Individualistic Theories Flashcards
(42 cards)
What is individualistic theory in criminology?
Individualistic theory focuses on the personal characteristics and psychological factors of individuals that contribute to criminal behavior.
True or False: Individualistic theories primarily emphasize social and environmental factors in criminal behavior.
False
Name one key theorist associated with individualistic theories.
Hans Eysenck
What does Eysenck’s theory suggest about personality and crime?
Eysenck’s theory suggests that certain personality traits, such as extraversion and neuroticism, can predispose individuals to criminal behavior.
Fill in the blank: According to individualistic theories, crime is often linked to _______.
psychological factors
What is the focus of psychological theories in criminology?
Psychological theories focus on the mental processes and behaviors that influence criminality.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of individualistic theories? A) Focus on personal traits B) Emphasis on social context C) Psychological explanations D) Emphasis on individual responsibility
B) Emphasis on social context
What role does biology play in individualistic theories?
Biology may influence individual traits and predispositions towards criminal behavior, such as genetics or neurophysiology.
True or False: Individualistic theories ignore the role of environment in shaping behavior.
True
What is the key difference between individualistic and sociological theories of crime?
Individualistic theories focus on individual traits, while sociological theories emphasize social structures and groups.
Fill in the blank: The _______ theory posits that criminal behavior is a result of individual psychological issues.
psychological
What is the primary focus of the differential association theory?
Differential association theory focuses on how individuals learn criminal behavior through interactions with others.
Multiple Choice: Which theory emphasizes the role of learning in criminal behavior? A) Strain Theory B) Differential Association Theory C) Routine Activity Theory D) Social Control Theory
B) Differential Association Theory
What is the significance of the ‘id’, ‘ego’, and ‘superego’ in Freud’s psychoanalytic theory?
These components explain the internal conflicts that can lead to criminal behavior, with the ‘id’ representing primal urges and the ‘superego’ representing moral constraints.
True or False: Individualistic theories are only concerned with adult criminal behavior.
False
What is the focus of biological theories within individualistic theories?
Biological theories focus on genetic and physiological factors that may predispose individuals to criminal behavior.
Fill in the blank: The _______ model links specific traits to criminality, suggesting that certain personality types are more prone to crime.
trait
What did Lombroso’s theory propose about criminals?
Lombroso proposed that criminals are ‘born criminals’ who can be identified by physical characteristics.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a criticism of individualistic theories? A) They are too deterministic B) They ignore individual responsibility C) They do not consider environmental factors D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the role of cognitive theories in understanding criminal behavior?
Cognitive theories examine how thought processes and beliefs influence an individual’s decisions to commit crimes.
True or False: Individualistic theories support the idea that crime can be understood solely through social context.
False
What is the purpose of psychological assessments in criminology?
Psychological assessments help identify underlying mental health issues that may contribute to criminal behavior.
Fill in the blank: _______ theories often incorporate concepts from psychology, biology, and sociology to explain criminal behavior.
Integrated
What is a common method used in psychological research on criminal behavior?
Surveys and interviews to assess personality traits and psychological conditions.
