Theories and Causes of Crime

A 12-year-old boy named Jake has begun to exhibit delinquent behavior, skipping school and hanging out with older peers who engage in petty theft. His teacher notices that Jake comes from a large family where parental supervision is minimal. According to developmental criminology, what aspect of Jake's life is most critical in predicting his future criminal behavior?

• His peer group

• Family dynamics

• School environment

• Genetic predisposition

A group of criminologists is studying the career paths of young offenders. They focus on a sample of individuals who started offending in their early teens but ceased criminal activity after establishing stable jobs and families. Which theory best explains this pattern of behavior?

• Life Course Persistent/Adolescent Limited

• Interactional Theory

• General Strain Theory

• Control Balance Theory

Maria grew up in a neighborhood characterized by high crime rates and domestic violence. As a result, she often felt anxious and fearful, leading her to engage in risky behaviors to cope with her emotions. Which theory would best explain Maria's likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior?

• Differential Coercion Theory

• Age-Graded Theory

• Integrated Cognitive Antisocial Potential Theory

• General Theory of Crime

David, a 25-year-old, has a history of petty crime but recently got married and started a stable job. His spouse encourages him to pursue education and community involvement. According to age-graded theory, what factor is most likely influencing David's potential desistance from crime?

• Peer pressure

• Marital bonds

• Financial stability

• Childhood experiences

A criminologist is investigating how various life domains such as family, peers, and school interact to influence delinquency. They find that ineffective parenting leads to peer delinquency, which then results in further parental neglect. Which concept from interactional theory does this illustrate?

• Causal loops

• Protective factors

• Life course perspective

• Social control

During a study, researchers assess young men from working-class families regarding their decisions to commit crimes. They find that those with higher antisocial potential are motivated by desires for status and excitement. Which theory are the researchers likely applying?

• General Strain Theory

• Integrated Cognitive Antisocial Potential Theory

• Control Balance Theory

• Trajectory Theory

A psychologist is working with a juvenile delinquent who expresses feelings of anger and frustration stemming from family stressors and academic failure. The psychologist explains that these negative emotions can lead to criminal behavior. Which theory aligns with this explanation?

• General Theory of Crime

• Age-Graded Theory

• General Strain Theory

• Latent Trait Theory

A criminologist is studying offenders who have committed crimes throughout their lives versus those who only offend during adolescence. They conclude that different life experiences lead to varying paths of criminal behavior. Which theory reflects this understanding?

• Trajectory Theory

• Interactional Theory

• Control Balance Theory

• Age-Graded Theory

In a high school, a group of friends begins to experiment with drugs and petty theft. One member of the group, Alex, initially resists but eventually succumbs to peer pressure. Which developmental criminology concept best explains Alex's change in behavior?

• Life course perspective

• Interactional causation

• Genetic predisposition

• Social control

A young girl named Sarah has been showing signs of aggressive behavior at school. After speaking with her parents, the school counselor learns that they often argue and have inconsistent discipline practices. According to developmental criminology, what factor may be contributing to Sarah's behavior?

• Peer relationships

• School environment

• Family dynamics

• Socioeconomic status