Criminological Theories:
Comprehensive Exam-Prep *Q&A* (100%
Correct) 2025/2026 |VERIFIED|
What does the concept of "restorative justice" emphasize in response to crime?
Restorative justice focuses on repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior through
reconciliation, where offenders take responsibility for their actions and seek to make amends with the
victims and the community.
How does social capital contribute to the prevention of criminal behavior according to criminological
theories?
Social capital refers to the networks of relationships, trust, and reciprocity within a community,
which criminological theories suggest can protect against crime by fostering strong social bonds and
mutual cooperation.
What role does routine activity theory play in understanding the spatial distribution of crime?
Routine Activity Theory suggests that crime is more likely to occur in areas where suitable targets
are abundant, capable guardians are scarce, and motivated offenders frequent, which influences the
spatial distribution of crime.
According to the concept of "drift" in criminological theory, how do individuals move in and out of
criminal behavior?
The theory of drift, proposed by Matza, argues that individuals may temporarily "drift" into
delinquent behavior when they experience periods of weakened social bonds or moral values, but they
often return to conformity.
How does the concept of "white-collar crime" challenge traditional criminological theories?
White-collar crime, coined by Edwin Sutherland, challenges traditional theories by suggesting
that crime is not confined to the lower classes and that individuals in higher social positions engage in
crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, and corruption.
What is the main critique of biological theories of crime, such as those proposed by Cesare Lombroso?
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, Biological theories are critiqued for oversimplifying the causes of criminal behavior by focusing
primarily on physical traits, ignoring the complex social, psychological, and environmental factors that
contribute to crime.
What does the "social bond" theory by Hirschi emphasize in terms of crime prevention?
Social bond theory emphasizes that strong social bonds, such as attachment, commitment,
involvement, and belief in societal norms, prevent individuals from engaging in criminal behavior.
How do life course criminologists view the onset and desistance of criminal behavior?
Life course criminologists focus on how individual trajectories are shaped by key life events and
transitions, viewing the onset of crime as contingent upon earlier life experiences and emphasizing that
desistance often involves changing social contexts.
What role does the media play in the creation and perception of crime according to cultural criminology?
Cultural criminology suggests that the media plays a key role in shaping public perceptions of
crime by constructing narratives that can distort reality and sensationalize certain types of crime,
influencing public opinion and policy.
According to the subculture of violence theory, what factors contribute to higher rates of violent crime in
certain subcultures?
The subculture of violence theory posits that in certain subcultures, norms that value aggression,
toughness, and the use of violence to resolve conflicts lead to higher rates of violent crime.
How does the concept of "routine activities" relate to patterns of victimization in criminology?
Routine activities theory connects the patterns of victimization with daily activities, arguing that
crime is more likely when potential victims are present in locations where offenders can exploit
opportunities without guardianship.
What does the concept of “social exclusion” contribute to criminological understanding of crime?
Social exclusion refers to the processes that push individuals or groups to the margins of society,
limiting access to resources and opportunities, which criminologists argue can increase the likelihood of
criminal behavior as a form of resistance or survival.
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, What is the premise of Rational Choice Theory in relation to crime prevention strategies?
Rational Choice Theory suggests that crime can be deterred by increasing the perceived costs of
committing crimes, such as through surveillance, security measures, and swift punishment.
How does the concept of “restorative justice” differ from traditional punitive approaches in the criminal
justice system?
Restorative justice focuses on healing and reconciliation, aiming to repair the harm caused by
crime by involving victims, offenders, and the community in the process, whereas punitive approaches
prioritize punishment and retribution.
How does the concept of “strain” in Strain Theory influence the decision to commit crimes?
Strain theory argues that when individuals face obstacles to achieving culturally approved goals,
the resulting frustration or strain may lead them to engage in deviant or criminal acts to cope with the
pressures.
What does the “conflict perspective” contribute to our understanding of crime?
The conflict perspective highlights the role of power, inequality, and class struggles in the creation
and enforcement of laws, suggesting that laws often reflect the interests of powerful groups rather than
societal consensus.
What does the concept of “social learning” in criminology suggest about the development of criminal
behavior?
Social learning theory posits that individuals learn criminal behavior through social interactions,
where they are exposed to and adopt criminal values, norms, and techniques from peers and role
models.
What does Robert Merton's Strain Theory suggest about societal norms and individual behavior in
relation to deviance?
Strain theory posits that when individuals are unable to achieve societal goals through legitimate
means, they may turn to deviance as an alternative way of achieving success.
How does Edwin Sutherland's Differential Association Theory explain the transmission of criminal
behavior?
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