About this Study Set
This study set covers Criminology through
15 practice questions.
A rigorous examination of foundational criminological theories, biological factors, and historical sociological research. Every question includes the correct answer so you can learn as you go — pick any format above to get started.
Questions & Answers
Browse all 15 questions from the
Advanced Criminological Theory study set below.
Each question shows the correct answer — select a study format above to practice interactively.
1
Which criminologist is credited with the development of the 'Differential Association' theory, which posits that criminal behavior is learned through social interaction?
-
A
Edwin Sutherland
-
B
Robert Merton
-
C
Travis Hirschi
-
D
Cesare Lombroso
2
According to Robert Merton's Strain Theory, which 'mode of adaptation' describes an individual who rejects societal goals but adheres to institutionalized means?
-
A
Innovation
-
B
Ritualism
-
C
Retreatism
-
D
Rebellion
3
What concept, introduced by Cesare Lombroso, describes the theory that criminals represent a reversion to an earlier stage of human evolution?
-
A
Eugenics
-
B
Atavism
-
C
Somatotyping
-
D
Phrenology
4
In Travis Hirschi's Social Bond Theory, which of the following is NOT one of the four essential elements of the bond to society?
-
A
Attachment
-
B
Commitment
-
C
Involvement
-
D
Rationality
5
The 'General Theory of Crime', proposed by Gottfredson and Hirschi, argues that the primary cause of all criminal behavior is:
-
A
Low self-control
-
B
Relative deprivation
-
C
Anomie
-
D
Biological imbalance
6
Which study, led by Sheldon and Eleanor Glueck, focused on the life-course perspective and is foundational to developmental criminology?
-
A
The Chicago School study
-
B
The Harvard Crime Project
-
C
The Cambridge-Somerville Youth Study
-
D
The Philadelphia Cohort Study
7
According to routine activity theory, developed by Cohen and Felson, what three elements must converge in space and time for a crime to occur?
-
A
Motivated offender, suitable target, lack of capable guardian
-
B
Poverty, inequality, lack of education
-
C
Biological impulse, social frustration, opportunity
-
D
Deviant subculture, police corruption, economic collapse
8
Which criminological school of thought argues that individuals weigh the costs and benefits of committing a crime, reflecting a 'hedonistic calculus'?
-
A
Positivist School
-
B
Classical School
-
C
Chicago School
-
D
Critical School
9
What term describes the secondary deviance resulting from a person being labeled as a criminal by societal institutions?
-
A
Social learning
-
B
Labeling perspective
-
C
Differential reinforcement
-
D
Neutralization
10
The 'Broken Windows' theory, popularized by Wilson and Kelling, suggests that crime is encouraged by:
-
A
Income inequality
-
B
Visible signs of disorder and neglect
-
C
Lack of social capital
-
D
Weakened familial structures
11
Which psychologist is known for the 'Psychopathy Checklist-Revised' (PCL-R), the standard tool for assessing psychopathy in forensic settings?
-
A
Robert Hare
-
B
Albert Bandura
-
C
B.F. Skinner
-
D
Sigmund Freud
12
What is the primary focus of 'Rational Choice Theory' in criminology?
-
A
The offender's psychological childhood trauma
-
B
The offender's decision-making process
-
C
The structural economic causes of crime
-
D
The biological influence of neurotransmitters
13
According to Agnew's General Strain Theory, what distinguishes 'strain' from Merton's original formulation?
-
A
The focus on biological factors
-
B
The inclusion of negative affective states and multiple sources of strain
-
C
The emphasis on genetic predisposition
-
D
The rejection of sociological variables
14
Which criminological theory posits that crime is a result of the 'clash of cultures' when norms of different social groups conflict?
-
A
Cultural Conflict Theory
-
B
Social Disorganization Theory
-
C
Strain Theory
-
D
Conflict Theory
15
Who authored 'On Crimes and Punishments' (1764), a seminal work that influenced modern legal systems by advocating for certainty and proportionality in sentencing?
-
A
Jeremy Bentham
-
B
Cesare Beccaria
-
C
Enrico Ferri
-
D
Gabriel Tarde
