts and protective window films?

Target Hardening.

A store owner installing CCTV, convex mirrors, enhanced lighting, and locking merchandise inside display cases illustrates which approach?

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).

Which criminological perspective attributes criminal behavior to physical, physiological, and other natural factors?

Biological Theories.

Which perspective explains criminality resulting from a mother's habitual alcohol and drug abuse during pregnancy or from environmental pollutants?

Biochemical Perspective.

What is physiognomy, and who founded it?

Founded by Giambattista della Porta, it is the study of facial features and characteristics and their relationship to human behavior.

What is phrenology, and who originally developed it as cranioscopy?

Developed by Franz Joseph Gall, it is the study of the external formation of the skull in relation to personality and criminal tendencies.

According to Ernst Kretschmer, which body type is characterized as thin, small, and weak?

Asthenic.

Under Somatotype Theory, which body build is associated with an athletic build, impulsivity, and aggressive, violent behavior?

Mesomorph.

Under William Herbert Sheldon's classification, what somatotype is tall and thin with delicate bones, droopy shoulders, and a cerebrotonic temperament?

Ectomorph.

What consensus regarding the etiology of crime emerges from twin and adoption studies?

Criminal behavior is influenced by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors.

According to adoption studies, when do adopted children exhibit the highest likelihood of criminal behavior?

When a criminal record exists for both the biological parents and the adoptive parents.

What central question defines the nature versus nurture controversy in criminology?

Is criminal behavior caused by genetic predisposition or environmental factors?

Which hormones are linked in criminological literature to driving violent behavior?

Testosterone and androgen.

What is the current scientific understanding of the relationship between testosterone and aggression?

Higher testosterone levels may be associated with increased aggression, but the relationship is complex and mediated by social and contextual factors.

Which neurotransmitter is most strongly linked to impulsivity and violence when present in low levels?

Serotonin.

How is dysregulation of dopamine systems linked to criminal behavior?

It drives reward-seeking behavior, which can raise the risk of crimes such as substance abuse and gambling.

What is the primary focus of epigenetics research in criminology?

How environmental influences affect gene expression and how this alteration may influence criminal activity.

To what do psychological theories primarily attribute criminal behavior?

Psychological factors, such as emotions and mental problems.

What are the three components of human personality according to Sigmund Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory?

The id, the ego, and the superego.

Which operational principle governs the id in Sigmund Freud's personality structure?

The pleasure principle.

Which component of personality represents the objective, rational part that keeps behavior within accepted social boundaries?

The ego.

Which component of Freud's personality structure acts as an internalized moral clock that can lead to crime if overdeveloped or underdeveloped?

The superego.

What societal forces structure the superego as an individual's moral conscience?

Values taught by parents, school, community, and belief in God.

Who coined the term Inferiority Complex in psychology?

Alfred Adler.

How does an individual exhibiting Alfred Adler's Superiority Complex typically behave?

By overcompensating with arrogance or exaggerated self-worth.

Which trait represents illusory superiority according to Criminology Board Exam questions?

Smart.

What is the foundational assertion of Nature Theory as advocated by Henry Goddard, William Healy, and Augusta Bronner?

Intelligence is genetically determined, and low I.Q. is linked to criminal behavior.

How does Nurture Theory explain human development and criminality?

By emphasizing environmental variables and childhood experiences rather than genetics.