About this Study Set
This study set covers Criminology through
20 practice questions.
Fundamental concepts, historical figures, and definitions in the study of crime. Every question includes the correct answer so you can learn as you go — pick any format above to get started.
Questions & Answers
Browse all 20 questions from the
Intro to Criminology Basics study set below.
Each question shows the correct answer — select a study format above to practice interactively.
1
What is the formal scientific study of crime, criminals, and the justice system called?
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A
Sociology
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B
Criminology
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C
Psychology
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D
Forensics
2
Who is often referred to as the 'father of criminology' for his work in the 18th century?
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A
Cesare Beccaria
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B
Sigmund Freud
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C
Charles Darwin
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D
Albert Einstein
3
What is the term for a crime that is considered inherently evil or wrong, such as murder?
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A
Mala prohibita
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B
Mala in se
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C
Actus reus
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D
Mens rea
4
Which term refers to the 'guilty mind' or the criminal intent behind an action?
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A
Actus reus
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B
Modus operandi
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C
Mens rea
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D
Habeas corpus
5
Which of these is considered a 'white-collar crime'?
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A
Shoplifting
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B
Embezzlement
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C
Aggravated assault
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D
Vandalism
6
What does the abbreviation 'FBI' stand for in the context of law enforcement?
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A
Federal Bureau of Investigation
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B
Federal Bureau of Inquiry
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C
Foreign Bureau of Investigation
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D
Federal Body of Inquiry
7
Which term describes the pattern of behavior used by an offender to commit a crime?
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A
Mens rea
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B
Modus operandi
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C
Alibi
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D
Recidivism
8
What is 'recidivism' in the context of the criminal justice system?
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A
The reduction of a sentence
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B
The tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend
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C
The study of DNA evidence
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D
The process of trial by jury
9
Which of the following is a type of crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year?
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A
Felony
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B
Misdemeanor
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C
Infraction
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D
Violation
10
What is the primary purpose of a 'pre-sentence report' in court?
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A
To determine guilt
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B
To help the judge decide an appropriate sentence
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C
To choose the jury members
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D
To prove the innocence of the suspect
11
What is the Latin term for the 'guilty act' required for a crime to occur?
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A
Mens rea
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B
Actus reus
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C
Pro bono
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D
Ad hoc
12
Which branch of science applies medical and scientific techniques to investigate crimes?
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A
Criminology
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B
Forensics
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C
Penology
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D
Victimology
13
What is the study of victims of crime called?
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A
Victimology
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B
Penology
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C
Criminology
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D
Sociology
14
Which of these is generally classified as a 'victimless crime'?
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A
Robbery
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B
Fraud
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C
Public intoxication
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D
Assault
15
What is the name for a minor wrongdoing, such as a traffic ticket?
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A
Felony
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B
Infraction
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C
Grand larceny
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D
Burglary
16
What is the process of attempting to change a criminal's behavior through treatment or education?
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A
Retribution
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B
Rehabilitation
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C
Incapacitation
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D
Deterrence
17
Which term refers to the physical removal of a criminal from society to prevent further harm?
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A
Rehabilitation
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B
Incapacitation
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C
Restitution
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D
Probation
18
What does a 'summons' represent in the legal system?
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A
An arrest warrant
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B
A notice to appear in court
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C
A verdict of guilt
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D
A request for a lawyer
19
What is 'corporate crime' defined as?
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A
Crimes committed by individuals on the street
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B
Crimes committed by or on behalf of a company
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C
Crimes committed by minors
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D
Crimes committed against the government
20
Which of these is the most common form of crime reported in most global statistics?
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A
Homicide
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B
Property crime
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C
Espionage
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D
Terrorism
