Week Two Notes Flashcards
(36 cards)
define a concept.
building block of theories
define a variable
concepts that vary and can be counted, measured, or observed
define an explanatory variable (iv).
help to predict the response or outcome variables and can locate a cause
define a response outcome variable (dv).
explains presumed effects in an experiment
define a hhypothesis.
how variables differ in relation to other variables
what are the two main objectivist theories?
traditional = early theories
positivist = science based
define objectivist theories.
absolute/measured theories that focus on the individual and an attribute that causes them to commit crimes, believing criminals are different than non-criminals and a product of causation
behavior is binary, black and white
define subjective theories.
believes rules aren’t given but created and interpreted, crime is a social construct by someone in power causing grey areas in the law and in crime.
believe crime is voluntary because of freewill
define classical schools.
men and women are rational beings so crime is a result of freewill, and punishment can be effective in reducing crime as it negates the pleasures of crime.
18th - 19th century
describe the panopticon and who made it.
Jeremy Bentham
- never actually made, just a concept
ring shaped building with a center tower
windows on each side with supervisor in it who could see everyone
prisoners in cells around outside with windows so they could see the supervisor but no one else to prevent contact and riots
who was Jeremy Benthan?
founder of utilitarianism and the panopticon
believed humans have freewill and are rational, attempt to avoid pain and gain pleasure
proposed the first idea of a prison as an act of deterrence to crime
- punishment should be proportionate to seriousness of offence
what were the 3 functions of the panopticon?
enclose
deprive
eliminate ability to hide
what are the 5 central tenets of classical theory?
- hedonistic
- freewill
- social contract
- punishment as painful
- utilitarianism
what are the 5 tenets of classical theories view of punishment?
- outweigh profit/pleasure
- seriousness determines punishment
- discourage crime
- never more than the value of the offence to the offender
- consistency
define deterrence theory.
if a penalty is too great people will deter from crime
increasing penalty will stop crimes from occuring
what are the 6 types of deterrence?
- absolute deterrence
- relative deterrence
- cross deterrence
- restrictive deterrence
- general deterrence
- specific deterrence
explain neoclassicalism.
contemporary version of classical criminology that emphasizes deterrence and retribution with a reduced emphasis on rehabilitation
accountability of criminals, PUNISHMENT!
what is rational choice theory?
individuals make a conscious, rational and partially informed choice to commit crime and employs cost benefit analysis
benefits outweigh the negatives
what are the two varieties of rational choice theory?
- routine activity/lifestyle theory
- lifestyle and social role contributes to volume and type of crime
- motivated offender + suitable crime - capable guardian = crime - situational choice theory
- crime = function of choices and decisions made within the context of a situation
- crime can be reduced by changing features of social situations/environments
- situations make it easier or difficult to commit crimes
explain bounded rationality and who made it. it’s main thinker.
Gary Becker 1968
have all info necessary to make informed decision
- false, use perceived pros and cons, not facts
- biased in decision making
- relies on heuristics
constrained by time limits and access to information
define utility maximization.
making choices where perceived benefits outweigh the perceived costs
what are the critiques of rational choice theory?
overemphasis on individual choice
assumes everyone is equally capable of making rational decisions
disregards individual morality
displacement of crime
how do formal factors affect crime?
sanctions and punishments
death penalty had small effect
perceived benefits greater than actual benefits
how do informal factors affect crime?
stronger than formal factors
outside legal forces
shames influence people to not commit crimes, so do personality traits and influence of peers (social disapproval).
