Foundations of Criminological Science

Criminology

A collection of factual, evidence-based questions covering foundational criminological theories, historical developments, and statistical research methods.

sociology criminology legal-studies

12 Questions Medium Ages 16+ Aug 7, 2026

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About this Study Set

This study set covers Criminology through 12 practice questions. A collection of factual, evidence-based questions covering foundational criminological theories, historical developments, and statistical research methods. Every question includes the correct answer so you can learn as you go — pick any format above to get started.

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1 Which theory, developed by Edwin Sutherland, posits that criminal behavior is learned through interaction with others in a process of communication?

A Rational Choice Theory
B Differential Association Theory
C General Strain Theory
D Labeling Theory

2 In Robert Merton's Strain Theory, what is the term for individuals who reject both the cultural goals and the institutionalized means of achieving them, effectively dropping out of society?

A Innovation
B Ritualism
C Retreatism
D Rebellion

3 What is the primary focus of Cesare Lombroso's concept of 'atavism' in his early work on criminal anthropology?

A Biological throwbacks to primitive human types
B Learned social behaviors
C Psychological trauma in childhood
D Economic deprivation and crime

4 Which criminological perspective argues that crime is a rational act performed by individuals who weigh the potential costs and benefits before committing an offense?

A Social Control Theory
B Routine Activity Theory
C Rational Choice Theory
D Social Disorganization Theory

5 According to Routine Activity Theory, which three elements must converge in time and space for a crime to occur?

A Police, criminals, and victims
B Motivated offender, suitable target, and lack of capable guardian
C Poverty, inequality, and lack of education
D Biological impulse, social pressure, and opportunity

6 Which seminal work by Travis Hirschi introduced the concept of the 'social bond' consisting of attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief?

A The Criminal Man
B Causes of Delinquency
C Delinquency and Opportunity
D Crime and Human Nature

7 What does the 'dark figure of crime' refer to in the context of criminological statistics?

A Crimes committed in total darkness
B Organized crime syndicate activities
C Crimes that are committed but never reported to the police
D Crimes committed by repeat offenders

8 Which theory suggests that the physical environment, such as broken windows or graffiti, sends a signal that social control is absent, thereby encouraging more serious crime?

A Social Disorganization Theory
B Broken Windows Theory
C Strain Theory
D Conflict Theory

9 What is the primary indicator used in the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) to measure the volume and rate of crime?

A Index Offenses
B Self-report surveys
C Victimization surveys
D Qualitative interviews

10 According to labeling theory, what occurs when an individual accepts the 'deviant' tag placed upon them by society, leading to further criminal behavior?

A Primary deviance
B Secondary deviance
C Decriminalization
D Institutionalization

11 Which early 20th-century school of thought emphasized that crime is rooted in the social environment and neighborhood ecological conditions?

A Classical School
B Chicago School
C Positivist School
D Marxist Criminology

12 In statistical criminology, what is the 'age-crime curve' generally characterized by?

A Crime rates peaking in late adolescence and early adulthood
B Crime rates remaining constant throughout a lifespan
C Crime rates rising sharply only after age 50
D Crime rates being highest among children under 10

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