Test Answers on Chapter 4 Quiz – Flashcards
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T/F: Rational choice theory has roots in the positivist school of criminology.
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False
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T/F: The concept behind rational choice theory is to let the 'punishment fit the crime'.
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True
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T/F: Rational choice theorists view crime as both offender and offence specific.
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True
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T/F: Although prevailing wisdom is that 'crime does not pay', a small subset of criminals actually enjoys earnings of close to $50,000 per year
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True
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T/F: The term 'definitive space' signifies that crime can be prevented or displaced through the use of residential architectural designs that reduce criminal opportunity.
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False
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According to research, what type of specific deterrence is most effective in reducing recidivism rates?
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Probation
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Which scenario illustrates specific deterrence in action? a) Bill is curious to know if he could get away with stealing a chocolate bar but fear of shame deters him from trying. b) Sam has never committed a crime because he believes that he will be quickly caught and punished and this does not make crime worthwhile to him. c) John vows never to sell drugs after he was caught, held in a holding cell and sentenced to a lengthy period of probation and community service hours. d) Tom has thought about shoplifting on occasion but the signs in the store warning of penalties have scared him from doing so.
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John vows never to sell drugs after he was caught, held in a holding cell and sentenced to a lengthy period of probation and community service hours.
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The fact that a young person in a tightly knit community is less likely to commit crime that a young person who lives in a transient community where few people know her could be partially explained by...?
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the perceived threat of informal sanctions
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At a local high school, increased patrol of the smoking area of the school yard have resulted in a significant decrease in drug dealing. There has also been a decrease in incidents of bullying in the school yard. What is the term for this impact of the patrols?
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diffusion of benefits
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What does the concept of general deterrence suggest?
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The decision to commit crime is affected by the perceived likelihood of punishment.
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The local police have increased patrols to a park drug dealers and vandals frequent. It seems as though the problem is solved but it is also that the criminals have simply moved to a new park. If this is so, what term is used to describe the effect of the police patrols in this situation?
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Displacement
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What are target reduction strategies designed to do?
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decrease the potential value of crime for the offender
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Crime prevention tactics used today generally fall into one of four categories. Which of the following categories would the installation of metal detectors at school entrances fit into?
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reducing anticipated rewards for crime
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Which of the following defines the term 'edgework'?
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the thrill that motivates people to engage in risky behaviours, including committing crime
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In what school of criminology does rational choice theory have its roots?
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classical
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What statement summarizes a rational choice theorist's view of crime?
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Crime occurs when an offender decides that the rewards outweigh the risks
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Which elements are critical to the rational choice perspective of crime?
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Degree of poverty and transient population in a region ** Greed and need for instant gratification ** -Skills possessed by the offender and the rewards of the offence Mental health of the offender and vulnerability of the victim
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According to rational choice theory, crime is an event. What then is criminality?
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a calculated choice
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Evidence of rational choice theory indicates that criminals selectively choose which targets to victimize. Which one of the following targets are they most likely to AVOID?
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well-organized community neighbourhoods
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What does research suggest about whether or not street crimes are rational?
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Street crimes are rational in that the target and method of commission are carefully considered
