crim theories test 1

what is a theory

an attempt to explain behavior. in criminology, theories explain why crime occurs, how it occurs, and the processes behind criminal behavior.

what do theories do

make predictions, organize thinking, provide tentative answers, and produce testable hypothesis

what is a theory not

Data, typologies, profiles, categories of data, or simply the features of individual acts/events. A theory also does not tell us what is morally right, fair, proper, or what should happen.

macro v. mico

macro = large groups/society, micro = small groups or individuals

7 criteria for a good theory

• Internal Logic: Does it make sense? Are concepts clearly defined?

• Consistency: Are the propositions within the theory consistent?

• Scope: How much of the phenomenon does it explain?

• Parsimony: Is it concise/simple while still explaining the phenomenon?

• Testability: Can predictions be objectively, repeatedly tested and potentially falsified?

• Empirical Validity: Is it supported by research evidence? Most important criterion in the slides.

• Usefulness & Policy Implications: Does it contribute to criminal justice and help guide policy?

what was the demonic perspective

crime was explained by supernatural forces. crime was associated with evil spirits/the devil, leading to harsh responses like exorcisms and other severe sanctions

why is it important

Classical criminology challenged supernatural explanations and moved criminology toward natural, observable, testable explanations.

who are the major classical criminologists

Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham

why did classical criminology develop

it reacted to a harsh, corrupt, and arbitrary legal system during the Enlightenment. classical thinkers wanted fairer and more rational legal systems

what are the core principals

People are rational, pursue self-interest, maximize pleasure/minimize pain, have free will, and enter a social contract with the state.

what is the basic crime decision

Pleasure/benefit of crime is weighed against pain/cost of punishment.

what makes punishment effective

known, swift, severe, and certainty.

what does proportionality mean

punishment should fit the crime. It should be painful enough to outweigh the pleasure of crime but proportionate to the offense.

specific vs. general deterrence

Specific = aimed at the individual offender. General = aimed at the rest of society.

what is informal deterrence

sanctions outside the formal justice system, such as disapproval form family, community, or a religious group

what did stafford & warr add

deterrence should include punishment avoidance: direct punishment, indirect punishment, direct punishment avoidance, and indirect punishment avoidance.

weaknesses of classical theory

• Assumes everyone is motivated by self-interest.

• Assumes everyone is rational in the same way.

• Punishment is not the only factor influencing criminal behavior.

• Modern theories recognize differences among individuals and groups.

what is rational choice theory

An expected-utility approach in which offenders are viewed as decision makers who weigh costs and benefits to maximize pleasure/minimize pain.

what is bounded rationality

People make decisions rationally, but rationality is limited by factors such as self-control, moral beliefs, strain, emotions, and delinquent peers.

criminal involvement vs criminal event

Criminal involvement = decision to become involved in crime, influenced by previous learning/experience and background factors. Criminal event = decision to commit a specific act, influenced by the immediate situation, target, costs, and benefits.

what intervention is associated with rational choice

Situational Crime Prevention, which attempts to change situations/opportunities to reduce crime. The slides also mention displacement.

what are the three elements

1. motivated offender

2. available/suitable target

3. lack of capable guardian

who proposed the routine activities theory

cohen and felson

when does crime occur

when the three elements converge in time and space. removing one element can reduce the opportunity for crime

what did traditional biological theories focus on

anatomical, physiological, or genetic abnormalities, often downplaying social/environmental factors

what do modern biosocial theories emphasize

the interaction of biological, social, and psychological variables

who was lombroso

an early biological criminologist associated with the ‘born criminal’ concept, introduced in 1876

what is atavism

the idea that the born criminal was a throwback to an earlier stage of human evolution

what are stigmata

Physical abnormalities Lombroso associated with criminality, such as large jaws/cheekbones, strong canines, protruding lips, excessive wrinkling, and other physical features.

why were early biological theories discredited

They lacked empirical validity, failed empirical tests, were simplistic/illogical and untestable, and were criticized as racist and sexist. They also supported harmful policies such as eugenics.

what is the testosterone finding

Researchers have identified a connection between testosterone and antisocial/aggressive behavior, but the relationship is described as weak.

what does the slide say about childhood iq

Childhood intelligence does not predict adolescent delinquency; parental discipline, family cohesion, religious upbringing, and delinquent peers are more effective predictors.

what does genetic theory say

genes do not simply cause behavior. they facilitate behaviors and feelings, while environments also matter

shared vs. non-shared environment

shared = factors siblings have in common, like parents/class/religion. non-shared = differences such as peer groups and teachers

MZ vs. DZ twins

MZ = 100% genetically identical. DZ = 50% genetically identical

modern biological theory vs. early biological theory

modern work uses advances in genetics, brain science, neurology, nutrition, biochemistry, neurobiology, and evolutionary psychology and is more attentive to environmental interaction.

what is evolutionary psychology

it focuses on universal behaviors affecting survival and reproduction. Traits that persisted may have been useful to ancestors for successful reproduction.

four evolutionary principals

1. natural selection

2. sexual selection

3. adaptations

4. parental investment/inclusive fitness

what is r/K theory

r strategy = rapid reproduction, earlier reproduction, numerous offspring, and lover investment per offspring

K strategy = slower reproduction and greater investment/resources per offspring

what is the Cad vs. Dad strategy

Dads are characterized by willingness to help care for offspring and higher parental investment.

Cads are characterized by low parental investment, deception, stealth, and opportunism.

what evolutionary hypotheses are listed for rape/sexual assault

that sexual aggression may be connected to reproductive pressures, and that similar behavior can occur in other species.

what evolutionary hypothesis are listed for spousal/romantic assault

he slides propose male predominance, a role for jealousy/suspicion of infidelity, and a connection to mate fidelity. Similar behavior has been observed in other primates.

what evolutionary hypotheses are listed for child abuse/neglect

Higher risk is proposed when resources are insufficient for many children, when a parent lacks help from another parent, when children are less viable, and when there is no close genetic relationship between child and caregiver.

what do psychological theories focus on

The individual's mind, including early childhood experiences, environmental factors, personality, emotional maladjustment, and mental disturbance.

what is psychoanalytic theory

Freudian theory that problems in childhood development and personality may contribute to susceptibility to crime.

what are freud’s three parts

1. ID : basic instincts/drives

2. EGO : rational part

3. SUPEREGO : conscience

what is personality theory

Crime can be an expression of a deviant/nonconforming personality. Traits emphasized include impulsiveness, aggressiveness, and sensation seeking.

what is psychopathy

psychopaths are manipulative, self-centered, having little/no conscience, and associated with antisocial personality characteristics.

3 types of psychopaths listed

1. primary

2. secondary

3. dyssocial

what is the PPI

Psychopathic Personality Inventory

PPI-I = Fearless Dominance (stress immunity, fearlessness, social potency).

PPI-II = Impulsive Antisociality (egocentricity, impulsive nonconformity, blame externalization).

what is O.C.E.A.N

O = openness

C = conscientiousness
E = extraversion
A = agreeableness
N = neuroticism

developed by costa and mccrae

how does the psychological approach view treatment

it emphasizes treating underlying psychological problems/illnesses rather than relying only on deterrence.