Intro to CJ: Chapter 3 Test

The two major schools of criminological thought are classical and ______.

• social economy

• learned behavior

• positivism

• biological evolutionism

Studying criminology can be helpful in determining ways to______.

• understand human nature

• apprehend criminals

• increase rates of arrest

• deter crime

Which of the following statements reflects the beliefs of the classical school of criminology?

• People who commit criminal acts are possessed by supernatural forces.

• People who are more intelligent are less likely to engage in criminal behavior.

• Criminal behavior is caused by few opportunities for prosperity.

• Criminal behavior is rational, and all people have the capacity to engage in criminal acts

Cesare Lombroso used which term to describe the characteristics of offenders?

• atavism

• anomie

• mesomorph

• stigmata

Until the 18th century, what was thought to be the cause of criminal behavior?

• sociological factors

• cultural factors

• supernatural forces

• psychological forces

Which of the following describes how socialization may impact a person’s readiness to engage in criminal behavior?

• A boy’s biological parents engaged in crime, and he does as well.

• A boy’s biological parents did not engage in crime, and he does not either.

• A boy’s biological parents engaged in criminal activity, but his adoptive parents did not. He engages in criminal activity.

• A boy’s biological parents did not engage in criminal activity, but his adoptive parents did. He engages in criminal activity.

A person argues that criminal behavior occurs in communities with high population turnover and weakened core social institutions, such as poor schools. With which theory is this person most aligned?

• strain theory

• social disorganization theory

• conflict theory

• learning theory

Which of the following traits did biologists once believe was caused by a “criminal” chromosome?

• aggressive behavior

• short stature

• gregariousness

• hormonal imbalances

Which type of theorists argue that criminal behavior is related to culture and social class?

• critical theorists

• control theorists

• conflict theorists

• social structure theorists

According to Robert Merton, which of the following may cause people to feel the strain?

• too much work to do and so little time

• lack of social change in an area

• lack of opportunity to achieve economic goals

• a racially homogenous neighborhood