4&5

Question 1

What is a theory?

Answer 1

A set of interrelated ideas that describe, explain, and predict social phenomena.

Question 2

How can theories be tested?

Answer 2

Theories can be tested using hypotheses.

Question 3

What is research?

Answer 3

Standardized, systematic search for knowledge.

Question 4

What is interdisciplinary theory?

Answer 4

Integrates multiple viewpoints to explain complex issues (e.g., crime and violence).

Question 5

What is deviance?

Answer 5

Violation of social norms based on specific circumstances.

Question 6

What is criminal behavior?

Answer 6

Deviant behavior that becomes law, codified by a legislative body.

Question 7

Examples of criminal behavior?

Answer 7

Murder, robbery, assault, theft.

Question 8

Examples of not criminal behavior?

Answer 8

Speeding, using a cell phone while driving.

Question 9

What is the individualistic orientation in crime?

Answer 9

People freely choose to engage in crime.

Question 10

What does crime prevention rely on?

Answer 10

Swift, certain, and severe punishment.

Question 11

What factors influence criminal decision-making?

Answer 11

Benefits and consequences (past experiences, rewards, and gains).

Question 12

What is general deterrence?

Answer 12

Fear of punishment prevents crime.

Question 13

What is the crime control perspective?

Answer 13

Harsh punishment removes legal roadblocks.

Question 14

What social factors contribute to crime?

Answer 14

Poverty, unemployment, group dynamics.

Question 15

What leads to crime in communities?

Answer 15

Disorganized communities with conflicting values.

Question 16

What does relative deprivation lead to?

Answer 16

Cynicism, distrust, and helplessness.

Question 17

What are key factors in social disorganization theory?

Answer 17

Poverty, residential mobility, racial heterogeneity → Leads to crime and delinquency.

Question 18

What is collective efficacy?

Answer 18

Community’s ability to maintain order through mutual trust, supervision of children, and social control.

Question 19

What are the forms of social control?

Answer 19

Informal (family influence), Institutional (schools, churches), Public (law enforcement).

Question 20

What does strain theory propose?

Answer 20

Deviance arises when people lack legitimate means to achieve societal goals.

Question 21

What does labeling theory suggest?

Answer 21

People become criminals when labeled as such.

Question 22

What does labeling create?

Answer 22

Stereotypes and transforms individuals into outsiders.

Question 23

What is a victim?

Answer 23

Someone who has been injured or harmed by another.

Question 24

Do most crimes involve a victim?

Answer 24

Most crimes involve a victim; few are victimless.

Question 25

What is victimology?

Answer 25

Study of victims, personal life events, and decision-making processes.

Question 26

What is victim precipitation?

Answer 26

The victim's role in provoking crime.

Question 27

What is active precipitation?

Answer 27

Victims provoke or initiate the crime.

Question 28

What is passive precipitation?

Answer 28

Victim’s characteristics unintentionally encourage the attacker.

Question 29

What are the six categories of victims according to Mendelsohn’s theory?

Answer 29

1. Innocent Victim 2. Victim with Minor Guilt 3. Voluntary Victim 4. Victim More Guilty 5. Victim Alone Guilty 6. Imaginary Victim.

Question 30

What is the Just World Hypothesis?

Answer 30

People believe victims 'deserve' what happens to them.

Question 31

What are problems with the Just World Hypothesis?

Answer 31

Assumes people can change their environment, implies only 'innocent' victims are real victims, creates a false sense of security.

Question 32

What is victim blaming?

Answer 32

Helps people rationalize victimization and separate themselves from victims.

Question 33

What does Routine Activities Theory explain?

Answer 33

Crime occurs when three factors align: Motivated Offender, Suitable Target, Lack of Guardian.

Question 34

What is Lifestyle Theory?

Answer 34

Everyday activities increase or decrease victimization risk.

Question 35

What was the 1970s grassroots movement about?

Answer 35

Advocated for victim support in the criminal justice system.

Question 36

What are some victim support organizations?

Answer 36

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Parents of Murdered Children, National Organization for Victim Assistance.

Question 37

What is the Presidential Task Force on Victims of Crime?

Answer 37

Established in 1982 and led by President Reagan.

Question 38

What is the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)?

Answer 38

Created the Crime Victims Fund in 1984.

Question 39

What is the Crime Victims’ Rights Act?

Answer 39

Applies to federal cases and was enacted in 2004.

Question 40

What are reasons victims don’t report crimes?

Answer 40

Embarrassment, belief that nothing can be done, perception that the crime is minor or personal, fear of retaliation.